Device and method for controlling the indoor climate, and building equipped with same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical ventilation systems for controlling radon levels in buildings are costly, require continuous energy, and are not suitable for all structures, failing to efficiently manage indoor climate parameters like radon and humidity.

Innovation Solution

An automated window ventilation system using sensors to detect radon and humidity levels, which adjusts window opening angles to regulate air exchange, eliminating the need for continuous energy and mechanical systems, allowing for efficient radon removal and humidity control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a mechanical ventilation system is used to control radon levels, then radon removal effectiveness is improved, but acquisition costs, operating costs, and maintenance costs increase considerably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradon removal effectivenessVSAvoidventilation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the core function of radon removal from complex mechanical ventilation systems and implements it through a simple window actuation mechanism controlled by radon sensors, eliminating the need for expensive mechanical components while maintaining radon removal effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive, complex mechanical ventilation systems with inexpensive window actuators and sensors, using cheap components to achieve the same radon control function without requiring continuous maintenance of complex machinery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Productivity

If a mechanical ventilation system is deployed to manage indoor climate, then air exchange capability is improved, but energy consumption and operating costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair exchange capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses passive natural convection and wind-driven air exchange through opened windows, eliminating the need for energy-consuming mechanical fans while maintaining effective air exchange capability for radon removal and climate control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces active mechanical ventilation systems with passive atmospheric forces (wind pressure, buoyancy) to drive air exchange, substituting mechanical energy consumption with natural physical processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are provided for measuring different air parameters, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair parameter measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs sensors that can detect multiple parameters (radon concentration, temperature, humidity) and uses a single integrated control unit that processes all sensor inputs to make unified window control decisions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If automated window ventilation is implemented, then operating costs are reduced, but control precision for humidity management may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating cost reductionVSAvoidhumidity control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors humidity levels through sensors and adjusts window actuation in real-time based on feedback from humidity measurements, maintaining precise humidity control while using automated low-cost operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The window actuation system dynamically adjusts opening angles and positions based on real-time sensor data for radon, temperature, and humidity, enabling precise control of air exchange rates to manage humidity while maintaining low operating costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 reduces operating costs, increases living comfort, and allows for low-energy, self-sufficient operation by using sensors to control window opening based on radon and humidity levels, effectively managing indoor climate with minimal effort and energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

detects the radon content in the ambient air of the interior... detect the α-radiation occurring during the decay of 222Rn

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAlpha radiation detection: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

The actuator in turn is connected to a window sash in order to open or close the window depending on the electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical actuation: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

The interior sensor can also contain other electronic components which, for example, bring about signal amplification or A/D conversion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal amplification: Magnetic Amplifier

Data Source

PatentEP3225928B1Device and method for controlling the indoor climate, and building equipped with same
Publication Date: 2020.06.17 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP3225928B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3225928B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for controlling the room climate of an interior (20) with at least one interior sensor (3) which is set up to detect at least one parameter characterizing the room climate, and at least one actuator (5) with which the room climate can be influenced and at least one control or regulating device (1) to which the signal from the interior sensor (3) can be fed and which is set up to generate an output signal for the actuator (5), with the at least one interior sensor (3) being used to The radon content of the room air can be detected and the opening angle of at least one window (25) can be influenced with the at least one actuator (5). Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding method for monitoring the room climate of an interior.