Direct room economizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Buildings with unbalanced temperature distribution face challenges in efficiently cooling specific rooms without incurring high costs or complexity, as existing HVAC systems are not designed to address localized heat issues effectively, and standalone economizers lack the insulating benefits of duct-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic venting device with an adjustable insulating gate, electric motor, and controller is installed directly in rooms, using high R-value materials and wireless weather data access to accurately assess outdoor conditions and pre-cool rooms before temperature rises, thereby reducing energy costs and improving cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a standalone economizer is installed directly in a room, then cooling can be provided without complex HVAC controls, but the device lacks the insulating benefits of duct-based systems leading to energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary cooling by pulling outdoor air through the housing during periods when indoor temperature is acceptable, pre-cooling the air and storing it as thermal energy in the housing structure before peak heating periods occur
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the thermal parameters of the housing by allowing it to act as both an insulator and a thermal storage medium, utilizing the housing's thermal mass to absorb and release heat as needed
2Loss of energy
If high R-value insulating materials are used in the device housing, then thermal energy loss is reduced, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, acts as an insulator, and functions as thermal energy storage, eliminating the need for separate insulation components and reducing overall system cost
3Productivity
If the device pulls outdoor air directly into the room, then cooling capacity is increased, but air seepage occurs in extreme hot or cold weather
Solution Approach 1:
The device housing acts as an intermediary thermal chamber between the outdoor environment and the indoor space, allowing air to be pre-cooled or pre-heated within the housing before entering the room, reducing thermal shock and energy loss
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 device effectively cools target rooms with minimal energy expenditure by using high R-value materials for insulation and wireless weather data to optimize cooling, reducing the need for complex HVAC controls and minimizing energy losses.
Implementation Method 1
trapping a volume of air in the airflow path, which serves as a gaseous insulator between the indoor and outdoor environments
Implementation Method 2
using high R-value materials for insulation
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method to provide direct room air cooling. The device is a duct-less economizer that runs independent of existing HVAC systems. The device has its own thermostat setting and is capable of providing significant insulation values when closed. In addition, the method by which the device determines the availability of cool air is improved. This is achieved by using internet weather data, to read outdoor heat indexes, instead of primarily relying on local sensors.