Smart air filtration system and method of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems are inadequate in filtering out smoke and toxic fumes during emergencies, as conventional filters fail to effectively remove these contaminants from recirculated air.
Innovation Solution
A smart air filtration system integrated with an HVAC system, utilizing smart registers, intake vents, and a furnace valve, controlled by a computing device to vent contaminated air into the furnace's combustion chamber for filtration, while introducing fresh air to improve air quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional HVAC filters are used to filter recirculated air, then energy is saved by recycling air, but smoke and toxic fumes cannot be effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system redirects harmful smoke and toxic fumes that would otherwise be recirculated through the building into the furnace combustion chamber, where they are destroyed through combustion. The harmful contaminants are converted into harmless byproducts (CO2, water vapor) while the furnace operates as a filtration system during emergency conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between normal HVAC operation and emergency filtration mode by controlling the furnace valve and damper positions. During emergencies, the system adjusts air flow paths to redirect contaminated air through the combustion chamber while maintaining proper combustion air supply, adapting the system's behavior based on detected conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the furnace valve is opened to vent contaminated air through the combustion chamber, then smoke and toxic fumes are removed, but combustion efficiency may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the furnace valve opening degree and damper positions to control the ratio of contaminated air mixed with combustion air. This allows the system to maintain proper combustion conditions while directing sufficient contaminated air through the combustion chamber for effective filtration, balancing both requirements through parameter optimization.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If smart registers and intake vents are used to control air flow, then air quality is improved by introducing fresh air, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smart registers and intake vents serve multiple functions: during normal operation, they control HVAC air distribution; during emergencies, they introduce fresh air and work with the furnace system to create a filtration pathway. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated emergency equipment, balancing enhanced capability with acceptable system complexity.
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
Effectively filters out smoke and toxic fumes, ensuring breathable air for building occupants during emergencies by continuously venting contaminated air and introducing fresh air, thereby enhancing safety and evacuation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an exhaust air system for venting air associated with the combustion process in the furnace
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments provide a system and method for filtering out smoke and/or toxic gases/fumes from air in a building. The system integrates various smart devices with an HVAC system along with a controlling software application that can change the state of the smart devices, thereby controlling the types and quantities of air moving through the HVAC system at any time. In particular, the system can adjust the openings of one or more smart registers to control how much air passes in and out of the HVAC system over a given period of time. The system can also adjust the opening of a smart intake vent to control how much fresh (outside) air passes into the system over a given period of time. The system can also adjust the opening of a smart furnace valve that is disposed within the furnace.