Humidity-Controlled Vent Outlet with Local Pressure Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air ventilation systems in buildings face inefficiencies due to pressure drops caused by propellers, leading to unsuitable ventilation based on pollutant levels and air flow, as they rely on nominal pressure hypotheses rather than precise pressure and humidity measurements at the ventilation outlet.

Innovation Solution

A humidity-controlled device with movable closure means and electronic control, incorporating pressure and hygrometry measurement means, adjusts airflow through the ventilation outlet based on real-time pressure and humidity readings, optimizing ventilation without affecting the fan or existing systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a turbine driven by an electric motor is used to generate depression for controlled mechanical ventilation, then the airflow rate can be activated and controlled in the air ducts, but pressure drops occur that lead to unsuitable ventilation in relation to the level of pollutant and air flow measured in the room

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow rateVSAvoidventilation suitability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors to measure pollutant levels and airflow in the room, then feeds this information back to automatically adjust the turbine speed and closure means position, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously optimizes ventilation based on actual conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from fixed ventilation settings to dynamic adjustment, where the turbine operates in fixed, modulated, or intermittent flow modes and the closure means continuously adjusts the air flow passage section based on real-time sensor measurements of pollutants and airflow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If air flow passage section is reduced when ventilation is not required, then energy loss is reduced, but inadequate ventilation occurs when pollution levels increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat lossVSAvoidventilation adequacy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Pollutant sensors continuously monitor air quality and provide feedback to the control system, which automatically opens the closure means when pollutant levels exceed thresholds, ensuring ventilation adequacy while maintaining energy efficiency during low-pollution periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses integrated sensors and automatic control to self-regulate ventilation based on measured conditions, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring the system automatically responds to changing pollution levels and occupancy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If pressure measurement is performed in a ventilation duct near the fan, then pressure data is obtained, but pressure drops affect measurement accuracy at the ventilation outlet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure measurementVSAvoidactual outlet pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the ventilation system into separate measurement zones, placing pressure sensors directly at each ventilation outlet rather than in the central duct near the fan, allowing independent measurement of actual outlet pressure conditions for each terminal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements localized pressure measurement at each ventilation outlet, allowing each outlet to be controlled based on its specific pressure conditions and airflow characteristics rather than relying on centralized duct pressure measurements that don't reflect local conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 ensures precise and optimized ventilation by adjusting airflow according to actual pressure and humidity levels at each ventilation outlet, preventing pressure drops and ensuring adequate air exchange, thus improving ventilation efficiency and comfort in buildings.

Implementation Method 1

at least one pressure measurement means, the electrical control means being configured to vary an air flow passing through the ventilation outlet by a adjustment of the closure means between the closed position and the open position, both as a function of the pressure and the humidity measured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Implementation Method 2

at least one hygrometry measurement means, the electrical control means being configured to vary an air flow passing through the ventilation outlet by a adjustment of the closure means between the closed position and the open position, both as a function of the pressure and the humidity measured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHygrometry measurement:

Implementation Method 3

Such ducts allow thermal draft when there is a pressure difference between the air inlet and the air outlet, in particular when there is a temperature difference between the air inlet and the air outlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal draft: Convection

Implementation Method 4

The turbine generates a depression to activate the flow of air circulating in the air ducts. The turbine can in particular operate in fixed, modulated or intermittent flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical ventilation:

Data Source

PatentEP4191151A1Hygroscopic device for extracting or blowing air for a ventilation installation, and ventilation installation comprising such a device
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 AERECO
  • EP4191151A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4191151A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4191151A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a humidity-controlled air extraction or supply device (1) for a ventilation installation, comprising a ventilation outlet (2) including: - movable shuttering means (6) between a closed position and an open position, - electrical control means (9) for the shuttering means (6), controlled by an electronic module (8), in which the ventilation outlet (2) includes at least one pressure measurement means (5) and at least one humidity measurement means (7), the electrical control means (9) being configured to vary an airflow through the ventilation outlet (2) by adjusting the shuttering means (6) between the closed position and the open position, both as a function of the measured pressure and humidity.