Method of ventilation and ventilation device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ventilation systems are energy-inefficient and fail to effectively control humidity and air quality, leading to issues such as mold growth, rust formation, and discomfort due to high humidity levels, while also consuming excessive energy.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilizes a ventilation system with intelligent control based on relative humidity and temperature sensors to optimize ventilation strategies, including bypass, heat exchangers, and enthalpy exchangers, to maintain a target climate zone, minimizing energy consumption and preventing mold and rust.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If heating systems are used to lower relative humidity by increasing temperature, then relative humidity is reduced, but energy efficiency is poor and air pollutants are not removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehumidity control effectivenessVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation system is segmented into multiple functional components: a heat exchanger for thermal energy recovery, an enthalpy exchanger for moisture recovery, and intelligent control systems. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, avoiding the energy waste of using heating alone for humidity control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameters by switching between different ventilation modes (bypass, heat exchanger, enthalpy exchanger) based on real-time measurements of temperature, relative humidity, and absolute humidity. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes energy efficiency while maintaining effective humidity control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If dehumidifiers are used to lower specific humidity and relative humidity, then humidity is reduced, but electricity consumption is high, noise increases, and fresh air supply is eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedehumidification effectivenessVSAvoidelectricity consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and recovers moisture from exhaust air using an enthalpy exchanger, separating the dehumidification function from the need for mechanical dehumidifiers. This extraction of moisture energy from the waste exhaust stream eliminates the need for high-consumption dehumidifiers while maintaining effective humidity control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from humidity sensors and temperature sensors to intelligently control the ventilation modes. When outdoor conditions are favorable, the system automatically switches to energy-efficient modes, eliminating the need for continuous high-power dehumidifier operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If ventilation systems with enthalpy heat exchangers are used to transfer moisture from outside air to exhaust air, then specific humidity changes, but energy recovery may be insufficient when outdoor humidity is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture transfer effectivenessVSAvoidenergy recovery efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between bypass mode, heat exchanger mode, and enthalpy exchanger mode based on real-time environmental conditions. When outdoor humidity is high and enthalpy recovery would be inefficient, the system automatically transitions to alternative modes, optimizing energy recovery under varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system monitors temperature, relative humidity, and absolute humidity parameters to determine the optimal ventilation mode. By changing operational parameters based on these measurements, the system maximizes energy recovery efficiency while maintaining effective moisture transfer when conditions are favorable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If dew point control systems are used to ventilate only when outside air is drier, then dehumidification is achieved, but room temperature decreases and ventilation availability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedehumidification controlVSAvoidroom temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of heat recovery and enthalpy recovery in a single ventilation system. The heat exchanger recovers thermal energy to maintain room temperature, while the enthalpy exchanger recovers moisture when beneficial. This combination eliminates the temperature penalty of dew point control while maintaining dehumidification effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ventilation system performs multiple functions: cooling when outdoor air is cool, heating when outdoor air is warm, dehumidifying when outdoor air is dry, and humidifying when outdoor air is humid. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain room temperature while achieving dehumidification, unlike single-function dew point controls.

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

The system efficiently maintains a desired indoor climate by reducing energy consumption and effectively managing humidity and air quality, preventing mold and rust, while ensuring energy-efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

Ventilation systems with a pure heat exchanger Fresh air is supplied to the room, and heat is transferred simultaneously

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchanger: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

Ventilation systems with enthalpy heat exchangers Fresh air is supplied to the room, and heat and moisture are transferred simultaneously. Mass (water) is also transferred from the exhaust air to the supply air, or vice versa, via suitable exchange walls

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnthalpy heat exchanger: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

A method and device that utilizes a ventilation system with intelligent control based on relative humidity and temperature sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHumidity sensing: Hygrometer

Data Source

PatentEP4425063B1Method of ventilation and ventilation device
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 SCHWAB TECHN
  • EP4425063B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4425063B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4425063B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Heating and air conditioning systems influence temperature and humidity in buildings and vehicles. They are known for consuming a considerable amount of energy. Pure ventilation systems, such as those often found in kitchens or bathrooms, require less energy but have an uncontrolled impact on the climate. The present invention aims to extract the physically possible maximum energy efficiency from room climate control systems. In particular, it focuses on controlling relative humidity to prevent or minimize corrosion, mold, and algae growth. Within an adjustable climate zone for permissible temperature and humidity, ventilation is used to try to achieve the warm, dry optimum. Preferably, the control system uses indoor and outdoor sensors to measure temperature and humidity.This means that the specific humidity may be increased if this results in a long-term decrease in relative humidity or if the relative humidity remains below the limit. The invention works best with a heat exchanger that can be bypassed in favorable weather conditions to heat the building or vehicle volume.