Method for controlling doors for natural ventilation during the summer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Natural ventilation in buildings during the summer period can lead to discomfort due to temperature fluctuations, with high outside temperatures causing indoor heat discomfort and cooler periods potentially resulting in cold discomfort, making it challenging to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without electricity or maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A method using an electronic control device connected to temperature and occupancy sensors, which determines a minimum comfort temperature and models the interior temperature evolution to control openings and blinds, optimizing natural ventilation by opening or closing them based on predicted temperatures and occupancy patterns to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If openings are opened for natural ventilation during hot periods, then indoor cooling is improved, but hot discomfort occurs when outside temperature is too high
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling of the building during nighttime hours when outdoor temperatures are lower, storing thermal energy in the building's thermal mass. This preliminary action allows the building to maintain comfortable temperatures during daytime hot periods without requiring openings to be closed, thus avoiding hot discomfort while benefiting from nighttime ventilation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the opening status based on real-time temperature measurements, weather forecasts, and occupancy patterns. Openings are opened when outdoor temperature is lower than indoor temperature and closed when outdoor temperature exceeds comfort thresholds, creating a dynamic response that adapts to changing thermal conditions throughout the day and night.
2Temperature
If openings are opened during cooler periods to cool the building, then indoor temperature reduction is improved, but cold discomfort occurs when indoor temperature becomes too low
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors indoor temperature through sensors and uses this feedback to control opening status. When indoor temperature approaches the lower comfort threshold, the system closes openings to prevent further cooling, thus avoiding cold discomfort. The feedback loop ensures temperature remains within the comfort range by adjusting opening status in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cooling during nighttime when outdoor temperatures are moderate, cooling the building thermal mass to a comfortable level before occupancy. This preliminary action prevents the need for excessive cooling during daytime, avoiding cold discomfort while achieving adequate temperature reduction.
3Stability of the object's composition
If openings are kept closed to maintain temperature control, then temperature stability is improved, but natural ventilation effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic opening schedules based on daily thermal cycles, opening windows during nighttime hours for ventilation and cooling, then closing them during daytime to maintain temperature stability. This periodic action captures the beneficial cooling effect of nighttime ventilation while preventing daytime heat gain, thus maintaining both ventilation effectiveness and temperature stability.
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 effectively regulates indoor temperatures within defined comfort ranges, preventing both hot and cold discomfort by strategically controlling openings and blinds, ensuring energy efficiency and occupant comfort during varying weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Air moves due to pressure differences caused by the wind between the building's facades and the difference in density between comparatively warmer and cooler air. This is known as thermal draft or the chimney effect.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling openings and/or blinds of a building, or a zone of a building, in order to allow natural ventilation in the summer period, the method for determining, as a function of the internal temperature of the building, or the zone of the building, a model of the evolution of the internal temperature of the building, or the zone of the building, and a model of the occupancy of the building, or the zone of the building, an optimal time for closing the openings ensuring that the internal temperature of the building or the zone of the building is above a minimum temperature when it is occupied while having maximized the cooling potential of the building or the zone of the building.