Systems and methods for analyzing air of an indoor environment
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved systems and methods to analyze the air quality in indoor environments and assess the effectiveness of particle mitigation systems, as existing methods struggle to accurately determine air quality and the performance of these systems, especially in complex indoor settings with various sources of air exchange.
Innovation Solution
An air characterization system that includes a particle generator, particle monitor, gas generator, gas monitor, and control system, which introduces test particles and gases into the indoor environment to determine air characteristics, providing feedback on the effectiveness of particle mitigation systems, including mechanical filtration, air handling, and light systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple particle mitigation systems are installed in an indoor environment, then particle removal effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the particle mitigation function into distinct components (mechanical filtration system, air handling system, light system) and assigns separate monitors to each component. This allows independent characterization of each system's contribution while managing overall complexity through modular measurement approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces test particles and test gases as intermediary substances to indirectly measure the performance of particle mitigation systems. These intermediaries enable non-intrusive monitoring that simplifies the measurement process while accurately assessing system effectiveness.
2Loss of information
If conventional air quality monitoring is used, then air quality assessment is provided, but measurement precision is insufficient to distinguish contributions of different mitigation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different measurement approaches tailored to each particle mitigation system's characteristics. Particle monitors with specific detection methods are used for particle-based systems, while gas monitors are used for ventilation assessment, optimizing measurement precision for each local system type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes measurement parameters by using different test particles (varying size, composition) and test gases under different conditions to selectively probe the performance of different mitigation systems. This enables precise differentiation of system contributions through parameter variation.
3Measurement precision
If test particles and gases are introduced to characterize air properties, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system serves multiple functions: it coordinates particle generation, gas generation, particle monitoring, and gas monitoring operations. This centralized multi-functional approach consolidates control complexity into a single system that manages all test and measurement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by introducing known concentrations of test particles and test gases into the environment before conducting measurements. This pre-characterization of the test environment enables more precise determination of air properties and system performance.
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
This system allows for more accurate monitoring of air quality and particle mitigation performance, enabling real-time adjustments and improved air quality assessment in indoor spaces, even in occupied areas, by disambiguating the contributions of different ventilation and particle mitigation components.
Implementation Method 1
a particle generator configured to charge the indoor environment with a first charge including a concentration of a plurality of test particles
Implementation Method 2
a particle monitor configured to receive air from the indoor environment to detect the plurality of test particles
Implementation Method 3
a gas generator configured to charge the indoor environment with a second charge including a concentration of a test gas
Implementation Method 4
a gas monitor configured to receive air from the indoor environment to detect the test gas
Implementation Method 5
a control system operatively coupled to the particle monitor and the gas monitor to determine at least one air characteristic of the indoor environment based on a test gas characteristic and a test particle characteristic
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for analysing air of an indoor environment having a plurality of particle mitigation systems. The system can comprise a particle monitor configured to receive air from the indoor environment to monitor particles, a gas monitor configured to receive air from the indoor environment to monitor a gas, and a control system operatively coupled to the particle monitor and the gas monitor to determine at least one air characteristic, which may include one or more of clean air delivery rate (CADR) for the indoor environment, room air volume, air change rate (ACH) of ventilation for the indoor environment, and mitigation equivalent air change rate (MEACH) for the plurality of particle mitigation systems, or portion thereof.