Secondary controller for ventilation systems and integrated ventilation systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems face issues such as excessive condensate formation, heat exchanger cracking, and system malfunctions due to cold outside air introduction, and they often require modifications to accommodate multiple return air ducts and various furnace/HVAC device brands, leading to increased costs and poor indoor air quality.
Innovation Solution
A secondary controller is introduced to manage outdoor air supply independently, coordinating with primary HVAC controllers to avoid conflicts and allowing for flexible outdoor air mixing or use, while accommodating multiple return air ducts without modifying existing systems, using a standalone ventilation system that integrates with HVAC systems without redesigning the furnace or heat exchanger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the blower of the furnace/HVAC device is used to draw in outside air for ventilation, then ventilation function is provided, but the blower may receive conflicting signals from two controllers causing malfunction or incorrect operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides control functions into two independent controllers: a primary controller for HVAC operations and a secondary controller for ventilation. Each controller manages specific devices without interference, eliminating signal conflicts while maintaining both HVAC and ventilation functions reliably
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary controller acts as an intermediary that monitors primary controller signals and coordinates ventilation device operation accordingly. It detects when the primary controller is active and adjusts ventilation device capacity to prevent conflicting operations while enabling ventilation when appropriate
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom controls modifications are made to accommodate different furnace/HVAC device brands and models, then integration capability is improved, but development, manufacturing and logistical costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary controller is designed as a universal device that can interface with multiple furnace/HVAC device brands and models without requiring custom modifications. It provides multi-functionality by working with various primary controllers through standard communication protocols, eliminating the need for brand-specific control designs
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the primary HVAC controller to accommodate ventilation functions (which would require custom work for each brand/model), the invention inverts the approach by adding a separate secondary controller that independently manages ventilation while interfacing with the existing primary controller through standardized signals
3Ease of operation
If a second controller is employed to control ventilation devices, then ventilation control is enabled, but conflicting signals may cause the blower and/or furnace/HVAC device to malfunction, operate incorrectly, or become disabled
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary controller incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor signals from the primary controller and adjust ventilation device operation accordingly. By detecting primary controller activity and responding with appropriate capacity adjustments, it prevents conflicting signals while maintaining independent ventilation control capability
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary controller that controls a secondary device and is used with a primary controller that controls a primary device. The secondary controller detects primary control signals sent to or from the primary controller, and controls the secondary device based on the detection such that the secondary device does not operate when the primary device is operating, or so that the secondary device operates in a relatively lesser capacity when the primary device is operating. Also described is an outdoor air cooling and ventilation apparatus for supplying outdoor air to an indoor space, which may optionally be used with the secondary controller.