Apparatus and a method for controlling ventilation in a building and generating electricity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air distribution devices in buildings are inefficient in utilizing air flow from multiple directions, leading to inadequate cooling, especially on warm days, and limited air conditioning capabilities, with issues such as high energy loss during transmission from off-site renewable energy sources to densely populated areas.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a sail member and tubular members that direct and increase air flow to provide electricity for ventilation mechanisms, utilizing conversion devices to enhance airflow and energy efficiency, while maintaining unidirectional flow and incorporating air filters for pollutant removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional air distribution devices are used with horizontal outflow parallel to ceiling, then turbulent mixed ventilation is achieved, but air flow from multiple directions cannot be utilized and cooling efficiency is insufficient on very warm days

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidability to utilize air flow from multiple directions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The air distribution device is divided into multiple independent air outlet surfaces (first air outlet surface and second air outlet surface) with different orientations. Each surface can independently direct air flow in different directions (horizontally parallel to ceiling and vertically perpendicular to ceiling), allowing the system to utilize air flow from multiple directions simultaneously while maintaining efficient cooling performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If supply air flows out horizontally parallel to ceiling panel, then even distribution of warm and cold air is achieved avoiding drafts, but supply air is not sufficiently cooled on very warm days

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeven distribution of air avoiding draftsVSAvoidsupply air temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The invention adds a vertical dimension to air distribution by incorporating a second air outlet surface perpendicular to the ceiling, in addition to the horizontal first air outlet surface. This multi-dimensional approach allows simultaneously achieving even horizontal distribution (avoiding drafts) and enhanced cooling capacity through vertical air discharge, solving the temperature insufficiency problem on very warm days.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If radial outflow is used with central air outlet, then air conditioning of entire room is possible, but targeted outflow onto specific workplace cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair conditioning coverage areaVSAvoidtargeted outflow capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Different portions of the air distribution device are assigned different functions: the first air outlet surface provides horizontal air flow for general room air conditioning coverage, while the second air outlet surface provides vertical air flow for targeted cooling of specific areas or workplaces. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of comprehensive coverage and targeted outflow capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Optimized air flow and energy efficiency improve indoor climate control, reduce energy consumption, and enable effective dehumidification and humidification, while minimizing condensation issues and energy loss during transmission.

Implementation Method 1

an air flow penetrating device installed on a building, the air flow penetrating device comprising a sail member (102) extending from each corner of the building to direct air flow from exterior potion of the building towards interior portion of the building

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWind: Wind

Implementation Method 2

sail member (102) extending from each corner of the building to direct air flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamic force: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 3

a second tubular member coupled to the first tubular member and a third tubular member, to increase the air flow received from the first tubular member, wherein the increased air flow is utilized to provide electricity to a ventilation mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWind power conversion: Wind Power

Data Source

PatentUS20240295335A1Apparatus and a method for controlling ventilation in a building and generating electricity
Publication Date: 2024.09.05 MORIMOTO
  • US20240295335A1 patent drawing
  • US20240295335A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides an apparatus for controlling ventilation in a building (100) for converting renewable source of energy into electrical energy. The apparatus comprises a sail member (102) extending from each corner of the building (100) to direct air flow from exterior potion of the building towards interior portion of the building (100). The apparatus also comprises a first tubular member (104) operationally coupled to a windward member of the building (100) to direct the air flow in downward direction. The apparatus also comprises at least a second tubular member (108) coupled to the first tubular member (104) and a third tubular member (110), to increase the air flow received from the first tubular member (104), wherein the increased air flow is utilized to provide electricity to a ventilation mechanism (114) for maintaining and controlling air ventilation of the building (100).