Ductless Air Circulation System to Eliminate Thermal Stratification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional HVAC systems fail to effectively eliminate air pockets, air stratification, and temperature fluctuations in facilities, leading to inconsistent temperatures and inefficient energy use.

Innovation Solution

A system that continuously draws, processes, and pushes air through multiple exit zones using devices that are not HVAC-based or duct-based, ensuring continuous air circulation and mixing to minimize stratification and temperature variations, while reducing the need for traditional HVAC tonnage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional HVAC systems with ductwork and diffuser boxes are used to distribute air, then air distribution is achieved, but air stratification and temperature fluctuations occur due to intermittent operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature consistencyVSAvoidair circulation continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies continuous air circulation fans that operate constantly rather than intermittently, ensuring continuous air mixing and circulation throughout the facility. This eliminates the stratification problems caused by HVAC systems that only operate when temperature thresholds are reached, maintaining consistent air movement and temperature distribution at all times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Productivity

If large hp motors are used in HVAC system fans to generate air circulation, then air distribution is improved, but energy consumption increases and air pockets still form between cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair circulation effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional HVAC mechanical system with large hp motors and ductwork with a simpler system using continuous circulation fans. These fans create consistent air movement through the facility without requiring complex ductwork, large motors, or intermittent high-power operation, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective air circulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Temperature

If area fans are deployed to eliminate air pockets and thermal stratification, then air circulation is increased, but the fans are not economically capable of minimizing temperature fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature fluctuation controlVSAvoidsystem cost-effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters by using continuous low-power fan operation rather than intermittent high-power HVAC cycles. This continuous operation at lower power levels creates consistent air movement that effectively minimizes temperature fluctuations and eliminates stratification, providing a more cost-effective solution than deploying expensive area fans or upgrading to larger HVAC capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Loss of energy

If traditional HVAC systems operate intermittently based on thermostat temperature ranges, then energy savings are achieved during off-cycles, but air stratification and hot/cold spots develop

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous air circulation that operates without interruption, maintaining constant air movement and mixing throughout the facility. This continuous operation prevents the formation of temperature zones and stratification that occur with intermittent HVAC operation, while the energy efficiency is maintained through the use of lower-power continuous fans rather than high-power intermittent HVAC cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 consistent temperature within 2 degrees Fahrenheit of the desired temperature, reduces HVAC tonnage by 20-60%, and increases air turns, effectively addressing air stratification and temperature fluctuations in facilities like industrial and retail spaces.

Implementation Method 1

The fan is positioned within the housing and is operable for moving air from the volume through the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

The device includes a housing, a fan positioned within the housing, and at least three exit zones positioned on the housing. The fan is operable for continuously circulating air within a volume

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentUS10473348B2Method and system for eliminating air stratification via ductless devices

Publication Date: 2019.11.12 INTERNAL AIR FLOW DYNAMICS LLC

AI summary

A system and method for creating substantially continuous circulation within a volume to be managed comprising at least two ductless devices including three exit zones, and a method for designing a system for increasing internal air turns in a volume of air to be managed within a facility, comprising determining locations of existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system components, determining preferred locations of the at least two ductless devices, and continuously moving air through the at least two ductless devices.