Airstream sensor devices, systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC systems face inefficiencies in controlling air ventilation and energy usage due to inaccurate temperature and humidity measurements, which can lead to discomfort and increased energy consumption, especially in humid climates, as existing sensor technologies are bulky, inconsistent, and fail to capture bulk airstream data effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with multiple sensors, including temperature, humidity, and absolute pressure sensors arranged symmetrically within a single cross-sectional plane of an air flow conveyance structure to measure airflow parameters, compute velocity-weighted temperature and enthalpy, and adjust HVAC operations based on psychrometric properties and corrected airflow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate humidity and temperature sensor devices are used to control HVAC systems, then decisions on cooling can be made, but the equipment use becomes inefficient and data collected is inconsistent due to varying locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate sensor devices (temperature sensors, humidity sensors, airflow sensors) into a single integrated sensor device. This merging eliminates the inconsistency caused by separate devices being located at different positions, while the integrated design streamlines the overall system configuration rather than increasing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If humidity sensors are mounted on duct walls to collect data, then some measurements can be obtained, but the bulk of the airstream data is not captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from mounting sensors on the two-dimensional surface of duct walls to positioning sensors within the three-dimensional bulk airstream. The sensor device is inserted into the airstream path, allowing temperature, humidity, and airflow sensors to directly measure the bulk air properties rather than inferring them from wall-mounted positions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If temperature alone is used to determine when to heat or cool using outside air, then energy savings can be realized, but occupant comfort is compromised when outside air is too humid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system that uses feedback from both temperature sensors and humidity sensors (along with airflow sensors) to make intelligent decisions about HVAC operation. The system continuously monitors multiple parameters and adjusts heating, cooling, and ventilation accordingly, ensuring energy efficiency while maintaining occupant comfort by considering both temperature and humidity conditions.
4Productivity
If standardized air condition constants are used for HVAC calculations, then quick verification can be made, but the constants become invalidated when air density changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses airflow sensor data to directly measure and detect changes in air density conditions. The system adjusts HVAC calculations and control parameters based on the measured airflow and density variations, maintaining calculation accuracy without sacrificing the speed benefits of standardized methods. The measured parameters dynamically update the calculation constants to match current conditions.
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 the accuracy of airflow and enthalpy measurements, optimizing HVAC system performance by ensuring precise control of air ventilation and energy usage, reducing energy consumption and preventing mold growth through improved humidity management.
Implementation Method 1
an airflow sensor, such as a thermal dispersion airflow sensor
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor...configured to measure...the temperature of the air stream
Implementation Method 3
a relative humidity sensor configured to measure...the relative humidity of the air stream
Data Source
AI summary
Systems/methods for measuring airstream parameters. The methods comprise: measuring a humidity and temperature by sensors of airstream sensor device(s) arranged symmetrically within a single cross-sectional plane of an air flow conveyance structure of an HVAC system; measuring, by absolute pressure sensor(s), a barometric pressure of an atmosphere outside of the air flow conveyance structure; receiving, by a transmitter, humidity measurement values and temperature measurement values from the sensors and barometric pressure value(s) from the absolute pressure sensor(s); computing a velocity weighted temperature value for the airstream based on the temperature measurement values; using the humidity measurement values, the velocity weighted temperature value, and the barometric pressure value to determine a psychrometric property associated with the airstream; and causing operations of the HVAC system, a building automation system or an application controller to be controlled based on the determined psychrometric property.