Control system for a hygroscopic air extraction device for a ventilation installation, and ventilation installation comprising such a control system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing humidity-controlled air extraction devices in ventilation systems face challenges in reliably controlling airflow based on hygrometric characteristics, as they depend on mechanical energy generated by turbines, which are exposed to high humidity and pollutants, leading to inconsistent performance and maintenance issues.

Innovation Solution

A system with a gripping device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, stored for controlling shutter mechanisms, allowing independent energy generation and precise airflow control, including peak flow activation, regardless of air flow rates, and optimizing the operation period of closure means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a turbine-driven electric motor is used to control shutter mechanisms in high humidity environments, then mechanical energy can be generated from airflow, but the turbine performance becomes inconsistent and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical energy generationVSAvoidturbine performance consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the turbine from the direct path of humid airflow by positioning it in a bypass channel that runs parallel to the main airflow path. The bypass channel has its own inlet and outlet, allowing the turbine to generate mechanical energy from a portion of the airflow without being exposed to the full harsh conditions of the main ventilation stream containing high humidity and pollutants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass channel acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the main airflow and the turbine. It allows the turbine to access airflow for energy generation while protecting it from the most severe environmental conditions, thus improving reliability while maintaining energy generation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If peak flow rate is activated manually with timer or presence sensors, then airflow can be increased under certain conditions, but the system cannot respond automatically to humidity changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow rateVSAvoidautomatic humidity-based control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates humidity sensors that continuously monitor the ventilation atmosphere and provide feedback to the control unit. The control unit automatically adjusts the shutter mechanisms based on this humidity feedback, enabling the system to respond dynamically to changing environmental conditions without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting humidity levels and adjusting its own operation. The control unit processes sensor data and autonomously controls the shutter mechanisms to maintain optimal ventilation, eliminating the need for manual activation or external monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Power

If turbines are directly exposed to high humidity and pollutant-containing airflow, then maximum mechanical energy can be generated, but regular maintenance is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical energy outputVSAvoidmaintenance frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the airflow path into a main channel and a bypass channel. The bypass channel contains the turbine and is designed to handle only a portion of the total airflow, separating the turbine from the full exposure to humid and polluted conditions while still allowing it to generate mechanical energy from the available airflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass channel and its associated components are designed as a protected, easily accessible subsystem that can be independently maintained or replaced. This segmentation allows for simpler, more frequent maintenance of the turbine without requiring system shutdown or complex disassembly, effectively treating it as a replaceable component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Ensures reliable airflow control according to room hygrometric conditions, guarantees sufficient energy for peak airflow needs, and reduces maintenance requirements by protecting turbines from harsh conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an electric generator configured to transform the mechanical energy received by the gripping device into electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Such an air inlet allows for thermal draft when there is a pressure difference between the inlet and outlet ends, thus creating air circulation between the outside of the building and the room to be ventilated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal convection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4191157A1Control system for a hygroscopic air extraction device for a ventilation installation, and ventilation installation comprising such a control system
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 AERECO
  • EP4191157A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4191157A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4191157A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a control system (10) for a humidity-controlled air extraction device (100) for a ventilation system, the humidity-controlled device comprising shuttering means (102) movable between a closed and an open position, the control system being characterized in that it comprises: - a gripping device (12) movable between a rest position and an actuation position in which it receives mechanical energy, - an electric generator (14) configured to transform the mechanical energy received by the gripping device into electrical energy, - an electrical energy storage device (16) configured to store the electrical energy generated by the electric generator, - drive means (18) configured to drive the shuttering means, and - a timer device (20) configured to automatically control, within a predetermined period,the closing of the shuttering means, using stored electrical energy.