Environmental control and air distribution system and method of using the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current HVAC systems in buildings are inefficient due to continuous on-off operation, failure to account for parameters like humidity and light intensity, and lack of adaptability to seasonal and daily weather changes, leading to temperature fluctuations and discomfort.

Innovation Solution

An indoor environmental control and air distribution system featuring an air handling unit, manifold, airflow modulating device with dampers, and sensors that adjust airflow based on temperature, humidity, and other parameters to maintain a comfortable environment, with a controller managing the system to optimize airflow distribution across different zones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If HVAC units are continually shut on and off to maintain desired temperature, then energy consumption is reduced, but temperature fluctuates above and below set-point causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidtemperature stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts airflow distribution across multiple zones using variable airflow devices rather than simple on/off cycling. This allows continuous modulation of air delivery to maintain stable temperatures while optimizing energy consumption based on real-time zone requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by considering multiple factors (temperature, humidity, light intensity, occupancy) to determine optimal airflow distribution, moving beyond simple temperature-based on/off control to achieve both energy efficiency and temperature stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If HVAC control systems only use current temperature readings, then system complexity is reduced, but other comfort parameters like humidity and light intensity are not accounted for

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidcomfort parameter coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control system integrates multiple sensing functions (temperature, humidity, light intensity, occupancy detection) into a unified control platform that manages airflow distribution across multiple zones, making the system adaptable to various comfort parameters without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback from multiple sensors monitoring different environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, light) and uses this information to continuously adjust airflow distribution, enabling comprehensive comfort control through integrated feedback loops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If airflow balance is adjusted manually at least seasonally, then adaptability to weather changes is improved, but system complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseasonal adaptabilityVSAvoidairflow adjustment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic seasonal and daily airflow optimization using weather data and sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual seasonal adjustments. The controller autonomously adapts airflow distribution to changing weather conditions and occupancy patterns throughout the year.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts airflow distribution in real-time based on weather changes, occupancy patterns, and environmental conditions, transitioning from static seasonal adjustments to continuous adaptive optimization across multiple zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If ductwork is used to distribute air, then airflow distribution capability is improved, but energy loss and noise transmission increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow distribution capabilityVSAvoidenergy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses flexible air distribution conduits instead of rigid ductwork, allowing for more efficient airflow paths with reduced resistance and energy loss while maintaining effective air distribution to multiple zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The system optimizes airflow distribution locally in each zone using variable airflow devices positioned at or near the air delivery points, allowing precise control of airflow characteristics to minimize energy loss while maintaining distribution effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10962241B2Environmental control and air distribution system and method of using the same

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 RHEIA LLC

AI summary

An indoor environmental control and air distribution system for a building includes: an air handling unit; a manifold connected to the air handling unit having a chamber formed by a plurality of walls and a plurality of orifices formed through at least one of the walls; air distribution conduits each independently having a first end connected to the orifices of the manifold and a second end extending out from the manifold into different zones throughout the building; and an airflow modulating device having one or more airflow regulating dampers independently configured to move into at least two positions in which each position provides a different percentage of total air volume to each air distribution conduit. A method of using the indoor environmental control and air distribution system is also included.