HVAC system and zone control unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC systems face issues such as high energy consumption, air quality concerns, limited control over individual zones, increased maintenance costs, and noise due to their design and operation, particularly in recirculating air and providing comfort in various building types.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of distributed zone control units that locally recirculate air, incorporating automated dampers, variable speed fans, heat recovery wheels, and micro-channel coils, along with integrated control systems and prefabricated assemblies, to enhance air quality, reduce energy usage, and improve controllability and maintainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional forced air VAV systems recycle circulated air to minimize energy consumption, then fan energy consumption is reduced, but air borne contaminants and bacteria are spread throughout the building resulting in sick building syndrome
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the building into multiple zones with distributed terminal units, each capable of independent air handling. This segmentation allows fresh air to be supplied locally to each zone rather than recirculating air through a centralized system, reducing contaminant spread while maintaining energy efficiency through zone-specific control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a decentralized control architecture with zone-specific terminal units that act as intermediaries between the centralized air handling system and occupied spaces. These terminal units incorporate fresh air intake capabilities and local recirculation control, serving as mediators that prevent contaminant propagation while managing energy consumption at the zone level.
2Temperature
If large volumes of air are circulated around a building in conventional VAV systems, then heating and cooling capacity is sufficient, but fan energy consumption and temperature losses are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements local air handling at distributed terminal units throughout the building, allowing each zone to receive precisely the amount of conditioned air it needs. This eliminates the energy waste associated with circulating large volumes of air through entire buildings, as air is conditioned and delivered locally rather than being pumped through extensive ductwork.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs variable speed fans and modulating dampers at each terminal unit, enabling dynamic adjustment of air flow rates based on actual zone requirements. This dynamic control allows the system to match air delivery to real-time heating and cooling demands, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to static, high-volume air circulation systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If in-room terminal units are used in conventional systems, then perimeter spaces can be conditioned, but individual control and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs universal terminal units that can be installed in various locations (perimeter and interior zones) and configured to meet different zone requirements. Each terminal unit incorporates multiple functions including fresh air intake, recirculation control, heating, cooling, and filtration, allowing a single device type to serve diverse applications and providing occupants with individual control over their environment.
4Ease of operation
If primary air is supplied at a constant rate with no provision for shut off, then system operation is simplified, but tenants cannot shut off heating or air conditioning to reduce energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system empowers occupants to control their own zone environments through locally mounted controls on terminal units. Each terminal unit includes independent shut-off capabilities and adjustable setpoints, allowing tenants to self-manage their heating and cooling needs. This self-service approach maintains simple centralized system operation while enabling individual energy conservation actions.
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 approach results in reduced energy consumption, improved indoor air quality, lower maintenance costs, and increased flexibility and efficiency in HVAC system design, meeting stringent standards like ASHRAE and contributing to LEED points.
Implementation Method 1
heat recovery wheels
Implementation Method 2
micro-channel coils
Implementation Method 3
A fan motivates the mixed airflow to pass through the heat exchanging coil
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to HVAC systems, zone control units, and control systems. More specifically, an HVAC system employs distributed zone control units that provides localized air recirculation. A zone control unit includes a return air section that receives return air from serviced building zones and mixes the return air with a supply of outside air. The mixed air is heated and/or cooled by the zone control unit and discharged to serviced building zones in a controlled manner. An exhaust air system is used to extract air from serviced building zones. The HVAC zone control unit also includes a local control unit with an Internet protocol address. The local control unit includes a memory and a processor for storing and executing a control program for the zone control unit. The control program controls of the zone control unit in response to commands received via the Internet.