Fan-powered units calibrated by type or size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid flow measurement devices are expensive and have limited turndown ratios, making them ineffective for accurately measuring low fluid flows, leading to inefficient HVAC systems that consume excess energy and fail to provide comfort in buildings.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow measurement and control system using a multi-stage damper with a variable opening area, controlled by an actuator assembly and a processor-based controller, which implements new correlations and equations to address historical contradictions in fluid flow phenomena, enabling precise measurement and control of fluid flows with a high turndown ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow measurement devices are used, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision is insufficient for low fluid flows and device complexity increases due to multiple device types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single fan-powered unit that can accurately measure and control fluid flows across a wide range (turndown ratio greater than 10:1). The device uses a standardized flow measurement assembly with a flow straightener and pressure differential sensors that can handle both high and low flow conditions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices for different flow ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a variable area flow measurement assembly that can adapt to changing flow conditions. The flow straightener and pressure differential measurement system dynamically adjust to maintain measurement accuracy across varying flow rates, allowing the single device to effectively cover a wide turndown ratio from high to low flows.
2Measurement precision
If HVAC systems operate at minimum measurable flow, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a control system that continuously monitors fluid flow using pressure differential measurements and provides feedback to adjust the fan-powered unit's operation. This closed-loop control enables the system to operate at optimal flow rates rather than minimum measurable flows, reducing energy consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy through the standardized flow measurement assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing pressure differential as the measurement parameter instead of direct flow measurement. This approach allows for accurate measurement across a wide range of flow conditions and enables the HVAC system to operate efficiently at varying flow rates, not just at minimum measurable flows, thereby reducing energy consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If large Total Pressure is used for flow measurement, then measurement range is extended, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by measuring pressure differential rather than relying on large total pressure. The standardized flow measurement assembly uses static pressure taps and differential pressure sensors to measure flow across a wide range by detecting small pressure differences, avoiding the energy consumption associated with maintaining large total pressure while extending the measurement range.
4Adaptability or versatility
If current flow measurement technology is used, then basic measurement is provided, but turndown ratio is limited to less than 10:1
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single fan-powered unit with a standardized flow measurement assembly that can accurately measure and control fluid flows across a wide range (turndown ratio greater than 10:1). The device uses a flow straightener and pressure differential sensors that can handle both high and low flow conditions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices for different flow ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a variable area flow measurement assembly that can adapt to changing flow conditions. The flow straightener and pressure differential measurement system dynamically adjust to maintain measurement accuracy across varying flow rates, allowing the single device to effectively cover a wide turndown ratio from high to low flows.
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 allows for accurate measurement and regulation of fluid flows with a turndown ratio greater than 10:1, reducing energy consumption and improving HVAC system efficiency while providing better comfort and compliance with energy codes.
Implementation Method 1
a flow measurement assembly positioned within the flow pathway downstream of the fluid moving device and configured to measure a flow rate of the fluid flow based on a pressure differential
Implementation Method 2
a flow straightener positioned within the flow pathway upstream of the fluid moving device and configured to straighten a fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow device that can accurately and inexpensively measure a flow of a fluid can be implemented in a fan-powered unit, comprising a fan or other fluid-moving device. By accurately measuring the flow of the fluid to the fan, insights or efficiencies can be determined regarding operation of a larger system such as a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system or other system. For instance, various procedures, including measuring, controlling, balancing, maintenance, prediction, or calibration procedures can leverage differential pressure measurement and/or the determined flow to the fan. As an example, current settings of the fan can be compared to historical fan settings to identify changes in fan load for a given fluid flow demand. Such can indicate changes in downstream or upstream devices, which can be used to indicate a device requires maintenance or another indicator.