HVAC system with centralized control connected to a fresh air ventilation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems with proprietary communication protocols limit the integration of non-proprietary components, leading to increased costs and reduced availability of compatible equipment, especially in multi-family units, and result in inefficient fresh air intake that can cause excessive electricity costs and indoor air quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A controller that integrates with HVAC systems using non-proprietary communication means, employing sensors to detect AHU operation and outdoor air conditions, allowing intelligent control of fresh air ventilation without relying on proprietary protocols, using current or pressure sensors to determine AHU status and temperature/humidity sensors to assess outdoor air suitability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proprietary communication protocols are used in HVAC systems, then system control and integration are improved, but compatibility with non-proprietary components and equipment availability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs communication intermediaries including protocol translators and gateway devices that convert between proprietary HVAC protocols and standard communication protocols. These intermediaries enable non-proprietary components to communicate with the HVAC system without requiring proprietary communication capabilities, thus maintaining system reliability while improving component compatibility and equipment availability.
2Reliability
If fresh air is pulled in continuously, then indoor air quality is improved, but electricity costs and system efficiency are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of fresh air intake based on real-time monitoring of outdoor air conditions (temperature, humidity, air quality) and indoor air quality parameters. The system automatically adjusts the fresh air damper position and fan speed to optimize the balance between maintaining indoor air quality and minimizing energy consumption, rather than operating at fixed settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that continuously monitor outdoor air conditions and indoor air quality. This feedback information is used by the control system to make real-time decisions about fresh air intake rates, ensuring that fresh air is introduced only when conditions are favorable for energy efficiency while maintaining required indoor air quality standards.
3Reliability
If fresh air is pulled in when AHU is not running, then ventilation is improved, but system efficiency and energy consumption are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the control system monitor AHU operational status and pre-coordinate fresh air intake with AHU operation cycles. The system is configured to enable fresh air intake only when the AHU is running or scheduled to run soon, preventing unnecessary fresh air intake during periods when the AHU is offline, thus maintaining ventilation effectiveness while improving overall system efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A ventilation system that does not communicate via proprietary communication protocol can be integrated with an HVAC system that does use the proprietary communication, and the ventilation system can draw in fresh air at optimized times. For example, the ventilation system can include an air-handling-unit (AHU) state sensor that can receive data indicating whether an AHU fan might be running and use that data to determine whether to draw in fresh air. In some examples, the data can include a signal from a current-sensing switch that can send a signal when current is detected from power being supplied to the AHU. In some examples, the data can include a signal from a pressure sensor that detects a change in static pressure, such as in an duct of the HVAC system.