Sealed Micro-Environment Air Sensor With Venturi Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems face challenges in efficiently and economically monitoring and controlling air quality in multiple rooms of a building, particularly due to delays in air sample updates and increased energy consumption from active vacuum devices.
Innovation Solution
A scalable air sampling system utilizing a Venturi vacuum device that leverages differential pressure from the HVAC system's bulk supply fan to continuously draw and deliver air samples to sensors, creating a sealed micro-environment for accurate testing, thereby reducing energy consumption and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active vacuum devices are used to draw air samples, then air sample delivery is reliable, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the HVAC system's own bulk supply fan to create the vacuum effect through the Venturi device, eliminating the need for separate active vacuum devices. The bulk supply fan's operation naturally generates the differential pressure needed to draw air samples through the Venturi effect, making the system self-sufficient and energy-efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs the Venturi effect, a pneumatic principle, where the bulk supply fan creates a pressure differential that draws air samples through a constriction in the Venturi device. This pneumatic mechanism replaces active vacuum devices, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable air sample delivery.
2Loss of time
If air samples are continuously updated across multiple rooms, then air quality monitoring is timely, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single bulk supply fan serves multiple functions: it provides HVAC air supply and simultaneously creates the vacuum effect for drawing air samples from multiple rooms through the Venturi devices. This multi-functionality allows continuous monitoring across multiple rooms without requiring separate vacuum devices for each location, reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the building into multiple zones or rooms, each with its own air sample inlet connected to the common bulk supply fan through individual Venturi devices. This segmentation allows independent monitoring of each room while utilizing the same energy source, enabling timely updates without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If differential pressure is used to draw air samples, then energy consumption is reduced, but control precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces active mechanical vacuum devices with a passive pneumatic system based on the Venturi effect. The differential pressure created by the bulk supply fan naturally drives the air samples through the system, eliminating the need for additional mechanical components while maintaining measurement precision through proper sensor placement in the sealed micro-environment.
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 provides efficient, real-time monitoring of air quality across multiple rooms with minimal energy usage and reduced maintenance, ensuring timely air quality control and optimized HVAC operations.
Implementation Method 1
A scalable air sampling system utilizing a Venturi vacuum device that leverages differential pressure from the HVAC system's bulk supply fan to continuously draw and deliver air samples to sensors
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor that detects a pressure differential between the interior cavity and a local environment proximate the sealed enclosure. A controller is configured to detect a system error in response to changes in the pressure differential.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote test apparatus is configured to simulate an environment of at least one remotely located room and configured to receive at least one air sample from the at least one remotely located room. The apparatus includes a sealed enclosure forming an interior cavity and including an inlet in connection with the at least one remotely located room and an outlet in connection with a sample collection unit. The sample collection unit is configured to communicate the at least one air sample from the remotely located room at a first flow rate. The apparatus further includes at least one sensor disposed in the interior cavity and at least one air transfer unit configured to transfer test air from the interior cavity of the sealed enclosure to the at least one sensor at a second flow rate.