Air balancer system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In tightly insulated modern living spaces, the operation of bathroom exhaust fans can create negative air pressure due to unbalanced airflow, which is undesirable and affects indoor air quality and occupant health, especially when combined with energy recovery ventilation systems.
Innovation Solution
An air balancer system comprising an ERV or HRV control module and a Room Air Balancer Trigger Module (RABTM) that communicates with the bathroom exhaust fan to adjust the outside air intake fan speed of the ERV or HRV unit, ensuring balanced airflow by monitoring and compensating for negative air pressure created by the exhaust fan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If bathroom exhaust fan operates to remove moisture and odors, then air quality in bathroom improves, but negative air pressure is created in living space
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors air pressure in the living space using a pressure sensor and dynamically adjusts the ERV/HRV intake fan speed to maintain balanced air pressure. The feedback loop ensures that when the exhaust fan operates, the ERV/HRV system compensates by increasing intake airflow to prevent negative pressure buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects and compensates for air pressure imbalances without manual intervention. The microcontroller unit continuously reads pressure sensor data and autonomously adjusts fan speeds to maintain air balance, making the system self-regulating and responsive to changing conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ERV or HRV system operates to maintain ventilation, then indoor air quality improves, but air pressure balance is disrupted when exhaust fan is running
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating parameters of the ERV/HRV intake fan based on real-time air pressure conditions. Instead of running at fixed speed, the fan speed varies continuously to match the exhaust fan's operation, ensuring ventilation needs are met while maintaining air pressure balance throughout the living space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the airflow parameter of the ERV/HRV intake fan in response to exhaust fan operation. By adjusting the intake airflow rate to match exhaust conditions, the system maintains both ventilation effectiveness and air pressure balance, preventing negative pressure effects on door operation and building structure.
3Loss of energy
If tight insulation is implemented to improve energy efficiency, then heating costs decrease, but air pressure balance becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary control mechanism (the pressure sensor and microcontroller) that mediates between the tight building envelope and the ventilation/exhaust systems. This intermediary detects air pressure imbalances and coordinates the operation of ERV/HRV and exhaust fans to maintain balance, allowing tight insulation to be maintained while preventing pressure-related problems.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system and method for balancing airflow or air pressure within a living space/room. The air balancer system includes a Room Air Balancer Trigger Module (RABTM) in communication with an ERV or HRV control module. The ERV or HRV control module is adapted for use with an ERV or HRV unit and the RABTM is configured to be used with an air exhausting facility of an attached facility such as a bathroom located in the living space or in the vicinity of the living space to ensure any negative air pressure created within the room or living space at any point of time is equally compensated to achieve balanced air pressure and quality within the room or living space.