Method for controlling a ventilation network of a building
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems in buildings struggle to dynamically adjust air flow and pressure to account for seasonal variations and damage to ventilation ducts, leading to inefficiencies such as thermal losses and energy overconsumption, as they rely on constant speed/pressure settings that do not consider changes in humidity, temperature, or duct modifications.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures and compares pressure differentials between ventilated rooms and the ventilation network, using a reference pressure differential to adjust fan rotation speed based on theoretical models of pressure losses, and includes a monitoring system with wireless data transmission for autonomous operation and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If constant speed/pressure settings are used for ventilation units, then the system operates with simple control, but thermal losses and energy overconsumption occur due to inability to adapt to seasonal variations and duct damage
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system transitions from static constant speed/pressure settings to dynamic operation where the ventilation unit's speed and pressure are continuously adjusted based on real-time measurements of actual pressure differentials across ventilation outlets. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to seasonal variations, temperature changes, and duct damage, significantly reducing thermal losses while maintaining appropriate ventilation levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism using pressure sensors that continuously measure the actual pressure differential across ventilation outlets and compare it to reference values. Based on this feedback, the control system automatically adjusts the ventilation unit's operation to correct deviations, ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency while adapting to changing conditions throughout the year.
2Reliability
If constant speed/pressure settings are used for ventilation units, then the control system remains simple, but the system cannot detect or correct pressure anomalies caused by duct damage or modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs pressure sensors installed in ventilation outlets that continuously measure actual pressure differentials and feed this information back to a control system. The control system compares measured values against reference pressure differentials and automatically detects anomalies indicating duct damage or modifications, enabling reliable monitoring without requiring complex diagnostic equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation system performs self-diagnosis by comparing its own operational parameters (actual pressure differentials) against predetermined reference values. When deviations indicate potential problems such as duct damage, the system automatically identifies and reports these issues, eliminating the need for external monitoring systems or manual inspections.
3Use of energy by moving object
If ventilation units operate at constant speed, then energy consumption is predictable, but over-ventilation occurs most of the time causing significant heat and energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation unit transitions from constant speed operation to variable speed control, dynamically adjusting its rotation speed based on real-time pressure differential measurements. This allows the system to match ventilation output to actual demand, preventing over-ventilation and the associated heat losses while maintaining predictable and optimized energy consumption patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the ventilation unit (speed and pressure) based on measured actual pressure differentials. By continuously adjusting these parameters to match reference values, the system optimizes energy consumption while maintaining appropriate ventilation efficiency, avoiding both over- and under-ventilation conditions.
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 solution allows for real-time detection and correction of pressure anomalies, reducing energy consumption and preventing over-ventilation or under-ventilation, thereby optimizing air quality and energy efficiency across the building.
Implementation Method 1
measuring, at a time t, a pressure differential ΔP(t) x of the air circulating respectively between at least one ventilated room and the ventilation network
Implementation Method 2
at least one ventilation unit configured to apply an air flow at a given pressure in the ventilation network
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for regulating at least one ventilation network (11) of a building comprising a specified number of ventilated rooms (12), the ventilation network (11) comprising at least one ventilation unit (110) configured to apply a given airflow at a given pressure in the ventilation network (11), which is connected to each ventilated room (12). According to the invention, the regulation method (50) monitors a pressure differential ΔP(t) of the air circulating between at least one ventilated room (12) and the ventilation network (11) and adjusts (54) the rotational speed of the ventilation unit (110) to correct the pressure anomaly. The invention also relates to a control system implementing the regulation method (50) and a use of the regulation method to verify the conformity of a ventilation network (11).