HRV/ERV with improved air flow balancing and method of operating the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems, such as HRVs and ERVs, require manual balancing of airflow which is time-consuming and often not correctly performed, necessitating skilled technician intervention, and cannot adjust to changes over time without recalibration.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of automatic airflow rebalancing using air flow sensors and variable speed blowers, with diffusers to ensure laminar airflow measurement, allowing a controller to dynamically adjust fan speeds for balanced airflow without manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual airflow balancing using pitot tubes and technician adjustment is used, then airflow can be calibrated at installation, but the process is time-consuming and requires skilled technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses electronic airflow sensors that automatically measure and provide feedback on airflow conditions, eliminating the need for manual pitot tube measurements and technician adjustment. The control system self-regulates fan speeds based on sensor feedback to maintain balanced airflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual adjustment process with an electronic control system that uses electronic sensors and automated feedback control to measure and balance airflow, substituting manual mechanical calibration with automated electronic measurement and adjustment.
2Reliability
If manual balancing is performed during installation, then initial airflow balance can be achieved, but the system cannot adjust to changes over time without recalibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates electronic airflow sensors that continuously monitor airflow conditions and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables the system to detect imbalances caused by changes in duct configuration, air pressure, or fan characteristics and automatically adjust to maintain proper airflow balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that continuously adapts to changing operating conditions rather than relying on static manual calibration. The control system adjusts fan speeds in real-time based on sensor feedback to maintain balanced airflow despite changes in the system over time.
3Ease of manufacture
If fans are calibrated to predetermined flow rates, then factory settings provide baseline performance, but site-specific installation parameters affect aerodynamic head and volumetric performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses electronic sensors to automatically detect the actual airflow conditions at the specific installation site and self-adjusts the fan operation to compensate for site-specific parameters such as duct configuration and air pressure, eliminating the need for manual field calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual field calibration with electronic measurement and automated control. Electronic sensors measure the actual airflow at the installation site, and the control system automatically adjusts fan speeds to achieve the desired balanced airflow, substituting mechanical calibration procedures with electronic adaptation.
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
This solution enables reliable, continuous balancing of airflow in ventilation units, maintaining optimal air quality and energy efficiency under varying conditions, including changes in duct configuration, air pressure, and fan characteristics, without the need for skilled technicians.
Implementation Method 1
the airstreams are allowed to exchange energy by means of a counter current heat exchange
Implementation Method 2
counter current heat exchange
Implementation Method 3
with diffusers to ensure laminar airflow measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A heat and energy recovery ventilation unit for a building, having an inside and an outside. The unit including a main body having a fresh air inlet and an indoor air outlet on one side and a fresh air outlet and an indoor air inlet on the other side and having an air to air heat exchanger within the main body and connected to each of said inlets and outlets to define respective air flow passageways for each of said indoor air and said fresh air, the heat exchanger permitting heat and energy exchange between said indoor air and said fresh air. Also included is a first variable speed blower and a second variable speed blower and at least one electronic air flow sensor to measure at least one of the air flows the air flow sensor producing at least one electronic signal related to the sensed air flow. Also included is a controller for receiving the data signal, the controller using the data signal to control at least one of the variable speed blowers to provide a balanced fresh air inflow and indoor air outflow through the ventilation unit. A method of operating the unit is also disclosed.