Power supply and method to deter mold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to effectively prevent mold growth in buildings with antiquated HVAC systems, particularly in cold and humid regions, as they either require costly new installations or are inefficient in controlling temperature and humidity during winter months.
Innovation Solution
A portable apparatus with an adjustable thermostat and dehumidistat controls a radiant space heater and fans, using calcium chloride granules to absorb water vapor, optimizing air circulation and temperature to deter condensation, while operating within a 12-ampere power rating to be cost-effective and energy-efficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a new HVAC system is installed to control mold growth, then mold prevention effectiveness is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, replaceable components including portable humidifiers, standard dehumidifiers, and temporary heating elements rather than installing a permanent expensive HVAC system. These affordable components can be deployed quickly and replaced as needed, achieving mold prevention without the high capital investment required for new HVAC infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microcontroller-based control system that acts as an intermediary between environmental sensors and the HVAC components. This intelligent mediator coordinates the operation of humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and heaters based on real-time temperature and humidity readings, optimizing mold prevention effectiveness while minimizing energy consumption and operational costs.
2Reliability
If HVAC system runs continuously to control temperature and humidity, then mold growth control is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system using DHT11 or DHT22 temperature and humidity sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions and provide real-time data to the microcontroller. The system adjusts HVAC component operation based on this feedback, running equipment only when environmental parameters deviate from the optimal range for mold prevention, thereby minimizing energy consumption while maintaining effective mold control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic rather than continuous operation of HVAC components. The microcontroller activates humidifiers, dehumidifiers, or heaters in periodic cycles based on sensor readings and pre-programmed algorithms, allowing the system to maintain effective mold prevention through intermittent operation rather than constant running, thus significantly reducing energy consumption.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If temperature is elevated to prevent condensation, then mold deterrence is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts temperature parameters based on real-time environmental conditions rather than maintaining a constantly high temperature. The microcontroller modifies heating setpoints according to outdoor temperature, humidity levels, and time of day, elevating indoor temperature only to the extent necessary to prevent condensation on surfaces, thereby minimizing heating energy consumption while maintaining effective mold deterrence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies heating selectively to specific zones or surfaces where condensation risk is highest rather than uniformly heating the entire building. By identifying critical areas such as exterior walls, windows, and corners prone to condensation, the system concentrates heating energy locally where it is most needed for mold prevention, reducing overall energy consumption compared to whole-building heating.
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 solution effectively reduces mold growth by maintaining elevated temperatures and lower humidity, providing energy savings and automatic operation, suitable for vacation homes and unoccupied structures, without the need for extensive HVAC system upgrades.
Implementation Method 1
using calcium chloride granules to absorb water vapor
Implementation Method 2
controls a radiant space heater
Implementation Method 3
optimizing air circulation
Implementation Method 4
optimizing air circulation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method to deter mold growth on the interior surfaces of buildings. The apparatus is a corded and plugged power supply with adjustable temperature and humidity sensors, logic circuitry, and split duplex receptacles. The method employs the apparatus, a portable heater, an array of portable fans, and catchments containing a hygroscopic substance such as calcium chloride. One receptacle controls the heater. The other receptacle controls the fans. There are three operative states: a heat-on/fans-on state at low temperature, a heat-off/fans-on state at high temperature and high humidity, and an idle state at high temperature and low humidity. The catchments capture water vapor circulated by the fans.