Systems and methods for air remediation
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to effectively and efficiently improve indoor air quality in habitable environments due to inadequate monitoring and remediation of air pollutants such as CO2, particulate matter, VOCs, and NOx, leading to adverse health effects and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensor arrays, air handling units, and central control circuits that monitor air quality parameters and initiate remediation techniques like fresh air exchange, filtration, and ultraviolet purification when thresholds are exceeded, adjusting based on occupancy and outdoor air quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional HVAC systems are used for air treatment, then basic air circulation is provided, but they fail to effectively monitor and remediate specific air pollutants in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides air quality management into separate functional modules: sensor arrays for specific pollutant detection, air handling units for targeted remediation, and a central controller for coordination. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific tasks, improving overall effectiveness while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback loops where sensor arrays continuously monitor air quality parameters, the central controller analyzes data against threshold values, and air handling units automatically adjust remediation operations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable air quality improvement by dynamically responding to actual pollutant levels rather than operating on fixed schedules.
2Reliability
If continuous air remediation is implemented, then air quality is consistently maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the system employs periodic air remediation triggered by real-time pollutant monitoring. Air handling units operate intermittently based on detected pollutant levels, maintaining consistent air quality while consuming energy only when remediation is actually needed, rather than running continuously regardless of air quality conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters based on air quality conditions. The central controller adjusts air handling unit operation, fan speeds, and remediation intensity according to real-time sensor data, allowing the system to maintain reliable air quality while optimizing energy consumption by matching operational intensity to actual pollution levels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple air pollutants are monitored simultaneously, then comprehensive air quality assessment is achieved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses separate sensor arrays for detecting different pollutant types (particulate matter, CO, CO2, VOCs, NOx) rather than attempting simultaneous multi-parameter detection with a single complex device. This segmentation allows each sensor to specialize in specific pollutants, achieving comprehensive coverage while keeping individual measurement systems relatively simple and well-established.
Solution Approach 2:
The central controller serves as a universal platform that integrates data from multiple specialized sensors and coordinates various air handling functions. This multi-functional controller consolidates the complexity of managing multiple pollutant measurements and remediation strategies into a single coordinating system, making the overall measurement and response process more manageable.
4Productivity
If real-time air quality monitoring is implemented, then prompt remediation actions are taken, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures threshold values for different pollutants and automated response protocols before deployment. When sensors detect pollutant levels exceeding these pre-set thresholds, the system immediately triggers appropriate remediation actions without requiring complex real-time analysis or human intervention, achieving rapid response while keeping the control logic relatively simple through advance preparation.
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 effectively maintains improved indoor air quality by reducing pollutant levels, enhancing occupant health and comfort through real-time monitoring and adaptive remediation strategies.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor array located in a first zone of an indoor space and a second sensor array located in a second zone of the indoor space, the first and second sensors configured to measure at least one air parameter in the first and second zones
Implementation Method 2
initiating air remediation in the first and second zones by an air handling unit associated with the first and second zones; continuing air remediation within the first and second zones
Implementation Method 3
ultraviolet purification when thresholds are exceeded
Implementation Method 4
ultraviolet purification when thresholds are exceeded
Implementation Method 5
fresh air exchange, filtration, and ultraviolet purification
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for monitoring and improving air quality in single- and multi-zone indoor spaces. The system for monitoring and improving air quality includes a built structure that includes an indoor space with environmentally-controllable zones, an environmental control system, sensor arrays positioned within the environmentally-controllable zones, and a control circuit configured to monitor air and remediate air within the indoor space. Multiple zones in the indoor space may be bundled together in multiple remediation bundled-areas for remediation by separate air handling systems and/or processes. Additionally, multiple zones may be delineated within the indoor space for sensor installation processes.