Fan Controller with Dual-Mode Speed Range for Energy Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a fan that allows for both normal and energy-efficient modes of operation, enabling users to adjust energy consumption and air speed according to environmental conditions, while ensuring accurate energy efficiency comparisons across different fan models.

Innovation Solution

A fan system with a controller that operates in two modes: a first mode with a range of speeds and a second mode with a narrower range of speeds, optimizing energy efficiency by calculating and extrapolating airflow and power consumption ratios, allowing for higher efficiency in the second mode compared to the first mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the fan operates in normal mode with a wide range of speeds, then user control flexibility and air speed variability are improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser control flexibilityVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fan system dynamically adjusts its operating characteristics by implementing two distinct operational modes. The controller switches between normal mode (first set of parameters) and energy-efficient mode (second set of parameters) based on user selection, allowing the fan to adapt its speed range and performance characteristics to match different user needs and environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If the fan operates in energy-efficient mode with a narrower speed range, then energy efficiency is improved, but user control flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoiduser control flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fan's operational parameters are segmented into two distinct sets: normal mode parameters providing wide speed range and full control flexibility, and energy-efficient mode parameters providing narrower speed range with optimized energy consumption. This segmentation allows users to select the appropriate mode based on their priorities, with the controller managing the transition between modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of energy

If the fan speed range is narrowed for energy efficiency, then power consumption is reduced, but airflow variability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidairflow variability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes operational parameters by defining two distinct sets of minimum and maximum speed values. The first set (normal mode) provides a wide speed range for maximum airflow variability, while the second set (energy-efficient mode) provides a narrower speed range optimized for reduced power consumption, with the understanding that airflow variability is accordingly adjusted to match the energy efficiency goals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11828292B1Fan with increased efficiency mode

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 DELTA T CORP

AI summary

An apparatus includes a fan and a controller configured for controlling the fan to operate in a first mode limiting rotational speed of the fan within a first range of speeds between a first minimum speed and a first maximum speed. The controller is further configured to control the fan to operate in a second mode limiting rotational speed of the fan within a second range of speeds between a second minimum speed and a second maximum speed. The second range of speeds may be narrower than the first range of speeds. Related methods are also disclosed.