Fresh Air Plenum Module Using Pressure Gradient Air Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan coil units in buildings lack an efficient method to introduce fresh outdoor air, which limits their operational efficiency and increases energy consumption for air conditioning.
Innovation Solution
A fresh air plenum module is attached to fan coil units, featuring a merging volume that induces a pressure gradient to pull conditioned air from the unit, enhancing airflow and allowing for reduced energy operation modes, including eco mode where the fan is not used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a fan coil unit operates without fresh air injection, then the fan can provide airflow, but energy consumption increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical fan-driven airflow system with a pressure-gradient-driven natural induction system. By introducing fresh air through the merging volume, a pressure gradient is created that passively induces airflow through the fan coil unit without requiring the fan to operate, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining airflow productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The fresh air plenum module acts as an intermediary element between the outdoor environment and the fan coil unit. It introduces fresh air that creates a pressure gradient, which then serves as the mediating mechanism to induce conditioned air flow through the fan coil unit, enabling efficient operation without direct fan engagement
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fan coil unit operates in traditional mode, then airflow is provided, but fresh air introduction capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The fresh air plenum module is designed to be universally applicable to existing fan coil units. It provides multiple functions: introducing fresh air, creating pressure gradients for airflow induction, and enabling both fan-operated and fan-less operational modes. This multi-functionality enhances system adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the air handling function into distinct components: the fresh air plenum module for fresh air introduction and the fan coil unit for conditioning. This segmentation allows the fresh air introduction capability to be added as a separate module, reducing the complexity burden on the existing fan coil unit while enhancing overall system versatility
3Productivity
If outdoor air is introduced through the merging volume, then airflow is induced through the fan coil unit, but the fan must operate to maintain sufficient airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the fan coil unit by introducing fresh air that creates a pressure gradient. This parameter change enables the system to achieve sufficient airflow productivity through natural induction, reducing or eliminating the need for fan operation and thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining required airflow rates
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 module increases airflow through fan coil units by 20-300% and reduces energy consumption by enabling air circulation and conditioning without fan operation, offering improved efficiency and energy savings.
Implementation Method 1
a flow of the outdoor air from the second inlet through the merging volume to the outlet generates a pressure gradient which induces a flow of conditioned air through the first inlet and into the fresh air plenum module from the fan coil unit
Implementation Method 2
The flow of outdoor air through the merging volume causes a drop in static pressure in the merging volume. This decrease in pressure, e.g. generating a negative (gauge) pressure, in the merging volume relative to the pressure in the fan coil unit causes air to be pulled passively from the fan coil unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A fresh air plenum module (10) for attachment to a fan coil unit (12) for introducing air from an outdoor setting, wherein the fresh air plenum module comprises: a first inlet (14) for connection to an outlet (24) of the fan coil unit; a second inlet (16) for connection to an air handling unit; an outlet (18) for discharge of the outdoor air and the conditioned air; and a merging volume (20) in communication with the first inlet, the second inlet and the outlet; wherein, in use, a flow of the outdoor air from the second inlet through the merging volume to the outlet generates a pressure gradient which induces a flow of air through the first inlet and into the fresh air plenum module from the fan coil unit.