Controlled dilution flow in critical environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air distribution systems in critical environments, such as operating rooms, fail to provide a controlled dilution fluid flow pattern, leading to unsatisfactory airflow and potential contamination due to reverse flow and inadequate control over thermal and velocity conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple fluid supply nozzles, where a first nozzle directs a jet towards the center of the critical area and a second nozzle directs a jet towards the perimeter, with adjustable momentum to prevent backflow and ensure uniform cleanliness and thermal comfort, using a ring-shaped air supply device with configurable guiding paddles to fine-tune the airflow pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a low turbulent flow ceiling supply system is used to provide air supply over the operation area, then the system is easy to install and maintain, but it fails to provide desired zoning and results in mixed conditions with reverse flow into the critical zone
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply system is segmented into multiple independent nozzles distributed across the ceiling, each capable of directing airflow independently. This segmentation allows precise control over airflow patterns to different zones, preventing reverse flow while maintaining ease of installation through modular nozzle units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs adjustable nozzles that can dynamically change their airflow direction and momentum. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different operational conditions, maintaining reliable airflow control by preventing reverse flow into critical zones while keeping the overall system simple and maintainable.
2Productivity
If mixing solutions with swirl diffusers are used in the ceiling, then the system provides air circulation, but it allows contaminated air to enter the wound area from the floor level and lacks control over velocity conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Different nozzles are designed with different airflow characteristics tailored to their specific locations and functions. Nozzles in critical areas are configured to provide high-velocity laminar flow that prevents contamination, while other nozzles provide circulation. This local differentiation achieves effective air circulation while eliminating contamination risks through precise velocity control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key airflow parameters such as velocity, direction, and flow rate for different nozzles based on their location and function. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves effective air circulation in non-critical zones while maintaining high-velocity protective flows in critical zones, thereby preventing contamination while ensuring productivity.
3Device complexity
If a high wall or ceiling/wall corner supply system is used, then the system can be simple in design, but it is very sensitive to temperature differences and may blow air past the operating personnel or directly to the floor, bringing settled contaminants into the operational area
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply is divided into multiple independent nozzles positioned strategically across the ceiling rather than relying on a single high wall or corner supply. This segmentation allows each nozzle to be optimized for its specific location, preventing the introduction of contaminants while maintaining simple individual nozzle designs that are easy to install and adjust.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzles are pre-configured with adjustable mechanisms that allow optimization of airflow direction and velocity before operation begins. This preliminary adjustment ensures that airflows are properly directed toward critical zones without blowing past personnel or to the floor, preventing contaminant introduction while keeping the overall system design simple.
4Reliability
If a parallel flow system with elongated air supply devices is used, then the system can provide air supply to the center of the critical zone, but it cannot adjust the jet velocity and the design is based only on fixed distance from the center
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzles are designed with adjustable mechanisms that allow dynamic control of jet velocity and direction. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain reliable air supply to the critical zone center while adapting jet velocities to different operational conditions, personnel configurations, and contamination risks, thereby achieving both reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows adjustment of key airflow parameters including velocity, direction, and flow rate for each nozzle. By changing these parameters, the system can reliably supply air to the critical zone center while adapting to different operational requirements, eliminating the fixed-distance limitation and providing versatile control over airflow characteristics.
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 achieves a controlled dilution fluid flow pattern that effectively flushes contaminants out of the critical area, prevents reverse flow, and maintains desired air velocity and thermal conditions, enhancing cleanliness and comfort in critical rooms.
Implementation Method 1
A first fluid supply nozzle is configured to provide a first fluid supply jet to provide a first flow of the fluid towards a substantial center of the critical area. A second fluid nozzle is configured to provide a second fluid supply jet to provide a second flow of the fluid towards a perimeter of the room.
Implementation Method 2
A momentum of the first fluid supply jet and a momentum of the second supply fluid jet are adjusted so that the substantial center of the critical area is flushed by the first flow and penetration of the second flow into the substantial center of the critical area is generally prevented.
Data Source
AI summary
A controlled dilution fluid flow pattern is described. In an embodiment, a fluid supply device is configured for controlling a pattern of a flow of a fluid within a critical room. The critical room comprises a critical area subject to contamination. A first fluid supply nozzle is configured to provide a first fluid supply jet to provide a first flow of the fluid towards a substantial center of the critical area. A second fluid nozzle is configured to provide a second fluid supply jet to provide a second flow of the fluid towards a perimeter of the room. A momentum of the first fluid supply jet and a momentum of the second fluid supply jet are adjusted so that the substantial center of the critical area is flushed by the first flow and penetration of the second flow into the substantial center of the critical area is generally prevented. In other embodiments, a HVAC system and method are discussed along with the features of the device.