Ceiling-Mounted Air Mixing Device for Temperature Destratification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air mixing devices in open building spaces face challenges in achieving efficient air mixing and distribution while maintaining energy efficiency, leading to temperature stratification and uncomfortable drafts, particularly in commercial and industrial facilities with animal rearing environments.
Innovation Solution
An air mixing device with a centrifugal fan having dual axial inlets and radial blades, which mixes and tempers fresh outside air with warmer room air before discharging it laterally, creating a destratified air circulation pattern to promote uniform temperatures and air quality without the need for internal heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat exchanger elements are used to heat outside air prior to discharge, then air quality and temperature uniformity are improved, but energy consumption and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the building's own warm interior air to temper the incoming cold outside air, rather than using external heating equipment. The return air from the building interior serves as the heating medium, eliminating the need for separate heat exchanger elements and reducing energy consumption while maintaining temperature uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The return air from the building interior acts as an intermediary medium to transfer heat to the incoming outside air. This intermediate air stream facilitates heat exchange between the warm interior environment and cold exterior air, achieving temperature uniformity without direct heating equipment.
2Productivity
If heated air is discharged at high velocity to mix air, then air mixing efficiency is improved, but uncomfortable drafts and temperature fluctuations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the velocity parameter of the discharged air by mixing high-velocity incoming air with lower-velocity return air, resulting in a moderate velocity discharge that achieves adequate mixing efficiency while eliminating uncomfortable drafts and temperature fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The air discharge creates different flow characteristics at different locations - the mixed air stream provides sufficient velocity for mixing in the core region while the surrounding return air moderates the edges, preventing uncomfortable drafts at occupant level while maintaining mixing efficiency in the building interior.
3Temperature
If vertical air circulation is created to destratify air, then temperature uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air mixing device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it introduces fresh outside air, mixes it with return air, heats it using the building's own warm air, and distributes it vertically to destratify the interior space. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating equipment and complex vertical circulation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the functions of fresh air intake, air mixing, heating, and vertical distribution into a single integrated air mixing device. By merging these functions, the system achieves vertical temperature uniformity without requiring additional complex equipment or systems.
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 solution effectively destratifies air, reducing energy consumption by utilizing existing warmer room air for tempering, providing uniform temperatures and air quality, and minimizing drafts through gentle, consistent air distribution.
Implementation Method 1
Rotation of the fan draws inlet air through both the top and bottom air inlets, mixes the inlet air together, and radially discharges the mixed air laterally outwards from the fan
Implementation Method 2
creates an air circulation pattern that is intended to destratify air within the space to promote uniform temperatures and air quality
Data Source
AI summary
An air mixing system includes a building superstructure having an open space therein and an attic. An air mixing unit mounted to the ceiling draws air from the open space and the attic, mixes the air and discharges the mixed air outwards from the fan.