A ventilation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ventilation systems lack the ability to adapt to changes in occupancy levels and do not effectively contain air flow within specific zones, leading to inefficient air distribution and potential transmission of pollutants between occupants.
Innovation Solution
A modular ventilation system with common overhead supply and extract ducts and dedicated ventilation modules for each occupant zone, featuring high-level supply vents and low-level extract vents, along with adjustable directional flow controllers and sensors to optimize airflow and prevent cross-contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional ceiling-mounted supply and extract terminals are used, then the ventilation system can achieve the required air flow rate, but the air flow path causes pollutants to transmit between occupants and ventilation effectiveness is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is segmented into individual ventilation modules, each serving a specific occupant zone. Each module includes a supply terminal and extract terminal positioned to serve only its designated zone, preventing cross-contamination between zones while maintaining required air flow rates for each occupant
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements local quality control by positioning supply and extract terminals at specific locations within each occupant zone. Supply terminals are positioned to deliver fresh air directly to the occupant's breathing zone, while extract terminals are positioned to capture pollutants at their source, creating localized effective ventilation pathways
2Reliability
If the ventilation system is designed for theoretical occupancy levels, then the system meets regulatory requirements initially, but it cannot adapt when actual occupancy levels change
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system incorporates dynamic adaptability through modular design, allowing the number and configuration of ventilation modules to be adjusted based on actual occupancy levels. This enables the system to transition from a static design-based approach to a dynamic occupancy-based approach, maintaining compliance while adapting to changing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The modular ventilation modules are designed to be universally applicable across different occupant zones and occupancy scenarios. Each module can be independently activated or deactivated based on occupancy, allowing the same module design to serve various functions depending on the number and arrangement of occupants
3Ease of manufacture
If supply and extract terminals are mounted in the ceiling for proximity to ductwork, then installation is simplified, but ventilation effectiveness is reduced as air does not properly circulate through the occupant zone
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the ventilation function into distributed modular units rather than a centralized ceiling-mounted system. Each module can be installed at the appropriate location within its occupant zone, maintaining ease of installation through standardized modular components while achieving superior ventilation effectiveness through optimized local air circulation patterns
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances ventilation efficiency by ensuring each occupant receives appropriate airflow, minimizing pollutant transmission between zones, and allowing for easy reconfiguration based on occupancy changes without requiring extensive system modifications.
Implementation Method 1
a supply fan connected to the common overhead supply duct
Implementation Method 2
an extract fan connected to the common overhead extract duct
Implementation Method 3
high-level supply vents and low-level extract vents
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A modular ventilation system ventilates an occupant zone having a ceiling, a floor and lateral boundaries. The ventilation system comprises a common overhead supply duct; a common overhead extract duct; a supply fan connected to the common overhead supply duct; an extract fan connected to the common overhead extract duct; and a ventilation module associated with each occupant zone. Each ventilation module includes a high-level supply vent mounted proximate the ceiling that is connected to the common overhead supply duct and an extract conduit located within the occupant zone connected to the extract duct at its upper end to the common overhead supply duct. A low-level extract vent is located at the lower end of the extract conduit having a vent aperture arranged to allow low level extraction of air from the occupant zone into the extract conduit.