Adaptive Building Airflow Control Using Thermal Response Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current building codes and standards, particularly regarding ventilation, lack scientific rationale and fail to address the complex fluid dynamics and thermal effects within buildings, leading to inefficient energy use and unsuitable temperature control, especially in regions with high solar radiation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a comprehensive understanding of thermal and aerodynamic behavior in buildings through advanced control systems that utilize sensors and actuators to modulate air flow and temperature, driven by reduced order models and numerical simulations to optimize energy expenditure and maintain desired temperature ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If building codes and standards are implemented for ventilation, then air quality and temperature control are improved, but energy consumption increases due to inefficient design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes ventilation parameters dynamically based on measured environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, solar radiation). The system adjusts air flow rates, timing, and duration of ventilation events to match actual building thermal response characteristics, replacing fixed code-based ventilation rates with adaptive parameter control that reduces energy consumption while maintaining temperature control reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously measuring environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, solar radiation) and using this information to adjust ventilation operations. The system monitors building thermal response and modifies ventilation strategies in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy use while ensuring reliable temperature control, unlike open-loop code-based approaches
2Loss of energy
If passive air flow is allowed in secondary compartments, then energy expenditure is reduced, but control precision over indoor conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static building codes to dynamic control by allowing passive air flow in secondary compartments while using active sensors and actuators to dynamically adjust ventilation timing, duration, and intensity. The system adapts to changing environmental conditions and building thermal response, maintaining control precision through real-time adjustments rather than fixed design parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the building into primary and secondary compartments with different control strategies. Secondary compartments utilize passive air flow to reduce energy expenditure, while primary compartments receive active controlled ventilation. This segmentation allows the system to leverage natural convection in less critical areas while maintaining precise control in occupied spaces, optimizing the balance between energy efficiency and control precision
3Measurement precision
If advanced control systems with sensors and actuators are implemented, then control precision and energy optimization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functional sensors that measure multiple environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, solar radiation) simultaneously, and actuators that can perform multiple ventilation control functions (adjusting air flow rates, timing, duration). This universality reduces the overall number of separate devices needed, managing system complexity while maintaining high control precision through integrated measurement and control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated control algorithms that independently process sensor data and generate actuator commands without requiring complex external control infrastructure. The building management system self-regulates ventilation operations based on measured conditions and pre-programmed thermal response characteristics, reducing the need for complex manual control systems and specialized equipment
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 approach reduces energy consumption, extends the lifespan of building materials, and provides a more precise control over indoor conditions, thereby lowering operational costs and improving occupant comfort.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor to provide electronic signals representing solar radiation levels
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor to provide electronic signals representing ambient air temperature levels, and at least one sensor to provide electronic signals representing air temperature in said at least one secondary compartment
Implementation Method 3
controlling means to modulate the throughput of passive air flow to and from said at least one secondary compartment
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns predominantly enclosed spaces, typically buildings, which are exposed to directionally and temporally varying levels of solar electromagnetic radiation, as well as temporally varying levels of ambient air temperature, flow velocity and direction. Such a building comprising at least one primary compartment and at least one secondary compartment. The primary compartment predominantly serves to achieve the primary purpose of the building. An electronic controller can modulate throughput or speed of active or passive air flow to and from the secondary compartment. The controller uses a descriptive model to predict thermal behavior of the building and to derive control signals. The control system acquires data from one or more sensors. In some embodiments the disclosed methods are at least partially incorporated in a home automation system, including internet connectivity.