Subfloor Vapor Mitigation Control for Stable Vacuum and Lower Energy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vapor mitigation systems face inefficiencies due to constant power operation and inability to dynamically adjust vacuum levels in response to environmental changes, leading to excessive energy consumption and potential over-vacuum application, which can result in suboptimal contaminant removal and increased energy costs.

Innovation Solution

A dynamically controlled vapor mitigation system that utilizes a variable power/speed blower and vacuum controller to adjust power supply based on environmental measurements, such as temperature, pressure, and contaminant levels, maintaining a constant vacuum level under the building floor while optimizing energy use and contaminant removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If constant power operation is used in vapor mitigation systems, then the system can maintain a stable vacuum level, but energy consumption increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum level stabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from constant power operation to variable power operation. The blower's power input is dynamically adjusted based on real-time environmental conditions (temperature, pressure, humidity) and system performance feedback, allowing the vacuum level to be maintained while optimizing energy consumption according to actual needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to monitor environmental conditions and system performance, then using this information to adjust the blower's power input. The controller receives feedback from pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and humidity sensors, and modifies the power supply accordingly to maintain effective vapor mitigation while minimizing energy use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If high vacuum levels are maintained continuously, then contaminant removal effectiveness is maximized, but energy costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontaminant removal effectivenessVSAvoidenergy costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by adjusting the vacuum level dynamically rather than maintaining maximum vacuum continuously. The system provides high vacuum when contaminant levels are high or environmental conditions demand it, and reduces vacuum levels when conditions permit, achieving effective contaminant removal while avoiding unnecessary energy expenditure during periods of lower contamination risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the blower based on environmental conditions. Temperature, pressure, and humidity parameters are monitored, and the blower's power input is adjusted in response to these changes, allowing the system to maintain contaminant removal effectiveness while adapting energy consumption to actual environmental demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the system does not dynamically adjust to environmental changes, then the structure is simpler, but vapor mitigation effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structure simplicityVSAvoidvapor mitigation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service by automatically monitoring its own performance and environmental conditions, then making self-adjustments to power input without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously processes sensor data and modifies blower operation to maintain optimal vapor mitigation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 ensures efficient contaminant removal by dynamically adjusting vacuum levels, reducing energy consumption, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards by optimizing power usage and ensuring consistent contaminant extraction.

Implementation Method 1

a blower coupled to the at least one vacuum pipe, the blower constructed and arranged to create a vacuum under the floor of the building

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS8939825B2Vapor mitigation system, vapor mitigation controller and methods of controlling vapors

Publication Date: 2015.01.27 VAPOR DYNAMICS LLC

AI summary

A vapor mitigation system includes at least one vacuum pipe constructed and arranged to collect vapors beneath the floor of a building and to vent the vapors and a blower coupled to the at least one vacuum pipe. The blower is constructed and arranged to create a vacuum under the floor of the building. The vapor mitigation system further includes a controller configured to dynamically control a level of power supplied to the blower. The controller adjusts the level of power supplied to the blower in response to one or more environmental measurements.