System and apparatus for conditioning of indoor air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chilled beam control systems are complex and costly, limiting their adoption due to high installation costs and inability to efficiently provide simultaneous heating and cooling across different zones with varying dew point temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A control system that independently regulates each chilled beam using a recirculation pump and control valve to combine return water with supply water, adjusting flow and temperature to meet specific heating and cooling demands, eliminating the need for secondary piping and balancing valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing chilled beam control systems are used, then heating and cooling can be provided across zones, but the systems are complex and costly with high installation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the chilled beam network into independently controllable zones, each with its own control valve and recirculation pump. This segmentation allows each zone to be controlled separately, reducing the complexity of centralized control systems while enabling customized temperature management for different building zones with varying heating and cooling demands
Solution Approach 2:
Each chilled beam zone is equipped with its own recirculation pump and control valve, allowing the system to self-regulate water flow and temperature without requiring complex external control mechanisms. The recirculation pumps maintain water flow through each zone independently, and control valves automatically adjust flow based on local temperature sensors, eliminating the need for sophisticated centralized control systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing chilled beam control systems are used, then heating and cooling can be provided, but the systems cannot efficiently respond to specific heating and cooling demands of different zones
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements local temperature control in each chilled beam zone by equipping them with individual control valves and recirculation pumps. Temperature sensors in each zone provide feedback to control valves that adjust water flow locally, allowing each zone to maintain its optimal temperature independently. This local quality control enables the system to adapt to different heating and cooling demands in various building zones without wasting energy on uniform conditioning
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors in each chilled beam zone continuously monitor local conditions and provide feedback to control valves. When a zone reaches its target temperature, the sensor signals the control valve to reduce or stop water flow to that zone. This feedback mechanism ensures the system responds efficiently to actual heating and cooling demands, preventing energy waste on already-conditioned zones while maintaining comfort in zones that need conditioning
3Temperature
If water temperature is reduced to meet cooling demands, then cooling efficiency improves, but condensation occurs when water temperature approaches dew point
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts water temperature parameters in each chilled beam zone based on local conditions. Recirculation pumps maintain water flow through the beams, and control valves modulate flow rates to optimize heat transfer. Temperature sensors monitor local air and water temperatures, allowing the system to adjust water temperature parameters to provide efficient cooling while maintaining temperatures above the dew point to prevent condensation on cooling coils
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 reduces installation costs, allows for immediate responsiveness to specific heating and cooling demands, and prevents condensation by maintaining water temperatures above dew points, enhancing comfort and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A control system may pump a portion of the flow that has already passed through the chilled beam and combine it with liquid from the supply to achieve a flow into the chilled beam that has a desired input temperature
Implementation Method 2
Water is passed through a finned-tube coil of pipe which exchanges heat with the surrounding air through radiation and convection
Implementation Method 3
Water is passed through a finned-tube coil of pipe which exchanges heat with the surrounding air through radiation and convection
Implementation Method 4
A control valve and recirculation pump may be controlled to vary the relative amounts of the recirculation flow and supply flow to achieve the desired temperature for the liquid flowing into the chilled beam
Implementation Method 5
A sensor may be provided to measure the temperature of liquid flowing into the chilled beam
Implementation Method 6
A control module may control the position of the control valve based on the sensor measurements and a desired input temperature for the liquid flowing into the chilled beam
Implementation Method 7
Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) are a special type of DOAS, which make use of the energy recovery process by exchanging the energy contained in the exhausted building air and use it to condition the incoming, outdoor air
Implementation Method 8
An ERV is a type of air-to-air heat exchanger that not only transfers sensible heat but also latent heat. Since both temperature and moisture are transferred, ERVs can be considered as total enthalpy exchange devices
Implementation Method 9
This supply air is then forced through nozzles in order to create high velocity air streams which reduces the pressure, inducing room air up through the heating/cooling coil
Data Source
AI summary
A control system is provided for controlling heating and/or cooling with a conditioning load such as fan coils and chilled beams. Based on user input and ambient conditions, the control system determines a desired temperature for the liquid entering the load and combines fresh supply liquid (e.g., from a chiller or boiler) with a portion of the liquid that has passed through the load, to achieve the target load input temperature for the liquid. A recirculation pump may be used to return a portion of the liquid exiting the load for mixing with the fresh supply liquid and a control valve may be used to adjust the ratio of fresh supply liquid and recirculated liquid to achieve the targeted temperature. The control systems can be compatible with a variety of liquid supply systems such as two- and four-pipe systems.