Building ventilation apparatus and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical ventilation systems face issues such as occupant comfort, noise, energy penalty, installation complexity, maintenance challenges, resistance from contractors, and lack of flexibility in adapting to varying air quality, leading to suboptimal indoor air quality and compliance with energy efficiency standards.
Innovation Solution
A controlled, multi-parameter, multiple-speed ventilation system with a programmable control apparatus that adjusts fan speed based on temperature, humidity, and air quality parameters, using a Climate Sensing Control Module to optimize ventilation while minimizing energy consumption and noise, and incorporating features like recirculation and dehumidification to improve indoor air quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical ventilation systems are installed to improve indoor air quality, then air quality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system uses variable speed fans that dynamically adjust airflow based on real-time sensor data from CO2, humidity, and temperature sensors. The system transitions from static fixed-speed operation to dynamic multi-speed operation, optimizing ventilation rates according to actual indoor air quality conditions and occupancy levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (fan speed, ventilation rate) based on measured environmental conditions. When CO2 levels, humidity, or temperature deviate from acceptable ranges, the system adjusts fan speed and airflow parameters to restore optimal conditions, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption during periods when air quality is already acceptable.
2Reliability
If ventilation rate is increased to improve indoor air quality, then air quality is improved, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts fan speed based on actual ventilation needs rather than operating at constant high speed. By using sensor feedback to modulate fan operation, the system provides adequate ventilation only when and where needed, significantly reducing noise during low-occupancy or good air quality periods.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple ventilation systems are used to reduce cost, then installation cost is reduced, but adaptability to varying air quality conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single control unit: environmental sensing (CO2, humidity, temperature), variable speed fan control, and automated ventilation rate adjustment. This multi-functional approach provides adaptive ventilation capabilities that would otherwise require multiple separate systems, maintaining cost-effectiveness while significantly improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensor feedback loops that continuously monitor indoor air quality parameters and automatically adjust ventilation rates. CO2 sensors detect occupancy and air quality degradation, humidity sensors monitor moisture levels, and temperature sensors track thermal conditions, with all inputs feeding into automated control algorithms that adjust fan operation in real-time.
4Device complexity
If fixed-speed fans are used to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to respond to varying environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces fixed-speed fans with variable speed motors controlled by microprocessors that respond to sensor inputs. This dynamic control capability allows the system to adapt ventilation rates to varying environmental conditions while maintaining relatively simple overall system architecture through integrated control electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical control mechanisms with electronic sensing and control systems. Microprocessors and sensors substitute for complex mechanical linkages and manual adjustment mechanisms, reducing mechanical complexity while enabling sophisticated environmental response through software-based control algorithms.
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 provides improved occupant comfort, reduced energy penalties, simplified installation and maintenance, increased flexibility in air quality management, and enhanced compliance with ventilation standards by optimizing ventilation strategies based on real-time environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a fan located within the volumetric enclosure and for drawing air exterior to the building and supplying the air to the interior of the building
Data Source
AI summary
A ventilation system with: (i) a volumetric enclosure having an inlet and an outlet and for coupling to an interior of a building habitable by human occupants; (ii) a fan located within the volumetric enclosure and for drawing air exterior to the building and supplying the air to the interior of the building; (iii) a programmable control apparatus for enabling and disabling the fan in response to a plurality of parameters, at least some of the parameters relating to quality of air to me moved in response to the fan; and (iv) circuitry coupled between the inlet and the outlet for measuring a signal representative of a volume of air passing through the volumetric enclosure over a period of time.