Building Airflow Control Using Secondary Compartments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current building codes and standards for air flow in buildings are inadequate, as they lack scientific rationale and fail to consider geographic and climatic variations, leading to inefficient energy consumption and unsuitable indoor conditions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a comprehensive understanding of thermal and aerodynamic behavior in buildings through advanced control systems that use sensors and actuators to modulate air flow, temperature, and humidity, driven by reduced order models and numerical simulations to optimize energy usage and indoor conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If current building codes and standards for air flow are used, then building construction is simplified, but energy consumption increases and indoor conditions become inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuilding construction simplicityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters of air flow control by transitioning from static building codes to dynamic control systems that adjust air flow rates, temperature, and humidity based on real-time environmental conditions and occupancy, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic air flow modulation through control systems that continuously adjust ventilation rates and environmental parameters based on sensor feedback, replacing static building code requirements with adaptive control strategies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If current building codes and standards for air flow are used, then construction processes are simplified, but indoor conditions become unsuitable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction process simplicityVSAvoidindoor condition suitability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback control systems with sensors that monitor indoor environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, air quality) and adjust air flow parameters accordingly, ensuring reliable and suitable indoor conditions while maintaining construction simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system automatically regulates indoor environmental conditions based on sensor inputs and pre-programmed parameters, making the building self-regulating without requiring complex construction modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If geographic and climatic variations are not considered in air flow standards, then universal building codes are achieved, but energy efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuilding code universalityVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by configuring control systems with location-specific parameters that account for geographic and climatic variations, allowing each building to be optimized for its specific environment while using a universal control platform

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Use of energy by moving object

If advanced control systems with sensors and actuators are implemented, then energy usage is optimized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy usage optimizationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a single integrated control system that performs multiple functions (air flow control, temperature regulation, humidity control) through a unified platform, reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (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

This approach reduces energy expenditure, extends the lifespan of building materials, and provides a more efficient and sustainable method for maintaining desired indoor conditions, while superseding outdated air flow standards.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sensor to provide electronic signals representing solar radiation levels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolar radiation detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

at least one sensor to provide electronic signals representing ambient air temperature levels, at least one sensor to provide electronic signals representing air temperature in said at least one secondary compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature detection: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

controlling means to modulate the throughput of passive air flow to and from said at least one secondary compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPassive air flow: Free Convection

Implementation Method 4

controlling means to modulate the throughput of actively driven air flow to and from said at least one secondary compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectActively driven air flow: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11262095B2System for controlling airfow of a building

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 ODANIELS LLC

AI summary

The invention concerns predominantly enclosed spaces, typically buildings, which are exposed to directionally and temporally varying levels of solar electromagnetic radiation, as well as temporally varying levels of ambient air temperature, flow velocity and direction. Such a building can include at least one primary compartment and at least one secondary compartment. The primary compartment predominantly serves to achieve the primary purpose of the building. An electronic controller can modulate air flow to and from the secondary compartment.