Hub for the modulated distribution of fresh air

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing double-flow ventilation systems face challenges in balancing extraction and supply flow rates, leading to inadequate air distribution and energy inefficiencies, as they often fail to prioritize rooms with higher ventilation needs.

Innovation Solution

A double-flow ventilation device equipped with sensors and a hub system that manages and adjusts both extraction and supply flow rates dynamically, using controllable valves and pressure sensors to ensure balanced and targeted air distribution based on real-time needs, allowing for complete control and flexibility in installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If extraction flow rate is modulated by sensors in service rooms, then extraction ventilation needs are met, but supply air requirements may not be met and fixed distribution does not allow favoring rooms with greater supply air requirement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction ventilation effectivenessVSAvoidsupply air distribution flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The supply air distribution system is segmented into multiple independently controllable zones or rooms, each equipped with its own flow control valve. This allows the supply air flow to be divided and distributed according to the specific needs of each room, rather than using a fixed distribution system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from fixed flow distribution to dynamic flow modulation. Flow control valves are installed in the supply air ducts to allow real-time adjustment of air flow rates to different rooms based on occupancy sensors or user preferences, enabling the system to adapt to varying ventilation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If supply airflow is modulated by sensors in main rooms, then supply ventilation needs are met, but extraction needs may not be met and fixed distribution does not allow favoring rooms with greater extraction need

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupply ventilation effectivenessVSAvoidextraction air distribution flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction air distribution system is segmented into multiple independently controllable zones or rooms, each equipped with its own flow control valve. This allows the extraction air flow to be divided and distributed according to the specific needs of each room, rather than using a fixed distribution system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from fixed flow distribution to dynamic flow modulation. Flow control valves are installed in the extraction air ducts to allow real-time adjustment of air flow rates to different rooms based on occupancy sensors or user preferences, enabling the system to adapt to varying ventilation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If both extraction and supply airflow rates are modulated using sensors in every room connected to a central control unit, then flow balance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow balance efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each room's ventilation flow is controlled by local sensors and flow control valves that automatically adjust based on local conditions (occupancy, temperature, humidity). The system self-regulates without requiring a complex central control unit, as each zone independently manages its own air flow based on local sensor feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enables efficient and adaptive air management, ensuring that both extraction and supply flow rates are balanced and optimized to meet the specific needs of each room, enhancing energy efficiency and extending the life of ventilation components.

Implementation Method 1

one fan extracts air from service rooms (kitchen, bathroom and toilet), another blows fresh air into the main rooms (living room, dining room, bedrooms). The two flows cross in a special element called a heat exchanger, in which the extracted (warmer) air exchanges its calories with the fresh (colder) air.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP3213004B1Hub for the modulated distribution of fresh air
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 AERECO
  • EP3213004B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to an appliance for a double-flow ventilation device with modulated extraction, or blowing, of air, for an enclosure comprising two groups of at least one room, i.e. a first group and a second group, the appliance being characterised in that it comprises at least one sensor for determining blowing requirements of the first group, and a hub for managing a blowing, or extraction, flow from the second group, comprising at least one means for managing the blowing, or extraction, flow which is controllable according to the blowing requirements of the first group, and at least one sensor for detecting the pressure in the hub, the hub being built into the double-flow ventilation device in such a way as to receive the blowing, or extraction, flow.