Method and system for monitoring air leaks through a building envelope and controlling a ventilation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Buildings experience significant energy loss due to air leakage through the building envelope, which is challenging to address effectively with existing methods, especially in retrofitting old buildings.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for monitoring air leakage in buildings and controlling ventilation systems based on real-time measurements of air pressure, humidity, and temperature, aiming to balance indoor-outdoor air pressure and minimize energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If sealing openings in the building envelope is performed to reduce air leakage, then energy loss is reduced, but retrofitting costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the approach from modifying the building envelope structure to adjusting operational parameters (air pressure differential) to control air leakage. By dynamically controlling indoor air pressure relative to outdoor pressure, the system reduces energy loss without requiring physical sealing of openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically sealing building envelope openings with a control system that uses sensors and actuators to dynamically adjust air pressure. This substitution transforms a construction-based solution into a controllable operational system.
2Loss of energy
If air pressure control approach is implemented to minimize pressure difference, then energy loss is reduced, but measurement and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback by measuring the air pressure differential across the building envelope and using this information to control ventilation systems. The feedback loop dynamically adjusts ventilation to maintain optimal pressure balance, reducing energy loss while managing complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single control platform that handles pressure measurement, energy loss calculation, ventilation control, and monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating measurement and control tasks rather than requiring separate specialized systems.
3Loss of energy
If real-time monitoring of air leakage is implemented, then energy loss is reduced, but system complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system automatically measures pressure differential, calculates air leakage rates, determines energy loss, and controls ventilation without requiring external intervention. The system serves itself by using its own measurements to make control decisions, reducing the need for complex external control infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring and control infrastructure with an integrated electronic system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators. This substitution simplifies the overall system by using modern electronic control rather than complex mechanical arrangements.
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 effectively calculates and displays the current air flow and energy loss through the building envelope, enabling targeted control of ventilation systems to reduce energy consumption and prevent condensation issues.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a measurement of a current difference in air pressure on respective sides of the envelope
Implementation Method 2
calculating a current flow of air per unit time through the envelope based on said correspondence and said current difference in air pressure
Implementation Method 3
calculating an energy loss resulting from air leakage based on the calculated current flow of air per unit time through the envelope, and the measured or calculated absolute air pressure outside the building envelope, the humidity outside the building envelope, and the temperature outside and inside the building envelope
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for estimating energy loss or controlling ventilation in a building based on measurements of air pressure differences between inside and outside of the building envelope. The measured differences may be used to calculate air leakage and corresponding energy loss, or to control a ventilation system in order to minimize air pressure difference and thereby the energy loss.Energy loss may be calculated by obtaining an estimate of a correspondence between air flow through a building envelope and a difference in air pressure on respective sides of the envelope, obtaining a measurement of a current difference in air pressure on respective sides of the envelope, calculating a current flow of air per unit time through the envelope based on said correspondence and said current difference in air pressure, and providing a representation of the calculated current flow of air per unit time through the envelope.