Smart Fan Wireless Control for Blower Door Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fans used in blower door tests and duct leakage tests lack advanced communication and control capabilities, making it difficult to efficiently manage air flow and collect data during testing.

Innovation Solution

The development of a smart fan that can communicate wirelessly or via wires with a controller, allowing for real-time data transmission and control of fan speed, flow restrictors, and sensor readings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fans are equipped with advanced communication and control capabilities, then data transmission and control efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The smart fan incorporates sensors that continuously monitor operational parameters (speed, pressure, flow rate) and transmit this data back to a controller, enabling real-time adjustments and optimization of fan performance based on actual operating conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The fan integrates multiple functions including motor control, sensor data acquisition, wireless communication, and self-diagnostics into a single device, allowing it to serve as both a fluid moving device and a data collection/control node

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple fans are used in blower door tests, then measurement accuracy is improved, but power management becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidpower management

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple smart fans are electrically connected in parallel to a single power source, consolidating the power management infrastructure and reducing the number of power sources needed while maintaining the ability to independently control each fan's operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If real-time data transmission is implemented, then monitoring capability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The smart fan transmits operational data at scheduled intervals or when threshold changes are detected, rather than continuously, reducing communication energy consumption while still providing timely information about fan performance and status

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12286975B2Smart fan for building diagnostic testing

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 THE ENERGY CONSERVATORY

AI summary

Smart fans are described that can be used in any application in which a flow of a fluid, such as air, is required. In two specific applications, one or more of the fans can be used to conduct a blower door test or a duct leakage test. However, the smart fans described herein can be used in other applications.