Multifunction adaptive fan system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building energy consumption for heating and cooling is high due to inefficient use of heating and cooling systems, and existing attic fans may not effectively manage temperature and humidity in building structures, leading to premature failure of materials and increased energy costs.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction adaptive attic fan system that uses a combination of solar-generated power and grid power, with a controller that adjusts fan speed based on temperature and humidity levels to optimize energy usage and ventilation, incorporating a cylindrical housing, motor, fan blade assembly, power control unit, voltage converter, solar panel, and sensors to regulate power and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If attic fans are used to cool attics, then temperature and humidity in attic are reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the fan speed variable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts fan speed based on real-time temperature readings from sensors, allowing the system to operate at optimal speeds for different thermal conditions, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting fan speed based on temperature thresholds. When temperature exceeds predetermined thresholds, the fan operates at higher speeds; when temperature is within acceptable ranges, the fan reduces speed or stops, optimizing energy usage based on actual cooling needs.
2Loss of energy
If solar panels are used to power attic fans, then energy costs are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power sources (solar panels and grid power) into a unified system. The controller intelligently manages power from both sources, using solar power when available and supplementing with grid power when needed, thereby reducing energy costs while distributing system complexity across manageable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The power system is designed with multi-functionality to operate in multiple modes: solar-only mode, grid-only mode, and hybrid mode. This universal design allows the system to adapt to different conditions and power availability scenarios, reducing energy costs while managing complexity through flexible operational capabilities.
3Productivity
If fan speed is increased to cool attic faster, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by continuously monitoring temperature and dynamically adjusting fan speed accordingly. Rather than operating at constant high speed, the fan adapts its rotational velocity to match the actual cooling demand, maintaining high productivity when needed while reducing energy consumption during milder conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where temperature sensors continuously monitor attic conditions and provide data to the controller. The controller processes this feedback and adjusts fan speed in real-time, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes cooling effectiveness while minimizing energy consumption based on actual thermal conditions.
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 by effectively cooling attics and living spaces, prolonging the lifespan of building materials and minimizing energy costs through adaptive power management and ventilation strategies.
Implementation Method 1
A multifunction adaptive attic fan system can use a combination of solar generated power and grid power to power the fans
Implementation Method 2
a fan blade assembly secured to the fan drive shaft so that rotation of the fan drive shaft causes the fan blade assembly to rotate, wherein the motor and the fan blade assembly are disposed within the cylindrical housing and configured to draw air from the attic space into the cylindrical housing through the inflow end and to exhaust air out of the attic space through the outflow end
Implementation Method 3
An evaporative cooler can be used to further cool the air that enters the attic space
Implementation Method 4
A condensation system can be used to remove moisture from the air that enters the attic space
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunction adaptive fan system can include a whole house fan to pull air through a building structure. The multifunction adaptive fan system can include an attic fan to pull air though an attic and expel air out of the attic. The system can monitor the environment to operate the fans when desired conditions are present in coordination with other systems of the building structure to reduce overall energy consumption.