Balanced ventilation system

Abstract

There is provided a heat exchanger including an outer pipe with a coaxial central pipe. A plurality of fins extends radially from an outer surface of the central pipe between the outer surface of the central pipe and an inner surface of the outer pipe. The fins have a height less than a distance between the central pipe and the outer pipe and extend along the central pipe. The heat exchanger may be included in an energy recovery system with an inlet damper to receive an outside airflow, a first stage filter to receive the outside airflow from the inlet damper, followed by a diffuser and a natural filter. Then a drop catcher configured for the removal of water drops from the outside airflow received from the natural filter and a second stage, before the air flow reaches a cooling coil and the heat exchanger.

Description

BALANCED VENTILATION SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 63 / 533,951 filed August 22, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure pertains to the field of heat exchange systems and in particular to a heat exchange system that works equally well in warm and cold environments.BACKGROUND

[0003] There exists a consensus that the health effects of indoor air quality can be more significant than was previously thought. Some of this new interest is related to air borne diseases such as COVID-19 and some is concerned with an evolving understanding of indoor air toxins, such as radon gas, and their effects. As with many things, there is a powerful avoided cost argument to be made in favor of investing in harm avoidance beforehand rather than harm treatment after.

[0004] Heat exchange systems may be used in a wide range of applications including, but not limited to cottages, apartments, schools, kindergartens, offices, cafes, restaurants, stores, hotels, beauty salons, fitness centers, medical institutions, casinos, nightclubs, auto repair shops, professional cleaning locations, and agricultural building.

[0005] Heat exchange systems may be used in a wide range of locations and applications and may be a separate unit used to provide fresh air for residences, commercial buildings, offices, educational locations, kindergartens, elderly care facilities, health facilities, etc. They may be installed to solve limitations of fresh air supply systems such as purifying air systems, Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) systems, Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) systems, as well as air conditioning (AC) system.

[0006] However, many present day systems suffer from the drawbacks of being unsuitable for use over a wide range of environmental conditions. In particular, existing heat exchange systemshave difficulty operating at extremely low temperatures when ice may form in the core of the HRV or the ERV system and the HRV or the ERV system may have to be shutdown to allow the ice to melt. Furthermore, the design of present day systems have limited dimensions and large dimensions and sizes which limit the size, type, and amount of filters that may be used, leading to an increase in the pollutant levels inside living spaces. Finally, existing HRV or ERV systems may be installed in a way where the intake and exhaust airstreams do not move equal volumes of air, leading to unbalanced airflows and reduced performance.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a balanced ventilation system that obviates or mitigates one or more limitations of the prior art, for example a heat exchange system that can be used over a wide range of environmental conditions and be configurable for a wide range of applications.

[0008] This background information is provided to reveal information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat exchanger and an energy recovery (ERV) system to provide necessary and suitable fresh air and improve indoor air quality. Embodiments include a balanced ventilation system that allows for the use of a variety of air filter types and can be located in a space between the outside and the inside of a building and can be flexibly sized based on the size of the building. The balanced ventilation system may be arranged to allow for sufficient space around it to allow for easy access for changing filters and cleaning inside the balanced ventilation system. The air intake may be preheated to provide protection from freezing during cold seasons. The balanced ventilation system has the ability to function as an auxiliary heating or cooling system. The balanced ventilation system may prevent indoor heat energy from being wasted, especially in cold seasons, by using the heat exchanger described herein. Indoor air may be cooled in summertime by allowing the entering of fresh air and allowing stale air to be removed, thereby providing a substantially continuous supply of fresh air for better indoor air quality. In cold weather, condensation is reduced or prevented providing more comfortable humidity levels preventing the over drying of air in the home. In summer, humidity may be reduced, thereby helping air conditioners run more efficiently. The balanced ventilationsystem is a mechanical system and effectively manages humidity levels and therefore may be used to mitigate mould formation within residential units or other buildings where it is installed.

[0010] In some embodiments, the balanced ventilation system may be configured for use with ion systems where air may be saturated with negatively charged oxygen ions to provide “forestlike” air and to purify the air of particulate matter such as dust and other allergens. Similarly, the use of the balanced ventilation system can make indoor air feel purer and clean and help to eliminate fatigue and increased alertness and protect electronic and digital equipment from harmful dust build up. Embodiments allow for the incoming air to be balanced by an equal volume of outgoing air, therefore providing a balance ventilation system.

[0011] In some embodiments, the system may provide required fresh air indoors for interior gardening activities such as the interior use of a flower box. Also, the inner space of the system may also be used for growing plants and to provide a nature environment. The system may also provide refreshing fresh air with a sense of nature along with temperature and humidity control.

[0012] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heat exchanger including an outer pipe with a central pipe disposed in a coaxial configuration with the outer pipe. A plurality of fins extends radially from an outer surface of the central pipe within a space between the outer surface of the central pipe and an inner surface of the outer pipe. The plurality of fins have a height less than a distance between the outer surface of the central pipe and the inner surface of the outer pipe, and the plurality of fins extend along a length of the central Pipe.

[0013] Embodiments further include a first damper disposed at a first end of the heat exchanger, a second damper disposed at a second end of the heat exchanger, and a bypass pipe. When the first damper and the second damper are in a first position, air flow is routed through the space between the outer surface of the central pipe and the inner surface of the outer pipe, and when the first damper and the second damper are in a second position, air flow is routed through the bypass pipe.

[0014] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of exchanging heat. The message includes passing a first flow through a central pipe of a heat exchanger, as described herein, and passing a second flow through a space between an outer surface of the central pipe and an inner surface of an outer pipe of the heat exchanger described herein.

[0015] In further embodiments, the first flow is a first air flow of a first temperature, and the second flow is a second air flow of a second temperature wherein the first temperature is higher than the second temperature.

[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an energy recovery (ERV) system. The system includes an inlet damper configured to receive an outside airflow, a first stage filter configured to receive the outside airflow from the inlet damper, a diffuser configured to receive the outside airflow from the first stage filter, a natural filter configured to receive the outside airflow from the diffuser, a drop catcher configured for the removal of water drops from the outside airflow received from the natural filter, a second stage filter configured to receive the outside airflow from the drop catcher, and a cooling coil configured to receive the outside airflow from the second stage filter. Also a duct heater to receive the outside airflow from the cooling coil may be included. The system also includes a heat exchanger, as described herein, the heat exchanger being configured to receive the airflow from the duct heater or cooling coil. The heat exchanger may also receiving an inside airflow and vent the inside airflow externally.

[0017] Embodiments have been described above in conjunctions with aspects of the present disclosure upon which they can be implemented. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments may be implemented in conjunction with the aspect with which they are described but may also be implemented with other embodiments of that aspect. When embodiments are mutually exclusive, or are otherwise incompatible with each other, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Some embodiments may be described in relation to one aspect, but may also be applicable to other aspects, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which;

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a main box of a balanced ventilation system, according to an embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an interior box of a balanced ventilation system, according to an embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a view of a heat exchanger assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a second view of a heat exchanger assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a central pipe of a heat exchanger, according to an embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a heat exchanger showing the central pipe with fins, according to an embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of a heat exchanger showing the central pipe with fins, according to an embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the heat exchanger assembly showing heat transfer between two air streams, according to an embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a bypass pipe of the heat exchanger assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates a view of a damper of the bypass pipe, according to an embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a solar panel that may be used by the balanced ventilation system, according to an embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic view of a controller of the balanced ventilation system, according to an embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device that might be used by the system, according to an embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 14 illustrates a solar radiation protective curtain, according to an embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 15 illustrates a block diagram showing air flow in the balanced ventilation system, according to an embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 16 illustrates a block diagram of the balanced ventilation system, according to an embodiment.

[0035] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The term “balanced ventilation system” is used to define a ventilation system where the incoming air is balanced by an equal volume of outgoing air, therefore providing a balance ventilation system.

[0037] As used herein, the term “about” refers to a + / -10% variation from the nominal value. It is to be understood that such a variation is always included in a given value provided herein, whether or not it is specifically referred to.

[0038] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0039] In embodiments, a balanced ventilation system uses a combination of first stage of filters, natural filters, multistage filters, an ionized system, a coaxial pipe (heat exchanger) system to provide fresh air for indoor spaces. The balanced ventilation system also includes an exhaust system in order to remove the indoor stale air that may contain pollutants and viruses. Intake and exhaust ducts are balanced and of similar lengths with a similar number of bends and therefore, their resistance to airflow will be balanced. The balanced ventilation system, with its included heat exchanger also prevents frost buildup in cold climates when the temperature of the outdoor air falls below a certain temperature.

[0040] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a heat exchanger including an outer pipe with a central pipe disposed in a coaxial configuration with the outer pipe. A plurality of fins extends radially from an outer surface of the central pipe within a space between the outer surface of the central pipe and an inner surface of the outer pipe. The plurality of fins have a height less than a distance between the outer surface of the central pipe and the inner surface of the outer pipe, and the plurality of fins extend along a length of the central pipe.

[0041] In further embodiments, the length of the central pipe is the same as a length of the outer pipe.

[0042] In further embodiments, the outer pipe and the central pipe are straight.

[0043] In further embodiments, the pluralities of fins are distributed evenly around a circumference of the outer surface of the central pipe.

[0044] Embodiments further include a first damper disposed at a first end of the heat exchanger, a second damper disposed at a second end of the heat exchanger, and a bypass pipe. When the first damper and the second damper are in a first position, air flow is routed through the space between the outer surface of the central pipe and the inner surface of the outer pipe, and when the first damper and the second damper are in a second position, air flow is routed through the bypass pipe.

[0045] In further embodiments, a cross-sectional area of the space between the outer surface of the central pipe and the inner surface of the outer pipe equals a cross-sectional area of the central pipe.

[0046] In future embodiments, a condensation drain configured to drain a condensed liquid from the space inside the surface of the central pipe to the outside of the outer pipe.

[0047] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of exchanging heat. The message includes passing a first flow through a central pipe of a heat exchanger, as described herein, and passing a second flow through a space between an outer surface of the central pipe and an inner surface of an outer pipe of the heat exchanger described herein.

[0048] In further embodiments, the first flow is a first air flow of a first temperature, and the second flow is a second air flow of a second temperature wherein the first temperature is higher than the second temperature.

[0049] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an energy recovery (ERV) system. The system includes an inlet damper configured to receive an outside airflow, a first stage filter configured to receive the outside airflow from the inlet damper, a diffuser configured to receive the outside airflow from the first stage filter, a natural filter configured to receive the outside airflow from the diffuser, a drop catcher configured for the removal of water drops from the outside airflow received from the natural filter, a second stage filter configured to receive the outside airflow from the drop catcher, and a cooling coil configured to receive the outside airflow from the second stage filter, and a duct heater to receive the outside airflow from the cooling. As used herein, a cooling coil is a general name that also includes a direct expansion (DX) coil. Depending on the type of building cooling system, the cooling coil can be a cold water coil or a DX coil, or a DX coil used separately for this system. This disclosure will use the term cooling coil with the understanding that embodiments may use a cooling coil, a DX coil, or a similar type of device. The system also includes a heat exchanger, as described herein, the heat exchanger beingconfigured to receive the airflow from the cooling coil (the duct heater). The heat exchanger may also receive an inside airflow and venting the inside airflow externally.

[0050] Embodiments further include a heater configured to raise the temperature of the outside airflow after it is received from the outside airflow and before it is received by the diffuser.

[0051] Embodiments further include an evaporation system configured to receive the outside airflow from the natural filter and before it is received by the second filter.

[0052] Embodiments further include a spray water system configured to maintain the natural filter.

[0053] Embodiments further include a duct heater configured to raise the temperature of the outside airflow after it is received from the cooling coil and before it is received by the heat exchanger.

[0054] Embodiments further include the outside airflow flows through an outer pipe of the heat exchanger and the inside airflow flows through a central pipe of the heat exchanger.

[0055] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a main box of a balanced ventilation system 100, according to an embodiment. An outside airflow A is received by and passes through an inlet damper 1. An outside temperature controller senses the temperature of the outside airflow and sends a signal to system controller 1200 illustrated in FIG. 12. The balanced ventilation system controller 1200 receives the outside airflow temperature data and based on the outside temperature sends control messages to damper motor 2 to adjust the inlet damper to an open position, a closed position, or a position between the open position and the closed position. During the cold season when the outside airflow temperature is low, the inlet damper may be closed or almost closed. Inlet damper 1 may not be fully airtight, thereby allowing some outside airflow to still enter the balanced ventilation system 100, even when the inlet damper 1 is in the closed position. Intake airflow from inlet damper 1 passes through the first stage filter or pre filter 3, which may include one or more physical filters. This first stage filter 3 reduces or removes contaminants in the outside airflow coming from the inlet damper 1 , and collects large particles before they reach the main balanced ventilation system. A worker skilled in the art would readily understand the format of the of the first stage filter based on the defined contaminant that is being removed or filtered. For example, the filter can be a fiber filter with a certain mesh format or size that removes particles of a size down to a specific limit.

[0056] This outside airflow received from the first stage filter 3 enters a second box 200 shown as B in FIG. 1. In the winter or cold periods when the temperature of the outside airflow is low, the outside airflow may be warmed by a pre-heating system, for example a winter heater, as illustrated. The pre-heating system may be located at the inlet of the second box 200 and may be turned on or off, or set to heat the outside airflow by a predetermined amount or to a predetermined level, based on a message or signal received from balanced ventilation system controller 1200. In embodiments, the outside temperature controller may send a signal to the balanced ventilation system controller 1200 and the balanced ventilation system controller 1200 may make a decision based on the sensed outside temperature and then distribute or send a message or signal to the pre-heating system. The pre-heating system may be implemented as a water coil heater, heat pump system, or duct heater depending on what type of heating system is used in the building or the pre-heating system can be an individual heating system.

[0057] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a second, interior box 200 of a balanced ventilation system 100, according to an embodiment. Interior box 200 is illustrated as including the following components; a natural filter 5, which may contain one or more natural filters, and water spray system. The water spray system may include the following equipment; a water storage container 16, a makeup water line 13 which may be connected to an outside water supply such as a city water supply, a water valve 14 controlling the amount of outside water that may enter the water spray system. The water spray system also includes a floater (or float) 15 to indicate the level of water in the water storage container 16, a water overflow pipe 17, a water pump 18, and spray nozzles water pipe 19 for delivering water to water nozzles 6. Second box 200 may also include a drop catcher 7 is located at the second box 200 exterior to catch the possible water drops mixed with air before entering fresh air duct C, also illustrated in FIG. 1. Inside the second box 200, the outside airflow is passed through the natural filter 5 before being passed to fresh air duct C.

[0058] In embodiments, second box 200 may also include exhaust fan 8 and humidity control 14 to control humidity in the system. To meet inside relative humidity requirements or settings inside the second box 200, humidity can be controlled using humidity control 14. Humidity control 14 may sense the humidity of the purified fresh air inside duct D of FIG. 1 and send a signal to a controller. If the humidity level of the air inside duct D becomes higher than required, then the controller may send messages to water pump 18 and exhaust fan 8 and, in this case water pump 18 may be turned off and the exhaust fan 8 may be turned on to exhaust a portion of the moist air to the outside.

[0059] Second box 200 may provide fresh air and send the fresh air through duct C to the next step which is second stage of filters 9. Second stage of filters 9 (see FIG. 1), which may also be referred to as “inner filters,” may include a variety of filters in accordance with the required applications of the building and property where the system is installed.

[0060] Blower fan 10 may be located after second stage filter 9 and may be used to overcome the pressure drop created by the filters and ducts and allow the prepared fresh airflow to pass through the duct, fittings, and the remaining paths within the system.

[0061] Purified fresh airflow from duct D (see FIG. 1) may also pass through ductwork and enter plenum box 12 within second box 200 and continue its path to reach a cooling coil 15.

[0062] In warm environments, the temperature sensor which is installed inside the ductwork may send a signal to a controller in accordance with the temperature setting. The controller may then send a message indicating that the cooling system is to be turn on. The purified fresh airflow temperature may then be controlled to maintain the set temperature.

[0063] In cool or cold environments, when the airflow temperature is lower than the set temperature for purified fresh airflow, such as in winter, the controller may send a message to the duct heater 16 shown as being located after the cooling coil 15 to turn the duct heater 16 on and heat the fresh airflow until it reaches the set desired temperature.

[0064] Blower fan 17 may be located after cooling coil 15 and duct heater 16 to send the purified fresh airflow to an input of heat exchanger 300 that may be configured to include a coaxial pipe.

[0065] FIG. 3 illustrates a view of a heat exchanger assembly 300, according to an embodiment. In cold environments an outside airflow will have a low temperature and the system may be configured so the outside airflow will enter heat exchanger 18 through prepared fresh air inlet E. A temperature control may send a signal to a controller which may then send a message to a winter damper motor to close winter damper 18 configuring heat exchanger 18 so that the purified fresh airflow passes in the space between an outer pipe 302 and a central pipe 304 of the heat exchanger. Central pipe 304 is disposed in a coaxial configuration with the outer pipe 302 and forms a coaxial pipe system. Central pipe 304 may be used to carry out stale air 19 from inside a building to the outside environment. When a fresh airflow passes between the space between outer pipe 302 and central pipe 304, heat is exchanged between the stale air and the purified fresh air so that the purified fresh air gains heat and the stale air loses heat. A drainpipe 312 maybe connected to the central pipe of the heat exchanger 300 to drain possible condensation to a permissible drain system. In an alternate configuration, winter damper 18 may be configured so that the prepared fresh airflow is directed around the coaxial pipe system through bypass pipe 306, thereby preventing heat exchange between the fresh airflow and the stale air 19.

[0066] The prepared fresh airflow exits the heat exchanger assembly 300 through prepared fresh air outlet E and may be delivered either to an HVAC system or directly to the inside of the building.

[0067] In embodiments where there is an ERV or HRV system in the building, a system may be constructed without a coaxial pipe system that includes heat exchanger assembly 300.

[0068] FIG. 4 illustrates a second view of a heat exchanger assembly, according to an embodiment. Heat exchanger 300 includes a central pipe 304 disposed in a coaxial configuration with the outer pipe 302. Stale air 25 from within the building passes through central pipe 304 to be exhausted from the building. Prepared fresh airflow passes through an input winter damper 23 and based on a configuration of the damper 23, the prepared fresh airflow may pass through the outer pipe 302, that is within the space between the outer surface of the central pipe 304 and an inner surface of the outer pipe 302, or the prepared fresh airflow may pass through bypass pipe 306. When configured for the prepared fresh airflow passes through the outer pipe 302 heat exchange occurs between the stale air 25 and the prepared fresh airflow. When configured so that the prepared fresh airflow passes through the outer pipe 306, no heat exchange occurs between the stale air 25 and the prepared fresh airflow. In embodiments, there is a winter damper at both ends of the bypass pipe 306 that may be configured together to allow for airflow through the outer pipe 302 or the bypass pipe 306.

[0069] Furthermore, in embodiments a heat exchanger assembly may be configured so that stale air 25 passes through the outer pipe 302, within the space between the outer surface of the central pipe 304 and an inner surface of the outer pipe 302, and the prepared fresh airflow passes through the central pipe 304. The bypass pipe 306 would then be configured to bypass the central pipe 304.

[0070] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of central pipe 304 of a heat exchanger 300, according to an embodiment. Central pipe 304 includes a hollow axial portion 310 to allow airflow to pass freely through the central pipe 304. To aid heat exchange between airflows through the central pipe 304 and the outer pipe 302, a plurality of fins 308 extend radially from an outer surfaceof the central pipe 302 within the space between the outer surface of the central pipe 304 and an inner surface of the outer pipe 302. The plurality of fins 308 have a height less than a distance between the outer surface of the central pipe 304 and the inner surface of the outer pipe 302 and extend along a length of the central pipe 304. In embodiments, the fins may extend along the entire length of outer pipe 302, but in other cases, they may extend only partially along the length.

[0071] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a heat exchanger showing the central pipe 304 with fins 308, according to an embodiment. The fins 308 preferably extend the axial distance between the outer surface of the central pipe 304 and an inner surface of the outer pipe 302 and may make contact with the inner surface of the outer pipe 302, thereby improving the efficiency of the heat exchanger 300.

[0072] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of a heat exchanger showing the central pipe 304 with fins 308, according to an embodiment. The fins 308 extend the axial distance between the outer surface of the central pipe 304 and an inner surface of the outer pipe 302.

[0073] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the heat exchanger assembly showing heat transfer between two air streams, according to an embodiment. Heat exchanger 300 includes a central pipe 304 disposed in a coaxial configuration with the outer pipe 302. Stale air 25 from within the building passes through central pipe 304 to be exhausted from the building. Prepared fresh airflow passes through an input winter damper 23 and based on a configuration of the damper 23, the prepared fresh airflow may pass through the outer pipe 302, which is within the space between the outer surface of the central pipe 304 and an inner surface of the outer pipe 302. As illustrated warm stale air passes through central pipe 304 to be exhausted. Cooler fresh air is routed through the winter damper in a closed position to pass through the area between the outer pipe 302 and the central pipe 304 and the warmer stale air heats the cooler fresh air.

[0074] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a bypass pipe 306 of the heat exchanger assembly, according to an embodiment. With both input and output dampers 23 in a closed position as illustrated, cooler fresh air may bypass the heat exchanger without any heat exchange happening.

[0075] FIG. 10 illustrates a view of a damper 23 of the bypass pipe 306, according to an embodiment. A damper motor may be controlled by controller 1200 to position damper 23 in an open or closed position. When in the closed position, airflow moves horizontally between the fresh air inlet or outlet and the outer pipe 302. When in the open position, airflow from the fresh air inlet is routed to the bypass pipe 306.

[0076] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a solar panel 1100 that may be used by the balanced ventilation system, according to an embodiment. A solar cell system 1100 may be used to provide a at least a portion of the power for some equipment in the balanced ventilation system in order to provide electrical energy savings. For effective performance, the solar cell 1100 can be located on top or on the south wall of the balanced ventilation system 100. Electric power from the solar cell system 1100 can be used to power components of the balanced ventilation system 100 such as the motors for dampers 18, roller shade curtain 1400 motor, water pump 18, and any lights inside the balanced ventilation system 100, or any other electrically powered devices within the balanced ventilation system 100. The solar panel includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells for solar to electricity conversion as would be readily understood by a worker skilled in the art.

[0077] FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic view of a controller 1200 of the balanced ventilation system 100, according to an embodiment. Controller 1200 may be constructed using one or more components connected by wired or wireless connections. In turn, each component may include one or more circuit boards with electronic components, interfaces, and connectors. Controller 1200 performs several functions in the balanced ventilation system 100. One of the primary functions of controller 1200 is to receive input from thermostats and, humidity and radiation sensors, to make decisions based on the sensor readings, and then to distribute messages to control other components in the system such as inlet motor damper 2, water pump 18, exhaust fan 8, heat radiation protective curtain motor 21 , coaxial pipe winter damper motors 18, lighting systems, and any other components of balanced ventilation system 100 what may be automatically controlled.

[0078] FIG. 13 illustrates an electronic device 1300 that may be incorporated within a balanced ventilation system 100 to provide electronic or computer controlled functions of the, and may perform any or all of operations of the above methods and features explicitly or implicitly described herein, according to different aspects of the present disclosure. For example, parts of controller 300 may be implemented using an electronic device 1300 in the form of a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an ASIC or programmable logic such as an FPGA, etc. Furthermore, other components of the balanced ventilation system may incorporate an electronic device, such as a small microcontroller to monitor or control the component.

[0079] As shown, electronic device 1300, an apparatus, may include a processor 1310, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or specialized processors such as a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) or other such processor unit, memory 1320, non-transitory mass storage 1330, input-output (I / O) interface 1340, network interface 1350, user interface 1360, all of which may be communicatively coupled via bi-directional bus 1370. According to certain aspects, any or all of the depicted elements may be utilized, or only a subset of the elements. Furthermore, apparatus 1300 may contain multiple instances of certain elements, such as multiple processors, memories, network interfaces, or I / O interfaces. I / O interface 1340 may be connected or coupled to elements such as keypads, push buttons, LED lights, LCD displays, touch screen LCDs, to provide a user interface for the balanced ventilation system 100. Network interface 1350 may provide access through Bluetooth, WiFi, or similar technology to connect to external devices such as cell phones, tablets, laptop computers, desktop computers, etc. to provide alternative methods of monitoring or controlling the balanced ventilation system 1300 and its operation. Also, elements of the hardware device may be directly coupled to other elements without the bi-directional bus 1370. Additionally, or alternatively to a processor and memory, other electronics, or processing electronics, such as integrated circuits, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, digital circuitry, analog circuitry, chips, dies, multichip modules, substrates or the like, or a combination thereof may be employed for performing the required logical operations.

[0080] Memory 1320 may include any type of non-transitory memory such as static randomaccess memory (SRAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), read-only memory (ROM), any combination of such, or the like. The mass storage element 930 may include any type of non-transitory storage device, such as a solid-state drive, hard disk drive, flash memory, ROM, EEPROM, USB drive, or any computer program product configured to store data and machine executable program code. According to certain aspects, memory 1320 or mass storage 1330 may have recorded thereon statements and instructions executable by processor 1310 for performing any method operations described herein.

[0081] The processor 1310 and memory 1320 may function together as a chipset which may be provided together for installation into balanced ventilation system 100 in order to implement the methods of providing a controlled balanced ventilation system. Actions associated with methods described herein can be implemented as coded instructions in a computer program product. In other words, the computer program product is a computer-readable medium upon which software code or instructions is recorded to execute the method when the computer program product is loaded into memory and executed on a processor of a computing device.

[0082] FIG. 14 illustrates a solar radiation protective curtain 1400, according to an embodiment. This sun protection curtain 1400 may include an electric motor21 that may be controlled to extendand retract the radiation protector curtain 22. In use, the radiation protector curtain 22 may be extended when the intensity of sunlight is high. The electric motor 21 of the protective curtain may controlled by controller 1200. On hot and sunny days when the intensity of sunlight is intense, the controller 1200 may detect a signal from a sensor sensitive to the intensity of solar radiation and send a message to the electric motor 21 of the curtain. Based on that message, the electric motor 21 may extend or retract the curtain 22 by rolled it out or in. The use of solar radiation protective curtain 1400 is to reduce the need for large scale heat transfer by the balanced ventilation system 100 during hot seasons.

[0083] FIG. 15 illustrates a block diagram showing air flow in the balanced ventilation system 100, according to an embodiment. FIG. 15 illustrates the flow of both an outside airflow as it travels through the balanced ventilation system 100 to the heat exchanger 300, and the exhaust airflow as it travels through the heat exchanger 300 and outside the building.

[0084] FIG. 16 illustrates a block diagram of a balanced ventilation system in another operation configuration, according to an embodiment. In the alternate operation configuration illustrated in FIG. 16, the exhaust 1604 is routed in the region 1606 between the outer pipe and central pipe, namely the region including the fins associated with the central pipe and the fresh air 1602 is routed within the central region 1608 of the central pipe.

[0085] According to some embodiments, the balanced ventilation system can be envisioned as an intelligent fresh air supply system that provides clean air with the desired temperature and humidity within the main box. The system can subsequently distribute this fresh air throughout a building through a heat exchanger, while expelling the residual I polluted I stale interior air outside of the building.

[0086] According to some embodiments, the balanced ventilation system can operate as a standalone energy recovery ventilation system, which is capable of substantially continuously and systematically controlling an indoor temperature and humidity. In some embodiments, the system can be connected to existing systems such as HRVs / ERVs in order to enhance their efficiency. In addition, in some embodiments, the balanced ventilation system can function as an auxiliary system for heating venting and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

[0087] Actions associated with methods described herein can be implemented as coded instructions in a computer program product. In other words, the computer program product is a computer-readable medium upon which software code or instructions is recorded to execute themethod when the computer program product is loaded into memory and executed on a processor of a computing device.

[0088] Further, each operation of the method may be executed on any real or virtual computing device, such as a personal computer, server, tablet, smartphone, or the like and pursuant to one or more, or a part of one or more, program elements, modules or objects generated from any programming language, such as C++, Java, or the like. In addition, each operation, or a file or object or the like implementing each said operation, may be executed by special purpose hardware or a circuit module designed for that purpose.

[0089] It is obvious that the foregoing embodiments of the invention are examples and can be varied in many ways. Such present or future variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A heat exchanger comprising: an outer pipe; a central pipe disposed in a coaxial configuration with the outer pipe; and a plurality of fins extending radially from an outer surface of the central pipe within a space between the outer surface of the central pipe and an inner surface of the outer pipe, the plurality of fins having a height less than a distance between the outer surface of the central pipe and the inner surface of the outer pipe, the plurality of fins extending along a length of the central pipe.

2. The heat exchanger of claim 1 wherein the length of the central pipe is the same as a length of the outer pipe.

3. The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 2 wherein the outer pipe and the central pipe are straight.

4. The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the plurality of fins are distributed evenly around a circumference of the outer surface of the central pipe.

5. The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a first damper disposed at a first end of the heat exchanger; a second damper disposed at a second end of the of the heat exchanger; and a bypass pipe; wherein when the first damper and the second damper are in a first position, air flow is routed through the space between the outer surface of the central pipe and the inner surface of the outer pipe, and when the first damper and the second damper are in a second position, air flow is routed through the bypass pipe.

6. The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein a cross-sectional area of the space between the outer surface of the central pipe and the inner surface of the outer pipe equals a cross-sectional area of the central pipe.

7. The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 6 further comprising a condensation drain configured to drain a condensed liquid from the space inside the surface of the central pipe to the outside of the outer pipe.

8. A method of exchanging heat comprising: passing a first flow through a central pipe of a heat exchanger of any of claims 1 to 7; and passing a second flow through a space between an outer surface of the central pipe and an inner surface of an outer pipe of the heat exchanger of any of claims 1 to 7.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the first flow is a first air flow of a first temperature and the second flow is a second air flow of a second temperature wherein the first temperature is higher than the second temperature.

10. A balanced ventilation system comprising: an inlet damper configured to receive an outside airflow; a first stage filter configured to receive the outside airflow from the inlet damper; a diffuser configured to receive the outside airflow from the first stage filter; a natural filter configured to receive the outside airflow from the diffuser; a drop catcher configured for the removal of water drops from the outside airflow received from the natural filter; a second stage filter configured to receive the outside airflow from the drop catcher; a cooling coil configured to receive the outside airflow from the second stage filter; and a heat exchanger of any of claims 1 to 7 configured to receive the airflow from the cooling coil, the heat exchanger also receiving an inside airflow and venting the inside airflow externally.

11. The balanced ventilation system of claim 10 further comprising a heater configured to raise the temperature of the outside airflow after it is received from the outside airflow and before it is received by the diffuser.

12. The balanced ventilation system of any one of claims 10 to 11 further comprising an evaporation system configured to receive the outside airflow from the natural filter and before it is received by the second filter.

13. The balanced ventilation system of any one of claims 10 to 12 further comprising a spray water system configured to maintain the natural filter.

14. The balanced ventilation system of any one of claims 10 to 13 further comprising a duct heater configured to raise the temperature of the outside airflow after it is received from the cooling coil and before it is received by the heat exchanger.

15. The balanced ventilation system of any one of claims 10 to 14 wherein the outside airflow flows through an outside pipe of the heat exchanger and the inside airflow flows through a central pipe of the heat exchanger.

Images