Air filter system and HVAC system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air purification systems for buildings face high power consumption and expensive maintenance costs due to inefficient operation and frequent replacement of high-efficiency filters.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent air filtering system with multiple operational modes controlled by a module that adjusts filtering stages based on air quality information, using an electrostatic adsorption-based first stage and a HEPA or median-efficiency second stage, optimizing energy use and maintenance through real-time monitoring and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If high-efficiency filters (HEPA/median-efficiency) are used continuously in air purification systems, then air quality is improved, but power consumption and maintenance costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair qualityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of filtering stages by adjusting the operation state of the second filtering stage based on real-time air quality data from a collection module. The control module switches between different operation modes (first mode: first stage only, second mode: second stage only, third mode: both stages) according to measured air quality conditions, making the system adaptable rather than static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (which filtering stage operates) based on changing air quality parameters. When air quality is good, the system operates in first mode with only the low-energy first filtering stage. When air quality deteriorates, it transitions to second or third mode to engage the second filtering stage, thus matching energy consumption to actual air quality needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If high-efficiency filters are used continuously, then air quality is improved, but maintenance costs increase due to frequent filter replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair qualityVSAvoidmaintenance cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts which filtering stage operates based on air quality conditions. By operating in first mode when air quality is acceptable, the system reduces usage of the second filtering stage, thereby extending filter life and reducing maintenance costs while still maintaining air quality through selective use of the more efficient second stage when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial action by using only the first filtering stage when air quality conditions permit, rather than continuously operating both stages. This partial operation of the high-efficiency second filtering stage reduces wear and extends maintenance intervals while still achieving adequate air purification during periods when full filtration capacity is not required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If both filtering stages operate continuously, then air purification effectiveness is maximized, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair purification effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control module dynamically selects operation modes based on real-time air quality monitoring. The system transitions between first mode (first stage only, lower energy), second mode (second stage only, medium energy), and third mode (both stages, highest energy) to match actual air quality conditions, ensuring energy is consumed only when and where needed for effective purification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes its operational state based on air quality parameter thresholds. When PM2.5 or other air quality metrics exceed predetermined thresholds, the system transitions from first mode to second or third mode, thereby adjusting energy consumption to match the actual purification demand rather than operating at constant high energy levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs by dynamically adjusting filtering stages based on air quality, minimizing unnecessary operation of high-energy components and extending filter life.

Implementation Method 1

an electrostatic adsorption-based first stage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic adsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS11493216B2Air filter system and HVAC system
Publication Date: 2022.11.08 CARRIER CORP
  • US11493216B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides an air filtering system for use in a building and an HVAC system, wherein the air filtering system includes: an outside-air inlet; a first filtering stage at the downstream of the outside-air inlet; a second filtering stage at the downstream of the first filtering stage; a collection module for collecting outside-air quality information; and a control module in communication with the collection module, wherein the control module adjusts an operation state of the first filtering stage and/or the second filtering stage based on the air quality information collected by the collection module. The system of the present invention has the advantages of energy saving, low maintenance cost, etc.