Energy Recovery Ventilator Layout for Positive-Pressure Free Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy recovery ventilator units face challenges in servicing major components, preventing moisture buildup, and providing free cooling, due to their design which often results in negative pressure leading to water intrusion and increased need for purge options.
Innovation Solution
The design of an energy recovery ventilator unit with a cabinet housing distinct zones and blowers configured to create positive pressure, eliminating water intrusion and reducing the need for purge options by using first and second blowers to push outside and return air through an enthalpy-exchange zone, and incorporating a secondary intake opening for controlled free-cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pull-push design with two forward-directed blowers is used, then energy recovery function is achieved, but negative pressure causes water intrusion and moisture build-up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional pull-push design by using one forward-directed blower and one reverse-directed blower. The reverse-directed blower pushes exhaust air backward through the enthalpy exchange zone, creating positive pressure that prevents water intrusion and moisture build-up, while the forward-directed blower maintains fresh air intake.
2Ease of repair
If conventional design is used, then energy recovery is achieved, but servicing of major components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cabinet into distinct zones (fresh air intake zone, supply zone, return air zone, exhaust zone, and enthalpy exchange zone) with separate access points. This segmentation allows technicians to service each blower and the enthalpy exchange zone independently through dedicated access openings, simplifying maintenance despite the complex internal layout.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional design is used, then ventilation function is achieved, but free cooling capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the two blowers, allowing them to operate independently at variable speeds. This dynamic operation enables free cooling mode when outdoor air is cooler than indoor air, with the forward-directed blower introducing cool fresh air while the reverse-directed blower exhausts warm indoor air, optimizing energy savings based on ambient conditions.
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 solution achieves reduced Outdoor Air Correction Factor and Exhaust Air Transfer Ratio, eliminating water intrusion and enabling efficient free-cooling by maintaining positive pressure within the cabinet and allowing controlled air delivery for energy savings.
Implementation Method 1
an enthalpy-exchange zone (118). The first blower (130) pushes outside air into the primary intake zone (110) and straight through the enthalpy exchange zone (118) into the supply zone (112)
Implementation Method 2
The first blower (130) is located in the primary intake zone (110) and configured to push outside air into the primary intake zone (110) and straight through the enthalpy exchange zone (118) into the supply zone (112)
Implementation Method 3
The second blower (135) is located in the return zone (114) and configured to push return air into the return zone (114) and straight through the enthalpy exchange zone (118) into the exhaust zone (116)
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing an energy recovery ventilator unit includes providing a cabinet having exterior walls and interior floors and walls that define an intake zone, a supply zone, a return zone, an exhaust zone and an enthalpy-exchange zone. The intake zone and the exhaust zone are both on one side of the enthalpy exchange zone. The supply zone and the return zone are both on an opposite side of the enthalpy exchange zone. The method further includes installing a first blower in the intake zone. The first blower pushes outside air into the intake zone and straight through the enthalpy exchange zone into the supply zone. The method also includes installing a second blower in the return zone. The second blower pushes return air into the return zone and straight through the enthalpy exchange zone into the exhaust zone.