Method of optimizing filter life cycle between replacements and system for monitoring a ventilation system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for predicting filter life cycles in ventilation systems fail to consider the trade-off between extending filter life to reduce replacement costs and minimizing energy consumption, as they focus solely on the filter's technical service life without accounting for the fan's energy usage and carbon dioxide impact.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the optimal filter life cycle by analyzing filter hardware and use values, pressure drop measurements, and airflow, using a processing device to minimize total resource consumption, which includes both the cost of filter replacement and fan energy usage, eliminating the need for a separate airflow meter by estimating airflow based on pressure drop measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If filter replacement is delayed to reduce replacement costs, then filter life cycle is extended, but fan energy consumption increases due to higher pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of filter replacement timing from fixed intervals to optimized intervals based on total resource consumption minimization. By calculating the optimal replacement time that balances filter cost and energy consumption, the system determines when to replace the filter to minimize the sum of filter replacement costs and accumulated energy costs, rather than following predetermined schedules.
2Use of energy by moving object
If filter replacement is frequent to minimize energy consumption, then fan energy usage decreases, but filter replacement costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the replacement interval parameter to balance two opposing costs: filter replacement cost (proportional to frequency) and energy consumption cost (proportional to filter age). The optimal replacement time is calculated as the point where the derivative of total resource consumption with respect to replacement time equals zero, achieving the minimum sum of both costs.
3Use of energy by moving object
If demand controlled ventilation is used to save energy, then fan operation is reduced, but pressure drop measurement accuracy decreases due to variable airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where pressure drop measurements are continuously monitored and fed back to the optimization calculation. The system uses the measured pressure drop values, along with airflow data, to update the filter status and recalculate the optimal replacement time dynamically, ensuring accurate decision-making despite variable operating conditions in DCV systems.
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 approach allows for more accurate planning of filter changes, reducing resource consumption and carbon dioxide impact by optimizing the timing of filter replacements, thereby balancing cost and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the system normally comprises one or more filters, arranged to filter incoming and/or outgoing air
Implementation Method 2
As the filter fills up, it will provide greater resistance to air flowing through it
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method of determining an optimal filter life cycle between replacements of a filter in a ventilation system. The method comprising performing the following steps in a processing device: receiving at least one filter hardware value, representing an amount of a resource associated with at least production of the filter, receiving at least one filter use value, representing an amount or rate of said resource associated with use of the filter, receiving a plurality of measured data points, each representing a measured pressure drop over the filter at a respective time, and determining the optimal filter life cycle by minimizing a total filter resource consumption composed of a first factor,according to which the resource consumption is inversely proportional to the filter life cycle, a second factor, according to which the resource consumption is directly proportional to the filter life cycle, providing a plurality of predicted data points, each representing an predicted pressure drop over the filter at a respective future point in time, grouping successive measured data points into windows, each window comprising at least one of the measured data points),for each window identifying a maximum pressure drop, and assigning the identified maximum pressure drop as a maximum pressure drop for all measured data points of that window;for each measured data point estimating an air flow based on the maximum pressure drop and the measured pressure drop of the respective measured data point, and deriving the second factor based on the filter use value, the measured data points, the predicted data points and the estimated air flows.