Integrated thermal comfort control system utilizing circulating fans

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fan systems operate independently of HVAC systems, leading to inefficient energy use and suboptimal thermal comfort, as they often run continuously or remain idle when they could enhance HVAC efficiency by circulating air and reducing heat transfer.

Innovation Solution

An integrated thermal comfort control system that includes interconnected zones with sensors and controllers to coordinate the operation of fans and HVAC systems, using temperature, occupancy, and light sensors to adjust fan speed and HVAC operation based on real-time conditions, ensuring efficient energy use and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fans operate continuously to improve thermal comfort, then thermal comfort is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal comfortVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fan system transitions from static continuous operation to dynamic variable speed control, adjusting fan speed based on real-time thermal conditions and occupancy patterns to optimize both comfort and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor temperature, humidity, and occupancy, feeding this data back to the controller which adjusts fan operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If fans remain idle to save energy, then energy consumption decreases, but thermal comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidthermal comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary cooling or air circulation actions in advance of predicted occupancy or thermal discomfort conditions, using predictive algorithms based on historical data and scheduled events to pre-condition spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fan system dynamically adjusts operation levels based on real-time sensor data and predictive models, transitioning from static idle/continuous modes to adaptive variable operation that responds to actual and predicted thermal conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If fans operate independently without HVAC integration, then system complexity is reduced, but HVAC efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidHVAC efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The fan system is merged with the HVAC control system into a unified integrated platform, allowing coordinated operation where fans and HVAC equipment work together synergistically to improve overall system efficiency and reduce energy waste

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated control system performs multiple functions including HVAC control, fan management, environmental sensing, predictive analytics, and occupancy detection within a single universal platform, eliminating the need for separate independent control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system minimizes power consumption while maintaining thermal comfort by dynamically adjusting fan and HVAC operations based on sensed conditions, optimizing energy use and enhancing the efficiency of HVAC systems.

Implementation Method 1

A sensor is provided for sensing a condition in the zone including the fan

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 2

using temperature, occupancy, and light sensors to adjust fan speed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOccupancy detection:

Implementation Method 3

using temperature, occupancy, and light sensors to adjust fan speed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight sensing:

Implementation Method 4

circulating the air, thus preventing the formation of pockets of heated or cooled air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir circulation: Convection

Implementation Method 5

circulating air created by the fans comes into contact with human skin, the rate of heat transfer away from the human body increases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer reduction: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 6

A controller is provided for controlling the fan in the zone based on the sensed condition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVariable speed control:

Data Source

PatentUS20240344726A1Integrated thermal comfort control system utilizing circulating fans

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 DELTA T CORP

AI summary

A system for providing thermal comfort for a person within a space comprising a plurality of interconnected zones, such as a single room in a residence, commercial establishment, or industrial location. At least one fan is positioned in each zone, which may be an overhead fan mounted to a ceiling common to two or more of the zones, and a sensor is provided for sensing a condition in at least one of the zones. A controller is adapted for controlling the fan in the at least one zone independent of another fan based on the sensed condition in the at least one zone including the controlled fan. Related aspects of a thermal comfort control system and methods are also disclosed.