Variable Air Stream Induction for Efficient HVAC Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional HVAC systems face inefficiencies in air distribution due to inability to adjust cooling or heating capacity according to demand, leading to energy wastage and uneven air stratification or draughts within buildings.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involve discharging a first air stream with a variable mass flow rate and a second air stream at higher velocity or momentum to induce and control the combined air stream, allowing for adjustable throw and direction, using components like nozzles, perforated plates, and variable speed fans to optimize air distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional HVAC systems discharge air at fixed capacity, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot adjust to varying load conditions leading to energy wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The air discharge system is segmented into two independent air streams: a primary air stream discharged at fixed capacity through traditional ducts, and a secondary induced air stream discharged at variable capacity through nozzles. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple fixed-capacity infrastructure while adding flexible variable-capacity control, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines fixed-capacity and variable-capacity air discharge functions into a single integrated HVAC system. The primary air stream handles base cooling/heating loads, while the secondary induced air stream handles variable load conditions, making the system universally adaptable to different operational requirements without requiring completely separate systems.
2Ease of operation
If air is discharged from traditional ventilation systems, then air distribution occurs, but the air cannot be directed or controlled causing stratification or draughts
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary air stream is discharged through nozzles positioned at specific locations with specific orientations to induce the primary air stream in a controlled direction. This local control of air stream induction allows directional control of air distribution without complex system-wide control mechanisms, improving ease of operation while limiting device complexity increase.
3Use of energy by moving object
If HVAC systems operate at maximum capacity, then adequate conditioning is provided, but energy consumption increases when maximum capacity is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary air stream mass flow rate is made variable to dynamically adjust to different load conditions. By varying the mass flow rate of the induced air stream, the system can operate efficiently at partial loads without wasting energy, while maintaining the ability to provide adequate conditioning when maximum capacity is needed. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between energy efficiency and adaptability.
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 enables more efficient air distribution by maintaining a constant horizontal throw and direction of the combined air stream, reducing energy consumption and improving comfort by directing air effectively based on load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
discharging a second air stream, wherein the second air stream is arranged to induce the first air stream to deliver a combined air stream
Data Source
AI summary
A method for delivering air comprising the steps of:discharging a first air stream, wherein the mass flow rate of first air stream can be varied; anddischarging a second air stream, wherein the second air stream is arranged to induce the first air stream to deliver a combined air stream with a mass flow rate that can be varied.