Systems and methods for optimizing ventilation, filtration, and conditioning schemes for buildings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building ventilation systems rely on fixed air exchange rates and lack adaptive filtering strategies, failing to optimize indoor air quality effectively due to the absence of real-time outdoor air quality monitoring and predictive modeling.
Innovation Solution
A building management system (BMS) equipped with sensors to measure and analyze air quality characteristics before and after filtration, using a pollutant management system to select and control filtration processes based on real-time data, including predictive modeling to anticipate filter failures and adjust filtration paths dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed ventilation rates are used to improve air quality, then indoor air quality is improved, but energy consumption increases due to constant ventilation regardless of outdoor air quality
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system dynamically adjusts outdoor air intake rates based on real-time outdoor air quality sensor data, transitioning from fixed to variable ventilation rates that respond to changing environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback control where sensor measurements of outdoor air quality (particulate matter, CO2, NO2, O3) continuously inform ventilation rate adjustments, allowing the system to respond adaptively to air quality changes
2Object-affected harmful factors
If more outdoor air is allowed to enter the building to optimize air quality, then indoor air quality may improve, but system complexity increases due to lack of filtering and monitoring infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is segmented into multiple parallel paths with different filtration levels, allowing selective routing of outdoor air through appropriate filtration stages based on real-time air quality conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary filtering of outdoor air through multiple filtration stages before air enters the building, proactively removing pollutants rather than relying on post-entry remediation
3Reliability
If predictive modeling is implemented to anticipate filter failures, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure differential sensors across filters provide continuous feedback on filter loading status, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive replacement scheduling
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of filter condition through pressure differential measurements, predicting filter failure before it occurs and scheduling proactive maintenance
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 approach enhances indoor air quality by optimizing filtration processes based on real-time outdoor air quality data, reducing over-ventilation costs and improving air quality within buildings by dynamically selecting filtration methods and paths.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors configured to measure one or more characteristics of a first fluid within an air duct of the BMS and measure one or more characteristics of a second fluid after the second fluid has been filtered
Implementation Method 2
the filtration process selects a filter of a plurality of filters based on a level of the one or more characteristics of the first fluid and the one or more characteristics of the second fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A building management system (BMS) for filtering a fluid within a building is shown. The system includes one or more sensors configured to measure one or more characteristics of a first fluid within an air duct of the BMS and measure one or more characteristics of a second fluid after the second fluid has been filtered. The system further includes a pollutant management system configured to receive data from the one or more sensors and control a filtration process. The filtration process selects a filter of a plurality of filters based on a level of the one or more characteristics of the first fluid and the one or more characteristics of the second fluid.