Rotatable Duct Fan and Registers for Bidirectional Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems face challenges in efficiently generating air flows in two opposite directions while being compact, cost-effective, and mechanically stable, with issues such as high energy consumption and poor efficiency in secondary air flow directions, and vulnerability to wind-induced airflow reversal.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation system featuring a rotatable air flow generator within a continuous duct with moveable registers, allowing for axial airflow in both directions, controlled passive ventilation, and integrated heat storage, enabling efficient and flexible air flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two or more air flow generators are used to generate air flows in opposite directions, then the ventilation system can achieve bidirectional airflow capability, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotatable air flow generator that can change its orientation dynamically. The air flow generator is mounted on a rotating mechanism that allows it to switch between facing different directions, enabling a single generator to perform the function of multiple generators while reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single air flow generator is designed to serve multiple functions by rotating to different positions. It can generate airflow in opposite directions sequentially, replacing the need for multiple dedicated generators for different directions, thus achieving multi-functionality with a single component
2Device complexity
If a single air flow generator is used for both directions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the energy consumption increases significantly for secondary direction
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between active ventilation mode (using the air flow generator) and passive ventilation mode (relying on natural convection and heat recovery). This dynamic operation allows the system to use the air flow generator only when necessary, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining bidirectional capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical active airflow generation with natural passive convection in certain operating conditions. The heat recovery system creates natural temperature differences that drive airflow without requiring the air flow generator, substituting mechanical energy with thermal energy-driven natural convection
3Adaptability or versatility
If the air flow generator is made symmetric for both directions, then bidirectional capability is achieved, but the efficiency deteriorates in both directions
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow generator is designed with asymmetric optimization for its primary direction of operation. The blades and housing are configured to maximize efficiency in one direction, while the rotating mechanism allows it to face different directions when needed. This asymmetric design maintains high efficiency in the primary direction while providing bidirectional capability through rotation rather than symmetric design
4Volume of moving object
If the duct is made continuous with openings at both ends, then the system becomes more compact and flexible, but it becomes vulnerable to wind-induced airflow reversal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inside register as an intermediary control element within the duct. This register can be closed manually to block the duct passage, preventing wind from forcing air through the system in unwanted directions. The register acts as a mediator that allows the system to maintain its compact continuous duct design while protecting against harmful wind effects when needed
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 achieves compact, flexible, and reliable air flow control with reduced energy consumption, ensuring efficient active and passive ventilation, and heat regeneration capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an air flow generator arranged inside the duct to be rotatable around an axis of rotation so that, positioned in different rotational positions, the air flow generator is capable of producing a substantially axial air flow in each of the two directions through the duct
Implementation Method 2
heat recovery systems in which heat energy is extracted from an air flow leaving an enclosure, such as a building, stored and added to another air flow entering the enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
A ventilation system (1) for air ventilation is disclosed, comprising a continuous duct (5) having openings at both ends, an air flow generator (2) arranged inside the duct to be rotatable around an axis of rotation so that, positioned in different rotational positions, the air flow generator is capable of producing a substantially axial air flow in each of the two directions through the duct, respectively, one or more registers arranged to be moveable between different positions, in at least one of which positions the one or more registers (6) leave the duct (5) open for air passage, whereas in another of the positions the one or more registers (6) substantially block the air passage through the duct (5), means for rotating the air flow generator (2), and means for moving the one or more registers. Furthermore, methods for controlled active and passive ventilation, respectively, through the duct of such a ventilation system (1) are disclosed.