Columnar Air Nozzle for Aisle De-Stratification Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems lead to significant air temperature stratification between ceilings and floors in large spaces, resulting in inefficient heating and cooling costs and stagnant air pockets, particularly in structures with high ceilings like grocery stores and warehouses.
Innovation Solution
A columnar air moving device with a housing, impeller, and nozzle is designed to de-stratify air in a localized, elongate pattern, reducing temperature gradients by directing air from the ceiling to the floor with an oblong column, thereby reducing energy consumption and eliminating air movement directly onto refrigeration units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional HVAC systems are used in large spaces with high ceilings, then heating and cooling can be provided, but air temperature stratification occurs between ceiling and floor resulting in increased energy costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the air movement function by using multiple distributed air moving devices positioned throughout the space rather than relying on a single centralized HVAC system. Each device independently creates localized air circulation patterns that collectively address stratification across the entire large space, reducing the energy required for heating and cooling while improving temperature uniformity.
2Temperature
If air moving devices are used to de-stratify air in narrow aisles, then temperature gradients are reduced, but air may be moved directly onto refrigeration units causing condensation and fogging
Solution Approach 1:
The air moving device is designed with an elongated outlet geometry that creates a localized air movement pattern specifically tailored for narrow aisle configurations. The outlet dimensions and orientation are optimized to direct air flow along the aisle length rather than toward adjacent refrigeration units, achieving temperature uniformity in the aisle while preventing condensation and fogging on cooling equipment.
3Temperature
If multiple air moving devices are deployed to cover large areas, then air stratification is reduced, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air moving device is designed as a universal unit that can be deployed in various configurations to address different space requirements. The device incorporates an adjustable outlet orientation and elongated geometry that allows it to effectively serve both narrow aisle de-stratification and broader area temperature distribution functions, reducing the total number of devices needed while maintaining installation simplicity.
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 effectively reduces energy requirements, increases shopper comfort, and minimizes condensation and floor hazards in grocery stores by evenly distributing air temperature, allowing for increased shopping time and reduced liability from slippery floors.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller. The impeller can be rotatably mounted within the housing adjacent the first end of the housing. In some embodiments, the impeller has one or more rotor blades capable of directing a volume of air toward the second end of the housing.
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle. The nozzle can be mounted in the housing between the impeller and the second end of the housing. The nozzle can have an inlet with a circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the nozzle has an outlet with an oblong cross-section.
Data Source
AI summary
An air moving device includes a housing member, an impeller assembly, and a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly can include one or more angled vanes set an angle with respect to a central axis of the air moving device. The air moving device can output a column of moving air having an oblong and/or rectangular cross-section. A dispersion pattern of the column of moving air upon the floor of an enclosure in which the air moving device is installed can have an oblong and/or rectangular shape. The dimensions of the dispersion pattern may be varied by moving the air moving device toward or away from the floor, and/or by changing the angles of the stator vanes within the nozzle assembly.