Air Curtain Temperature Profile Sensing for Dynamic Energy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air curtain devices are often overdimensioned and inefficient due to external factors like wind, sun, and varying climate conditions, leading to incomplete prevention of leakage and energy losses.
Innovation Solution
An air curtain device equipped with a temperature profile sensor, such as an infra-red sensor, measures the temperature profile over a length and width perpendicular to the air flow to adjust fan speed, outlet openings, and air flow direction, ensuring optimal air curtain quality by comparing the measured profile with a reference profile and making necessary adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air curtain device is overdimensioned to handle external factors like wind and sun, then reliability of air curtain is improved, but use of energy worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The air curtain device dynamically adjusts fan speed based on real-time temperature profile measurements. The controller continuously monitors the temperature distribution across the air curtain and modifies the fan operating point accordingly, transitioning from static overdimensioning to dynamic adaptive operation that maintains reliability while optimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs temperature sensors that measure the temperature profile across the air curtain and feed this information back to the controller. This feedback loop enables the controller to assess air curtain quality and adjust fan speed to maintain effective separation while minimizing energy usage, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy consumption.
2Reliability
If air curtain device is overdimensioned to handle external factors like wind and sun, then reliability of air curtain is improved, but loss of energy worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static overdimensioning to dynamic operation by continuously adjusting fan speed based on measured temperature profiles. This dynamic adaptation prevents energy losses associated with excessive air flow while maintaining the air curtain's ability to handle external factors like wind and sun when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the operating parameters of the fan system based on temperature profile measurements. By adjusting fan speed as a variable parameter rather than operating at fixed high capacity, the system maintains air curtain effectiveness while reducing energy losses from overdimensioning.
3Device complexity
If air curtain device operates without temperature profile measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature sensors provide feedback on the actual air curtain performance by measuring the temperature profile across the air stream. This feedback enables the controller to adapt the air curtain operation to external conditions such as wind, sun, and varying climate conditions, significantly improving adaptability while adding only moderate system complexity through standard sensing and control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The air curtain device performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment by measuring its own temperature profile and automatically modifying fan operation accordingly. This self-service capability enables the system to adapt to changing external conditions without complex external control systems or manual intervention.
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
The solution effectively maintains air curtain quality across a range of conditions and disturbances, reducing leakage and energy losses while improving comfort by dynamically adapting to external influences and door positions.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor comprises an infra-red sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an air curtain device and method for realizing an air curtain with measuring a temperature profile. The air curtain device comprises: - a housing with air displacing means; - at least one air inlet for supplying air to the housing; - at least one outflow opening for achieving the air curtain; - a sensor configured for measuring a temperature profile over a length extending through the air curtain in a substantial horizontal direction and substantially perpendicular to the air curtain; and - a controller with connecting means configured for connecting with the sensor, the controller configured for adjusting the air curtain based on differences between the measured temperature profile and a reference profile.