Ventilation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ventilation systems with CO2 sensors fail to uniformly control CO2 concentration across a room, leading to inefficient energy consumption and unnecessary start-stop operations of ventilation devices due to hunting of the number of operating devices.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation system with multiple CO2 sensors and a control device that adjusts the number of operating ventilation devices based on the maximum detected CO2 value, starting additional devices closest to high concentration areas and optimizing fan volumes to maintain CO2 levels below a reference value, thereby minimizing energy consumption and reducing unnecessary start-stops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all ventilation devices are operated to maintain CO2 concentration under reference value, then CO2 control is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of operating ventilation devices based on real-time CO2 concentration measurements. Instead of operating all devices continuously, the controller activates only the necessary number of devices according to current CO2 levels, transforming the static operation mode into a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter (number of active ventilation devices) based on CO2 concentration thresholds. When CO2 levels exceed the reference value, additional devices are activated; when levels are acceptable, devices are deactivated, thereby optimizing energy consumption while maintaining CO2 control.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the number of operating ventilation devices is controlled based on average CO2 concentration, then energy consumption decreases, but hunting and unnecessary start-stop operations occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using average CO2 concentration which masks local variations, the system identifies and responds to local high-concentration areas by selecting specific ventilation devices for activation. This localized approach ensures stable control by addressing the actual problem areas while avoiding unnecessary operation of devices in already acceptable zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring CO2 concentrations at multiple locations and using this information to adjust the operation of ventilation devices. The controller receives feedback from CO2 sensors and makes real-time decisions about device activation, preventing hunting by responding to actual conditions rather than averaged data.
3Device complexity
If a single CO2 detection unit is provided in the room, then system complexity is reduced, but non-uniform CO2 concentration cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented into multiple CO2 sensors distributed at different locations within the room. Each sensor monitors its local area, providing comprehensive coverage of the non-uniform CO2 distribution. This segmentation allows the system to identify and address localized high-concentration areas effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point detection approach to a multi-dimensional detection network by placing sensors at various positions throughout the room. This spatial distribution adds dimensional information about CO2 concentration gradients, enabling the controller to make informed decisions about which ventilation devices to activate based on the spatial pattern of CO2 levels.
Data Source
AI summary
In a system where a plurality of ventilation devices (10) are provided in one room, a control device (5) is provided to control, for the ventilation devices (10) operating, the number of the ventilation devices so that the detected values of the carbon dioxide sensors (13) are lower than the reference value.