Devices, systems and methods relating to HVAC systems that provide an implicit partition between at least two abutting environments in a defined large open space
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC systems are not as efficient as possible and require unnecessary amounts of energy, especially in large open spaces with multiple zones that have different thermal and ventilation needs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with at least two separate and distinct environmental climate control devices, such as infrared heaters and direct/indirect fired heaters, under a central uniform control unit that adjusts based on real-time data from sensors to create and maintain different HVAC zones, allowing for optimized energy usage and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single HVAC system is used to condition a large open space, then the system is simple in structure, but it cannot provide different environmental conditions for different zones and wastes energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large open space into multiple environmental zones, each with its own climate control device. The system segments the HVAC functionality into distributed units that can independently condition different areas, allowing zone-specific temperature and environmental control while maintaining overall system coordination through a central controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different zones within the same physical space to have different environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, air quality) tailored to specific needs. Each climate control device adjusts parameters locally based on zone-specific requirements rather than uniform conditioning throughout the entire space.
2Loss of energy
If multiple separate environmental climate control devices are used to create different HVAC zones, then energy efficiency improves, but system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple distributed climate control devices under a single central uniform control system. This consolidation allows coordinated operation of all devices, enabling the system to optimize energy usage across zones while simplifying control through centralized management rather than requiring independent control of each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor environmental conditions in each zone and provide data to the central controller. The controller uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the operation of climate control devices, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining desired environmental conditions through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If traditional HVAC systems condition the entire large open space uniformly, then installation and operation are simple, but unnecessary energy is consumed in areas with different thermal needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities where the HVAC system can adapt its operation based on real-time zone requirements. The central controller dynamically adjusts the setpoints and operation of individual climate control devices according to actual environmental conditions and zone needs, allowing the system to transition from static uniform conditioning to dynamic zoned conditioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key operational parameters by allowing different temperature setpoints, humidity levels, and air flow rates in different zones rather than maintaining uniform parameters throughout. This parameter differentiation enables energy savings in zones with different thermal needs while maintaining comfort and functionality specific to each area's requirements.
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 reduces energy demands by up to 40% compared to baseline standards, enhances user comfort, and provides flexible control over HVAC settings, optimizing energy usage in mixed-use open spaces.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radiant heater, which can comprise a burner; at least one heat exchanger tube, a tube to carry the combustion gasses, and a reflector to direct the heat that is generated
Implementation Method 2
at least one heat exchanger tube, a tube to carry the combustion gasses
Implementation Method 3
at least one radiant heater, which can comprise a burner; a tube to carry the combustion gasses
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices and methods, etc., comprising at least two separate and distinct environmental climate control devices that both serve the mixed use open space, and which environmental climate control devices are centrally controlled to provide at least two different HVAC-controlled zones, for example to differentiate between the zones according to at least one of temperature, humidity, pressure or contaminant level.