HVAC Plenum Wind Turbine Assembly for Airflow Energy Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems consume a constant and persistent amount of electrical power due to their constant operation, which is inefficient and contributes significantly to building energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A plenum resident wind turbine system is integrated within the HVAC system, utilizing the constant air flow generated by the HVAC blower to power wind turbine assemblies, which are connected to a generator via a gearbox to produce sustainable electrical energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If HVAC systems operate constantly to prevent stagnant air pockets, then air circulation is maintained, but electrical power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of waste heat generated by the HVAC blower into a beneficial resource by using it to drive wind turbines. The heat that would otherwise be discarded is now utilized to rotate turbine blades, generating electrical power that offsets the energy consumption of the HVAC system.
Solution Approach 2:
The HVAC system serves itself by generating its own power through wind turbines driven by its waste heat. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for external energy input and lowers operational costs while maintaining continuous air circulation.
2Power
If wind turbines are installed in HVAC plenums to generate energy, then electrical power is produced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC plenum is given multiple functions: it continues to provide air circulation as before, while also serving as a housing for wind turbines that generate electrical power. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to produce energy without requiring a completely separate facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The wind turbines are nested within the existing HVAC plenum structure, utilizing the available space inside the air handling unit. This nesting approach minimizes additional space requirements and integrates the energy generation component within the existing system architecture.
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 leverages the HVAC blower's constant air flow to generate electrical power, potentially offsetting operational costs and reducing energy consumption by converting airflow into usable electrical energy.
Implementation Method 1
The air flow produced by the HVAC blower causes the wind turbine assemblies to turn at a relatively constant rate of speed
Implementation Method 2
A transverse center axle or shaft of each wind turbine assembly can be directly coupled to an electrical generator or coupled to the generator via a gearbox or gear linkage
Data Source
AI summary
A plenum resident wind turbine sustainable energy generating system includes: a wind turbine assembly for installation within a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit, the wind turbine assembly including a rigid body with a plurality of blades mounted on an outer surface of the rigid body, the wind turbine assembly including a shaft positioned at an axis of the rigid body and configured for installation lengthwise perpendicularly to a flow of air within the HVAC unit; a generator in mechanical engagement with the shaft of the wind turbine assembly, the generator further including an electrical connector for coupling the generator to a battery or a power grid; and a computing device in wireless data communication with a software application program (App) running on a mobile device, the computing device being configured to control operation of the wind turbine assembly and generator based on controls received from the App.