Ambient Energy Distribution System for Multi-Zone Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional environmental control systems face inefficiencies in distributing heated or cooled air, leading to uneven temperature control and excessive energy consumption across different locations within a structure.
Innovation Solution
An environmental control system comprising an HVAC system, a primary distribution system, and an ambient energy distribution system, which is fluidically separate and controlled by a unit to transfer heat between locations, utilizing air or thermal fluid to regulate temperatures independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heated or cooled air is distributed throughout a structure using conventional HVAC systems, then temperature control is achieved, but energy consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the structure into multiple thermal zones with independent temperature control. Each zone has its own HVAC register and is controlled separately by the control unit, allowing targeted heating or cooling only where needed rather than distributing conditioned air throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit selectively activates specific HVAC registers based on local temperature requirements in different zones. The system adjusts airflow distribution dynamically, providing localized temperature control rather than uniform distribution, thereby reducing energy consumption in zones that do not require conditioning.
2Temperature
If conventional HVAC systems attempt to achieve selected temperatures in different locations, then temperature control is improved, but temperature distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors temperature in each zone and dynamically adjusts the operation of HVAC registers based on actual temperature readings. This closed-loop feedback control ensures that each zone maintains its selected temperature accurately, achieving both precise temperature control and uniform temperature distribution across all locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts airflow distribution by selectively activating or deactivating specific HVAC registers based on real-time temperature requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to changing thermal conditions in different zones, maintaining uniform temperature distribution while achieving precise temperature control in each location.
3Adaptability or versatility
If heated or cooled air is distributed throughout a structure, then all locations receive conditioning, but unnecessary energy is consumed in locations that do not require it
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into independent thermal zones, each capable of being conditioned separately. The control unit manages each zone independently, allowing the system to adapt to different temperature requirements in different locations without conditioning areas that do not need it, thereby eliminating energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selectively activating or deactivating HVAC registers based on the specific temperature requirements of each zone. This parameter adjustment allows the system to provide location-specific temperature control while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding conditioning in zones that do not require it.
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 solution enables efficient and targeted temperature control by transferring heat between locations, reducing energy consumption and improving temperature uniformity across a structure.
Implementation Method 1
controlling a transfer of heat between the first plurality of locations and the second plurality of locations
Implementation Method 2
an ambient heat exchanger in each location coupled to the fluid conduits to transfer heat energy between air in the location and the thermal fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement of multiple environmental control systems for a multi-unit structure has a first environmental control system installed in a first unit, a second environmental control system installed in a second unit, a system monitor in communication with each of the environmental control systems and a firewall. Each environmental control system has a control unit coupled to the system monitor through the firewall that prevents unauthorized devices from accessing the respective control unit and a HVAC system device coupled to the respective control unit through the firewall. For each unit, a local user device that is located inside the unit is coupled to the control unit through a local communication interface, and an external user device that is located outside the unit communicates with the control unit through the firewall.