Air circulation systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional air conditioning systems in buildings face inefficiencies due to lack of mechanisms to diffuse cold air based on occupancy and specific area requirements, leading to inconsistent temperature distribution and energy wastage from oversized equipment.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a bi-directional inline fan system with electronically controllable dampers and sensors to circulate air efficiently across rooms, using a centralized controller to coordinate fan speed and damper openings based on sensor data for temperature and pressure equilibrium, potentially reducing the need for oversized HVAC units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional HVAC systems are used with centralized air distribution, then the system can cool the building, but the temperature distribution becomes inconsistent across different rooms and areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the building into multiple thermal zones with independent temperature control. Each zone has its own air handling capabilities through variable speed fans and adjustable dampers, allowing localized temperature management rather than centralized uniform control
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs variable speed inline fans and adjustable dampers that dynamically respond to temperature sensors in each zone. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing thermal conditions in different rooms, maintaining consistent temperature distribution across the building
2Reliability
If air conditioning units are oversized to handle extreme heating loads, then the heating load requirement is met, but energy is wasted and cold spots are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different cooling capacities to different zones based on their specific heating loads. By segmenting the building into zones with independent variable speed fans, each area receives only the cooling capacity it needs, preventing energy waste from oversizing while ensuring adequate cooling for extreme load areas
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of inline fans from fixed speed to variable speed, allowing continuous adjustment of air flow rates. This enables the system to match cooling output to actual zone requirements, eliminating the energy waste associated with oversized equipment operating at reduced capacity
3Device complexity
If traditional air distribution systems are used, then the HVAC unit can be simplified, but the mechanism to diffuse cold air based on occupancy and area requirements is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the air distribution system multi-functional by equipping it with temperature sensors, variable speed fans, and adjustable dampers in each zone. This allows the same basic HVAC infrastructure to adapt to varying occupancy patterns and thermal requirements across different areas without requiring completely separate systems
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 enhances air circulation and temperature distribution within buildings, reducing energy consumption by allowing the HVAC unit to power off when air movement by inline fans meets temperature requirements, and enabling the use of smaller HVAC units.
Implementation Method 1
air circulation systems and methods for equalizing temperature and pressure differences between rooms
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for air flow circulation are described which utilize one or more air conditioning units as well as transfer grilles to move cooler air from one space to another. The transfer grilles can include bi-directional in-line fans to move air between spaces in discrete ducts located between the spaces. Motorized dampers can be controlled by a controller that receives information about various rooms and areas from temperature and occupancy sensors within those rooms or areas. In this manner, conditioned air can be directed to those rooms that are occupied and whose temperature needs correction based on a thermostat setting, and use of the air conditioning unit can be avoided when a cool air source is present in another space.