Fresh Air Exchange Control for Split AC Thermal Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing split air conditioning systems in homes, particularly in regions like Qatar and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, do not incorporate fresh air exchange capabilities, leading to poor air quality and thermal comfort issues.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates a blower with a filtration unit for fresh air exchange, combined with indoor and outdoor sensor modules and a controller to manage thermal comfort and air quality by adjusting the blower's operating state based on measured parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If split air conditioning systems are used for thermal comfort management, then thermal comfort is improved, but air quality deteriorates due to lack of fresh air exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines thermal comfort management and fresh air exchange functions into a single integrated system. The air handling unit incorporates both air conditioning components (evaporator, condenser, expansion device) and fresh air introduction components (blower, filtration unit, fresh air intake), allowing simultaneous achievement of thermal comfort and air quality improvement through one unified system rather than separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The air handling unit is designed as a multi-functional device that performs multiple functions: cooling/heating air, filtering air, introducing fresh air, and controlling indoor air quality. This universal system replaces the need for separate air conditioning systems and fresh air systems, addressing both thermal comfort and air quality requirements through a single versatile apparatus
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fresh air exchange is introduced to improve air quality, then air quality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges fresh air exchange components with existing air conditioning infrastructure. The blower, filtration unit, and fresh air intake are integrated into the air handling unit that already contains evaporators, condensers, and expansion devices. This consolidation achieves fresh air exchange without requiring entirely separate systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The air handling unit is designed as a multi-functional device that performs multiple functions: cooling/heating air, filtering air, introducing fresh air, and controlling indoor air quality. This universal system replaces the need for separate air conditioning systems and fresh air systems, addressing both thermal comfort and air quality requirements through a single versatile apparatus
3Loss of energy
If recirculating air is used to maintain thermal comfort, then energy efficiency is improved, but microbe spread increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines thermal comfort management and fresh air introduction in a single air handling unit. By integrating both recirculated air conditioning and fresh air filtration functions into one system, it enables simultaneous energy-efficient operation and microbe reduction through fresh air exchange, resolving the contradiction between energy savings and health safety
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration unit acts as an intermediary component that processes fresh air before introducing it into the living space. This mediator filters out microbes and contaminants from both fresh and recirculated air, allowing the system to maintain energy efficiency while eliminating the harmful effect of microbe spread through recirculating air
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 effectively manages thermal comfort and air quality by performing fresh air exchanges, improving indoor air quality, and preventing leaks during adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a blower configured to perform fresh air exchanges on a managed area
Implementation Method 2
the blower includes a filtration unit, filter, or smart filter
Implementation Method 3
an indoor sensor module positioned in the managed area, having at least one sensor configured to measure at least one air quality or thermal comfort parameter
Implementation Method 4
ways to adjust the indoor static pressure so that it is always on the positive side from the ambient static pressure thereby preventing leaks
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to an air quality and thermal comfort management system. The system may include a blower configured to perform a fresh air exchange on a managed area, an indoor sensor module in the managed area, having at least one sensor configured to measure at least one air quality or thermal comfort parameter, and an outdoor sensor module positioned outside the managed area, having at least one sensor configured to measure at least one air quality/thermal comfort parameter. The system may include a controller having a processor in communication with a memory, configured to receive at least one air quality/thermal comfort signal from at least one of the indoor and the outdoor sensor modules, the air quality/thermal comfort signal being based on the parameters measured by the sensor modules, and in response to these signals, transmit a control signal configured to modify an operating state of the blower.