Living atmosphere control system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for maintaining oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in enclosed environments, such as homes, often rely on energy-intensive and polluting methods, failing to provide a sustainable and zero-emission solution for regulating air quality and temperature.
Innovation Solution
The Living Atmosphere Control System (LACS) utilizes a contained multi-cell ecosystem with plants to naturally condition air, recycle CO2, and retain thermal energy, operating under negative pressure with minimal electricity use and no external air intake or emissions, creating a symbiotic relationship between occupants and their environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional energy-intensive systems are used to maintain oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, then air quality regulation is achieved, but energy consumption increases and emissions are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs plants that naturally perform photosynthesis to convert CO2 into oxygen, and the thermal mass of the building structure passively regulates temperature through heat absorption and release, eliminating the need for external energy input for air quality maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical ventilation and air treatment systems with biological processes (plant photosynthesis and respiration) to maintain oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, thereby eliminating energy consumption associated with mechanical air handling equipment
2Temperature
If conventional air treatment systems are used, then air conditioning is achieved, but environmental pollution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The building's thermal mass (walls, floors, ceilings) naturally absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night, providing passive temperature regulation without requiring energy-intensive air conditioning systems that emit greenhouse gases
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts human respiration (which produces CO2) into a beneficial resource by using plants to consume the exhaled CO2 and produce oxygen, transforming a waste product into a valuable resource for maintaining air quality
3Use of energy by moving object
If natural processes are used to condition air, then energy consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Plants serve multiple functions simultaneously: they produce oxygen through photosynthesis, consume CO2 through respiration, regulate temperature through transpiration and shading, and filter airborne particles, thereby reducing system complexity by consolidating multiple air treatment functions into a single biological system
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
LACS effectively regulates air quality and temperature while producing oxygen and reusing thermal and water resources, achieving zero emissions and a neutral environmental impact, providing a sustainable and energy-efficient solution for maintaining healthy indoor environments.
Implementation Method 1
LACS technology uses living organisms and natural process to condition the air for a building or home. LACS technology creates a contained multi-cell ecosystem that operates using sunlight and water, and produces only organic biodegradable waste.
Implementation Method 2
this negative pressure system draws air into and out of living areas to create airflow
Implementation Method 3
this system recycles CO2 and normally lost thermal energy
Implementation Method 4
re-uses water condensed from the air
Data Source
AI summary
A living atmosphere control system is provided with a primary living area, a green cell containing plants consisting of Boston fern, aloe vera, areca palm, peace lily, and garden mums, at least one inlet configured for transporting oxygen from said green cell into said living area, and at least one outlet configured to transport carbon dioxide from said living area to said dehumidifying coils.