Make-Up Air Pressure Switch Control for Building Negative Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Buildings with air flow systems can experience negative pressure due to exhaust systems, leading to the influx of potentially harmful compounds, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A make-up air system with a pressure switch that senses pressure in an exhaust duct and communicates activation or deactivation signals to control a damper, allowing external air to enter the structure to reduce negative pressure, which can be retrofitted into existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If exhaust systems are used to remove air from structures, then air quality is improved by exhausting contaminants, but negative pressure is generated within the structure causing harmful compound inflow
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a pressure switch that continuously monitors pressure differentials across the exhaust system and provides feedback signals to control the operation of exhaust fans and make-up air systems. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust operation to maintain safe pressure differentials, preventing harmful compound inflow while ensuring reliable exhaust function.
Solution Approach 2:
A make-up air system serves as an intermediary component that introduces outdoor air into the structure to counterbalance the negative pressure created by exhaust systems. This intermediary air supply prevents the development of excessive negative pressure that would otherwise cause harmful compound inflow through building envelope leaks.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If make-up air systems are installed to reduce negative pressure, then harmful compound inflow is prevented, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the make-up air system with the exhaust system into an integrated assembly where both functions are provided by coupled components. This merging reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate, independently controlled systems while still achieving the goal of preventing harmful compound inflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic control features where the pressure switch and integrated controls enable the make-up air system to self-regulate based on actual pressure conditions. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex manual control systems and simplifies operation while effectively preventing harmful compound inflow.
3Reliability
If pressure switches are used to control make-up air systems, then negative pressure is reduced, but installation complexity increases for retroactive coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure switch and control components are segmented into modular units that can be independently installed and configured. This segmentation allows for easier retroactive installation by enabling step-by-step integration into existing exhaust systems without requiring complete system replacement or complex coordinated installation of all components simultaneously.
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
Effectively reduces negative pressure within structures by allowing controlled external air intake, mitigating the risk of harmful compound influx and complying with regulatory requirements for structures with high exhaust rates.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure switch that can be configured and arranged to sense a pressure within an exhaust duct
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a system capable of reducing negative pressure. The system includes a make-up air system that can be configured and arranged to be installed within a structure, such as a building. The system can also include a pressure switch that is configured and arranged to sense a pressure within an exhaust duct coupled to an exhaust device. The pressure switch can also be configured to communicate an activation signal and a deactivation signal to the make-up air system. In some embodiments, communication of the activation and deactivation signals can be at least partially dependent on the pressure within the exhaust duct. Moreover, the pressure switch can be configured and arranged to be retroactively coupled to at least one of the exhaust duct and the exhaust device.