Vapor mitigation system, vapor mitigation controller and methods of controlling, monitoring and mitigating vapors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vapor intrusion poses a significant risk as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and radon can seep into buildings from contaminated soil and groundwater, contaminating indoor air and posing health risks, with existing mitigation systems often inefficient due to constant power consumption and lack of dynamic control.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically controlled vapor mitigation system that uses a vacuum pipe, blower, and controller to create a vacuum under building slabs, adjusting power based on environmental measurements and sensor data to maintain a constant vacuum level, integrate with HVAC systems, and monitor contaminant concentrations to optimize airflow and contaminant removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant power is supplied to the blower in existing mitigation systems, then vapor removal is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts blower power based on real-time environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed) and measured vapor concentrations. The controller modulates the blower motor speed to maintain effective vapor removal only when and where needed, transitioning from static constant power operation to dynamic variable power operation that adapts to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions and vapor concentrations, feeding this information back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to adjust blower power in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy consumption while maintaining vapor removal effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If simple mitigation systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: environmental sensing (temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed), vapor concentration monitoring, dynamic blower control, and HVAC integration. This multi-functional design allows the system to adapt to various environmental conditions and building configurations without requiring multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that processes information from multiple sensors and environmental conditions, then coordinates the blower and HVAC systems accordingly. This intermediary component enables the system to adapt to different conditions by interpreting sensor data and making coordinated adjustments across multiple system elements.
3Reliability
If high vacuum levels are maintained continuously, then vapor intrusion is prevented, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies vacuum pressure selectively and partially - maintaining high vacuum levels only when vapor intrusion risk is detected or environmental conditions indicate need, rather than continuously maintaining maximum vacuum. The controller modulates vacuum pressure dynamically, applying full force only when necessary and reducing or suspending vacuum when conditions permit, thereby preventing energy waste while maintaining protection.
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 reduces indoor VOC and radon levels by dynamically adjusting vacuum levels and airflow, optimizing energy use, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, thereby enhancing indoor air quality and reducing energy consumption.
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
Data Source
AI summary
A vapor management system includes a monitoring service system configured to communicate one or more system parameters with at least one vapor mitigation system. The monitoring service system is further configured to generate a user interface. The user interface is configured to display and permit adjustment of the one or more system parameters.