Cloud based HVAC management apparatus and system for air purification, indoor air quality monitoring, and methods for implementing the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current HVAC systems lack the technology to efficiently purify air and provide continuous feedback on operational efficiency, failing to monitor indoor air quality effectively, leading to inefficient energy use, potential health risks, and system degradation due to factors like refrigerant leaks and poor installation.

Innovation Solution

A cloud-based HVAC management system integrated with air purification and indoor air quality monitoring, utilizing AI for real-time data analysis and dynamic adjustments, including photocatalytic oxidation units and high-efficiency particulate filters, to optimize energy efficiency and air quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional HVAC systems are used with basic thermostat control, then the system structure remains simple, but air purification capability is insufficient and indoor air quality cannot be effectively monitored

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindoor air qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines air purification functions, indoor air quality monitoring, and HVAC control into an integrated system. The air handler unit incorporates filters, UV lights, and sensors directly into the HVAC infrastructure, while the mobile device app consolidates control and monitoring capabilities, creating a unified solution that improves air quality without requiring completely separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device app serves multiple functions including controlling HVAC operations, monitoring air quality parameters, receiving notifications about system status, and providing energy consumption data. The air handler unit simultaneously performs heating, cooling, filtration, and air purification functions, making the system highly versatile and reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of energy

If HVAC systems operate without continuous monitoring, then the system operation is simple, but energy efficiency deteriorates and system degradation occurs due to undetected issues like refrigerant leaks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcontinuous monitoring
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors HVAC operations and indoor air quality parameters, transmitting data to a remote server that analyzes performance metrics. The system provides feedback through notifications to users about energy consumption patterns, system efficiency, and maintenance needs, enabling optimized operation and early detection of problems such as refrigerant leaks or filter clogging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically tracks energy consumption, monitors air quality parameters, and provides maintenance recommendations without requiring manual intervention. The mobile app delivers notifications about system status and efficiency metrics, allowing the HVAC system to self-optimize operations and alert users to issues before they become critical problems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If basic filtration is used in HVAC systems, then the device complexity remains low, but air purification effectiveness is insufficient to remove harmful particles and pollutants

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair purification effectivenessVSAvoidfiltration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs multi-stage filtration with different filter types positioned at specific locations within the air handler unit. HEPA filters capture particulate matter, while activated carbon filters address gaseous pollutants and odors. UV lights are positioned to treat air in specific zones, providing targeted purification for different types of contaminants based on their properties and locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The filtration system combines multiple filter media with different properties - HEPA filters for particle removal, activated carbon for gas absorption, and UV treatment for microbial elimination. This composite approach integrates materials with complementary functions to achieve comprehensive air purification that addresses various types of pollutants simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 system ensures efficient air purification and monitoring, reducing energy waste, improving indoor air quality, and extending HVAC system lifespan by addressing inefficiencies and health risks through continuous data analysis and autonomous adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing AI for real-time data analysis and dynamic adjustments, including photocatalytic oxidation units and high-efficiency particulate filters

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotocatalytic oxidation: Photo-oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS12111064B2Cloud based HVAC management apparatus and system for air purification, indoor air quality monitoring, and methods for implementing the same
Publication Date: 2024.10.08 ENERGY CLOUD INC
  • US12111064B2 patent drawing
  • US12111064B2 patent drawing
  • US12111064B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to a uniquely designed air-purification, remote HVAC management, and indoor air quality monitoring system including an online cloud-based platform. In various embodiments, the air purification system is configured for generating a photocatalytic oxidation reaction so as to purify the air traversing through an HVAC unit. The system may be a locally based system that utilizes a specially designed Artificial Intelligence platform for optimizing energy efficiency, enthalpy, and air quality based on continual sensor data collection, indoor air quality measurements, and dynamically adjusted operating parameters. A fault indicator and communications display may also be included.