Chilled Beam Fin Structure with Integrated Lighting and Coanda Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chilled beams often block light sources and can generate condensation that drips on individuals below them, especially in low water temperature or high humidity environments, which poses a challenge in providing effective lighting and temperature control in HVAC systems.
Innovation Solution
A chilled beam design incorporating a fin structure that utilizes the Coanda effect to redirect air flow, includes a cooling coil for temperature control, and integrates lighting fixtures within the fins for both direct and indirect lighting, along with a control system that manages humidity and temperature using heated or chilled water, and a controller to adjust lighting and heating as needed to prevent condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If chilled beam is used to provide cooled air, then cooling function is improved, but light blockage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the chilled beam structure with lighting fixtures into a single integrated unit. The lighting fixtures are mounted within the chilled beam assembly, allowing simultaneous provision of cooling and lighting functions without requiring separate installations, thereby resolving the light blockage issue by making the light source part of the beam structure itself
Solution Approach 2:
The chilled beam is designed to perform multiple functions: cooling through the cooling coil, lighting through integrated fixtures, and potential heating through hot water circulation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate HVAC and lighting systems, addressing the light blockage problem by incorporating lighting as an inherent feature rather than an external addition
2Temperature
If low water temperature is used in chilled beam, then cooling efficiency is improved, but condensation generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts water temperature parameters based on environmental conditions. When condensation risk is detected through humidity sensors, the control system modifies the water temperature parameter to prevent condensation while maintaining cooling efficiency through optimized temperature control strategies
Solution Approach 2:
The chilled beam incorporates sensors that monitor humidity levels and condensation conditions in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to adjust operating parameters proactively, preventing condensation formation by modifying water temperature or airflow conditions before condensation occurs, thus maintaining cooling efficiency without the harmful condensation effect
3Temperature
If high humidity environment is present, then cooling demand is improved, but condensation dripping increases
Solution Approach 1:
Humidity sensors integrated into the chilled beam continuously monitor environmental humidity levels. When high humidity conditions are detected, the control system activates feedback mechanisms to adjust operational parameters, preventing condensation dripping while meeting cooling demand through coordinated control of water flow and airflow
4Object-generated harmful factors
If heating is added to prevent condensation, then condensation control is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes water temperature parameters based on real-time humidity and condensation conditions. Heating is applied selectively and only when condensation risk is detected, rather than continuously. This parameter adjustment strategy prevents condensation control through targeted heating, minimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary heating operation
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 directs air flow to avoid drafts, provides controlled lighting and temperature adjustments, and prevents condensation from forming, enhancing comfort and safety under chilled beams while allowing for both cooling and heating functions.
Implementation Method 1
A chilled beam is disclosed that uses a fin structure to create a Coanda effect, to modify the flow of air from the chilled beam from a vent disposed in the fin structure
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprising a fin structure, a vent disposed in the fin structure, a cooling coil disposed in the vent, a light disposed in the fin structure and wherein the fin structure is configured to create a Coanda effect for air exiting the vent.