HVAC Blower Runtime Control for Continuous Air Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC systems do not provide continuous air cleaning when there is no need to heat or cool the environment, leading to prolonged periods of uncleaned air and inefficient energy usage, as they rely on user intervention or the 'fan-on' setting which can be wasteful.
Innovation Solution
An active air cleaning controller that monitors air quality and blower runtime, autonomously activating the HVAC system to ensure air is cleaned continuously and notifies users when the air filter needs replacement, allowing for user-selectable cleaning levels and types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the HVAC system uses the 'fan-on' setting to continuously cycle air for cleaning, then air cleaning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors air quality sensor outputs and blower runtime continuously, using this feedback to dynamically adjust whether the blower should operate. When air quality deteriorates below thresholds or cleaning quotas are not met, the controller activates the blower; when air quality is good and quotas are satisfied, it deactivates the blower, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously determines when air cleaning is needed by monitoring air quality sensors and calculating blower runtime quotas without user intervention. The controller automatically activates or deactivates the blower based on real-time air quality conditions and accumulated runtime, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for manual 'fan-on' settings
2Use of energy by moving object
If the HVAC system relies on user intervention to activate air cleaning, then energy consumption is reduced, but air cleaning reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Air quality sensors continuously monitor environmental conditions and provide feedback to the controller. When pollutant levels exceed predetermined thresholds or air quality deteriorates, the controller automatically activates the blower for cleaning, ensuring reliable air quality maintenance without requiring user awareness or intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual user control mechanisms with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors and algorithms to monitor air quality and regulate blower operation. This substitution of mechanical/user-based control with sensor-driven automated control ensures the system responds reliably to actual air quality conditions without human intervention
3Reliability
If the blower runs continuously to ensure adequate air cleaning, then air cleaning effectiveness is improved, but filter life decreases due to increased usage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous blower operation, the system applies partial action by running the blower only when and for as long as needed to meet air quality standards and runtime quotas. The controller calculates the minimum necessary runtime to achieve adequate cleaning based on air quality deterioration rates, avoiding excessive blower operation that would unnecessarily shorten filter life while still maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic monitoring of air quality conditions and periodic activation of the blower based on accumulated runtime quotas. Rather than continuous operation, the blower is activated in periodic cycles only when air quality sensors detect deterioration or when the controller determines cleaning is due, reducing overall runtime and extending filter life while maintaining effective periodic cleaning
Data Source
AI summary
An active air cleaning controller is connected to a forced air heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The active air cleaning controller uses call signals from a thermostat to the HVAC system and/or sensor signals to determine when, and for how long, the blower of the HVAC system has been active and whether to independently activate the blower. The active air cleaning controller uses at least the collected information regarding the blower run time to determine when to activate the blower, in addition to its use within the HVAC system, to cycle and thus clean the air in a living environment independently of call signals used to activate heating and/or cooling functions of the HVAC system.