Multi-passenger vehicle ventilation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ventilation systems in vehicles and buildings use high velocity air distribution, which can spread pathogens and compromise air quality, posing a risk to occupants' health, especially in multi-passenger vehicles where respiratory diseases can be easily transmitted.
Innovation Solution
A segmented plenum ventilation system with a perforated ceiling and ductwork design that delivers a high volume, low turbulence blanket of air, combined with an air processing unit for sterilization and conditioning, ensures even air circulation and replacement without agitating the interior air, reducing pathogen transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high velocity air distribution is used to circulate air in the cabin, then air circulation efficiency is improved, but pathogen dispersal increases and air quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plenum is divided into multiple segmented sections, each with its own air supply outlets. This segmentation allows air to be distributed through multiple localized zones rather than a single high-velocity stream, reducing turbulence while maintaining overall circulation efficiency. Each segment can be independently controlled to optimize air flow patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces high-velocity mechanical air forcing with a low-velocity, high-volume air blanket approach. Instead of using strong mechanical forces to move air rapidly, the system uses a gentle, widespread air distribution method that achieves circulation without the harmful turbulence that spreads pathogens.
2Temperature
If high velocity air forcing is used to distribute air evenly, then air temperature distribution is improved, but air quality deteriorates due to pathogen spread
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution system is segmented into multiple outlets across the ceiling, allowing temperature conditioning to be applied locally at each segment. This enables even temperature distribution throughout the cabin without requiring high-velocity air mixing, as each segment contributes to the overall thermal balance gently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the velocity parameter from high to low, while compensating by increasing the volume of air distributed. This parameter change allows the air to achieve thorough mixing and temperature equalization through diffusion and gentle convection rather than turbulent forcing, thereby maintaining air quality.
3Reliability
If air circulation is increased to replace contaminated air, then air freshness is improved, but turbulence increases and distributes pathogens
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a layer of fresh, conditioned air from the segmented plenum that acts as a protective barrier before contaminated air can circulate widely. This preliminary action of establishing a clean air blanket suppresses turbulence and prevents pathogen distribution while maintaining air freshness through continuous replacement of the lower air layer.
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 effectively circulates and conditions air while minimizing turbulence and pathogen dispersal, enhancing passenger safety and comfort by providing a controlled and sanitized environment in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The upper main ducts, lower main ducts, vertical ducts and seat return ducts communicate with each other to convey air, descending from the segmented plenum through the perforated panel as a high volume, low turbulence blanket of air through the cabin
Implementation Method 2
an air processing unit (APU) in communication with the ductwork and operable to sterilize the air conveyed therein
Implementation Method 3
one or more fans for circulating the air in the ventilation system
Data Source
AI summary
A ventilation system for a vehicle having a cabin includes a segmented plenum comprising a plurality of sub-plenums that are disposed above the cabin, a perforated panel defining the ceiling of the cabin and having plurality of perforations for air communication of the plenum with the cabin, and ductwork including one or more upper main ducts, lower main ducts, vertical ducts, and seat return ducts. The ducts communicate with each other to convey air, descending from the segmented plenum through the perforated panel as a high volume, low turbulence blanket of air through the cabin, back to the segmented plenum. The ventilation system also includes an air processing unit (APU) in communication with the ductwork and operable to sterilize the air conveyed therein, and one or more fans for circulating the air in the ventilation system.