Active Chilled Beam Bypass Plenum for Pressure-Driven Ventilation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing active chilled beam apparatuses are unable to increase blower airflow without altering their operation, particularly in scenarios requiring enhanced ventilation, as additional air must pass through induction nozzles, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

An active chilled beam apparatus with an integrated barometric air damper that opens when air pressure in the plenum exceeds a threshold, allowing bypass of the induction nozzles and increased airflow without passing through them, utilizing a pivotable damper and adjustable actuator to control airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If additional blower air is passed through the induction nozzles to satisfy increased ventilation requirements, then ventilation capacity is improved, but pressure loss and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation air volumeVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The air outlet is segmented into two separate paths: induction nozzles for conditioned air and a bypass plenum for additional ventilation air. This allows independent control of each airflow path, enabling increased ventilation without forcing additional air through the induction nozzle system, thereby reducing pressure loss and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A bypass plenum is introduced as an intermediary structure that provides an alternative pathway for ventilation air to exit the apparatus. This mediator component allows air to bypass the induction nozzles entirely, eliminating the pressure loss and energy waste associated with forcing air through the nozzle system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If additional blower air is passed through the induction nozzles to satisfy increased ventilation requirements, then ventilation capacity is improved, but pressure loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation air volumeVSAvoidpressure loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The air outlet is segmented into two separate paths: induction nozzles for conditioned air and a bypass plenum for additional ventilation air. This allows independent control of each airflow path, enabling increased ventilation without forcing additional air through the induction nozzle system, thereby reducing pressure loss and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A bypass plenum is introduced as an intermediary structure that provides an alternative pathway for ventilation air to exit the apparatus. This mediator component allows air to bypass the induction nozzles entirely, eliminating the pressure loss and energy waste associated with forcing air through the nozzle system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If the blower volume is increased to provide additional ventilation air, then ventilation capacity is improved, but the operation of the apparatus is altered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation air volumeVSAvoidoperational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A controllable damper is installed in the bypass plenum to dynamically regulate the airflow through the bypass path. This allows the system to adapt to different ventilation requirements by adjusting the damper position, providing operational flexibility without altering the blower's normal operation or the induction nozzle performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass plenum with controllable damper provides a universal solution that can accommodate various ventilation requirements. The system can operate in different modes: normal operation through induction nozzles, increased ventilation through bypass plenum, or a combination of both, making the apparatus versatile without requiring multiple specialized systems.

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 solution enhances ventilation efficiency by providing additional air to the space without high pressure loss and energy consumption, allowing for increased heat exchange and conditioned air dispersal without altering the apparatus's normal operation.

Implementation Method 1

The integrated barometric air damper is actuated as a result of a change in air pressure within the plenum or air manifold of the chilled beam apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure threshold triggering: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

allow air from the manifold to exit the air handling unit without passing through the apertures when a pressure within the manifold exceeds a threshold pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10830486B2Air handling unit and method for controlling a flow of air therethrough

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 MESTEK INC

AI summary

An air handling unit includes a manifold having an inlet configured to receive a supply of air, a plurality of apertures formed in the manifold, the apertures enabling a passage of air from the manifold out of said the handling unit, a bypass plenum formed in the manifold, and a damper positioned within the bypass plenum. The damper is pivotable between a closed position and an open position to allow air from the manifold to exit the air handling unit without passing through the apertures when a pressure within the manifold exceeds a threshold pressure.