Coordinated IAQ Sensor and HVAC Control to Reduce Indoor Pollutants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current indoor air quality (IAQ) systems for buildings lack comprehensive control over parameters like relative humidity, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbon dioxide, often relying on separate HVAC systems and standalone devices without coordinated control.
Innovation Solution
An integrated IAQ system with sensors measuring multiple parameters and a control module that coordinates the operation of HVAC and standalone mitigation devices to maintain optimal indoor conditions by selectively turning HVAC and mitigation devices on or off based on measured parameters and their interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate HVAC systems and standalone IAQ devices are used without coordinated control, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but indoor air quality control effectiveness and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple standalone IAQ devices (humidifier, air purifier, dehumidifier) and the HVAC system into a coordinated control system. The controller integrates sensor data from multiple devices and coordinates their operation together with the HVAC system, transforming independent devices into a unified system that improves overall IAQ control effectiveness while managing complexity through centralized control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions by managing not only the HVAC system but also coordinating various standalone IAQ devices (humidifier, air purifier, dehumidifier). This multi-functional approach allows a single control unit to oversee the entire IAQ ecosystem, improving reliability through comprehensive monitoring and control without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple IAQ parameters are monitored and coordinated control is implemented, then indoor air quality and comfort are improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller periodically monitors multiple IAQ parameters (temperature, humidity, air quality) and adjusts device operation accordingly. Instead of continuous full-power operation, the system uses periodic sensing and conditional activation of mitigation devices, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective IAQ control through targeted intervention when parameters deviate from desired ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors IAQ parameters and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the operation of HVAC and standalone devices. Sensors provide real-time data on temperature, humidity, and air quality, and the controller responds by activating or adjusting mitigation devices only when needed, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining indoor air quality within acceptable ranges.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standalone mitigation devices are controlled independently based on single parameters, then device complexity is reduced, but comprehensive indoor air quality control and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary between multiple IAQ devices and the HVAC system. It receives input from various sensors monitoring different parameters (temperature, humidity, air quality) and coordinates the operation of multiple mitigation devices based on comprehensive analysis of all parameters. This intermediary role enables versatile, adaptive IAQ control by integrating information from multiple sources and orchestrating appropriate responses without requiring direct complex interconnections between all devices.
Data Source
AI summary
First and second IAQ sensors are located within a building and are configured to measure first and second IAQ parameters, respectively, the first and second IAQ parameter being the same one of: relative humidity; amount of particulate; amount of volatile organic compounds; and amount of carbon dioxide. A mitigation device is separate from an HVAC system and includes a control module configured to turn the mitigation device on and off based on the first IAQ parameter, the second IAQ parameter, and whether the HVAC system is on or off. A mitigation module is configured to selectively turn the HVAC system on and off based on the second IAQ parameter, the first IAQ parameter, and whether the HVAC system is on or off.