Dual inlet air diffuser
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems face challenges in providing 100% ventilation air without operating heating or cooling system fans, leading to inefficient energy use and comfort issues due to separate delivery of ventilation and conditioned air, which can result in inhomogeneous air distribution and failure to meet energy codes.
Innovation Solution
A dual inlet air diffuser that mixes ventilation air with conditioned air within a mixing body, discharging the mixture horizontally to prevent backflow and condensation, and includes a ventilation flow control element for precise modulation, allowing for efficient blending of air at different temperatures and humidity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ventilation air and conditioned air are delivered separately to occupied spaces, then ventilation requirements can be met, but energy efficiency deteriorates and air distribution becomes inhomogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate ventilation air delivery and conditioned air delivery into a single dual-inlet diffuser unit. The diffuser integrates two inlet ports (one for ventilation air, one for conditioned air) and merges their flows through a mixing chamber before discharge, eliminating the need for separate air outlets and improving energy efficiency while meeting ventilation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing chamber acts as an intermediary element between the ventilation air inlet and the conditioned air inlet. It provides a controlled environment where the two air streams can mix before being delivered to the occupied space, ensuring homogeneous air distribution and optimal energy efficiency.
2Productivity
If ventilation air and conditioned air are delivered separately, then air supply can be provided, but air distribution uniformity deteriorates due to inhomogeneous mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser merges ventilation air and conditioned air flows within a single device, ensuring they are delivered together to the occupied space. This integration guarantees homogeneous air distribution while maintaining adequate air supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing chamber serves as an intermediary that facilitates thorough mixing of the two air streams. Its design ensures that ventilation air and conditioned air are blended uniformly before discharge, eliminating temperature stratification and improving air distribution homogeneity.
3Productivity
If separate air outlets are used for ventilation and conditioned air, then air delivery can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple air delivery functions into a single dual-inlet diffuser unit with one discharge outlet. This integration reduces the number of separate air outlets and associated components, simplifying the HVAC system while maintaining full air delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-inlet diffuser performs multiple functions within a single device: it delivers ventilation air, delivers conditioned air, mixes the two air streams, and provides a unified discharge point. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity while maintaining air delivery effectiveness.
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 dual inlet air diffuser ensures comfortable and uniform air distribution by effectively mixing ventilation and conditioned air, optimizing energy efficiency and compliance with energy codes by eliminating the need for separate air outlets and improving air handling precision.
Implementation Method 1
A dual inlet air diffuser that mixes ventilation air with conditioned air within a mixing body
Implementation Method 2
discharging the mixture horizontally to prevent backflow and condensation
Data Source
AI summary
Dual inlet air diffuser for a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The dual inlet air diffuser mixes two or more separate and/or distinct air streams into a homogenous or nearly homogenous mixture of air. The two or more separate air streams may have different temperatures and/or different humidity levels, and/or may be from different sources, such as having one air stream comprising ventilation air that includes filtered air from an outside, ambient air source and a second conditioned air stream from a heating, air conditioning, or other air treatment unit.