System and method for occupancy-driven register airflow control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC vent registers lack on-board occupancy sensors, making them open-loop and inefficient in controlling airflow, leading to suboptimal energy consumption in buildings.
Innovation Solution
An HVAC register airflow control system that includes a detection sensor to gather occupancy information, a controller to generate control signals, and shape memory alloy (SMA) dampers that switch between configurations to manage airflow based on occupancy, allowing for energy-efficient vent control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional motorized dampers are used to control airflow, then vent control is achieved, but device complexity increases due to motors and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional motorized mechanical dampers with shape memory alloy (SMA) dampers that use electro-thermal-mechanical coupling. The SMA material undergoes phase transformation when heated by a resistive heating element, causing the damper to change shape and control airflow without requiring motors, gears, or complex mechanical controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the shape memory alloy material through temperature variation. By applying electrical current to heat the SMA, it transitions from martensite to austenite phase, changing its shape and stiffness properties to control the damper position and airflow, thereby achieving control through parameter change rather than mechanical actuation.
2Device complexity
If open-loop vent control is used without occupancy sensors, then device simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates occupancy sensors that detect presence and provide feedback to the control system. The sensor data triggers appropriate responses (vent opening/closing) based on whether occupants are present or absent, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy efficiency by adjusting airflow according to actual occupancy conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors occupancy through integrated sensors and autonomously adjusts vent positions based on detected conditions, eliminating the need for manual control while optimizing energy consumption. The damper system self-regulates airflow in response to occupancy changes without requiring external intervention.
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 automatically adjusts airflow based on occupancy, reducing energy consumption by up to 7.5% and providing precise control without the need for traditional motorized damper components, enhancing both energy efficiency and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one damper includes a shape memory material and configured to interact with the at least one air outlet. The at least one damper includes a first operative configuration and a second operative configuration both provided by the shape memory material.
Implementation Method 2
a detection sensor configured to detect occupancy information of the enclosed space
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC register airflow control system and an air flow control method are provided. A housing of the system is in fluid communication with an air source for supplying an airflow. The housing includes an air outlet to the enclosed space. A detection sensor detects occupancy information of the enclosed space. A controller generates a control signal based on the occupancy information and controls the shape change of a damper made of a shape memory material. The damper is controlled to switch between a first operative configuration for preventing the airflow from entering the enclosed space and a second operative configured for permitting the airflow to enter the enclosed space.