Smart attic ventilation system, and sensor module therefor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attic ventilation systems face challenges in maintaining continuous operation during dark environmental conditions or cloudy days, and there is a need for an effective energy storage and delivery mechanism, particularly when powered predominantly by solar energy.
Innovation Solution
A smart attic ventilation system with a solar power source, ventilation fan, environmental sensor, and control unit that utilizes a supercapacitor circuit for energy storage and a DC/DC current limiter/boost circuit to manage power delivery, ensuring continuous operation by harnessing solar power and storing excess energy for later use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the ventilation system is powered predominantly by solar energy, then the system can operate autonomously and reduce energy costs, but the system cannot maintain continuous operation during dark environmental conditions or cloudy days
Solution Approach 1:
The supercapacitor circuit stores energy in advance during periods when solar power is available, so that power can be supplied during dark or cloudy conditions. This preliminary energy accumulation ensures continuous operation without compromising the solar-powered autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC/DC current limiter/boost circuit changes the electrical parameters (voltage and current) to match the load requirements during different operating conditions. It regulates power delivery from the solar panel and supercapacitor, ensuring stable operation across varying environmental conditions.
2Reliability
If a supercapacitor circuit is added for energy storage, then continuous operation during low-light conditions is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DC/DC current limiter/boost circuit is integrated to simultaneously perform multiple functions: charging the supercapacitor from the solar panel, limiting current to protect components, and boosting voltage when needed. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC/DC circuit serves multiple purposes within the power management system, acting as a current limiter during charging, a voltage regulator during operation, and a power management interface between the supercapacitor and load, thereby reducing overall system complexity through multi-functionality.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a DC/DC current limiter/boost circuit is implemented to manage power delivery, then efficient energy management is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DC/DC circuit combines current limiting and voltage boosting functions in a single integrated circuit, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining efficient power delivery management.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC/DC circuit performs multiple power management tasks including current limiting during solar charging, voltage regulation during supercapacitor discharge, and adaptive power delivery to the ventilation fan, achieving efficient energy management through multi-functionality.
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 system ensures continuous ventilation operation by leveraging solar power and energy storage, effectively managing airflow based on environmental conditions, even in low-light conditions, enhancing attic temperature and humidity control.
Implementation Method 1
a solar panel, a battery and a controller configured to drive the fan based on at least one environmental parameter
Implementation Method 2
A smart attic ventilation system with a solar power source, ventilation fan, environmental sensor, and control unit that utilizes a supercapacitor circuit for energy storage
Data Source
AI summary
Described are various embodiments of a smart attic ventilation system, and sensor module therefor. Also described are various embodiments of an effective energy storage and delivery mechanism for such systems, for example, when predominantly powered from an integrated solar energy capturing component such as a solar panel, for continuous operation in dark environmental conditions such as at night and/or on cloudy days.