Variable Air Volume Diffuser With UV Air Quality Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems deliver conditioned air uniformly, failing to consider individual occupant needs for air quality and comfort, which can lead to suboptimal indoor air quality and energy inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A variable air volume diffuser with adjustable directional outlets and an integrated ultraviolet light device, controlled by a processor, which adjusts airflow and UV light exposure based on occupancy and environmental sensors to enhance air quality and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If uniform conditioned air delivery is used to satisfy space requirements, then energy efficiency is maintained, but individual occupant comfort and air quality needs are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is divided into multiple independently controllable outlet vents (e.g., first outlet vent, second outlet vent) that can be individually adjusted. Each outlet vent can deliver conditioned air to different zones or occupants, allowing personalized air delivery while maintaining overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet vents are equipped with adjustable mechanisms (such as louvers or dampers) that allow dynamic modification of airflow direction and volume. This enables the system to adapt to changing occupancy patterns and individual comfort requirements in real-time.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional VAV diffusers are used, then energy efficiency is maintained, but indoor air quality and pathogen reduction are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ultraviolet light device is integrated within the housing of the diffuser system, combining air delivery and pathogen reduction functions into a single unit. This merging approach enables improved air quality without requiring separate standalone devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultraviolet light acts as an intermediary agent that processes the conditioned air as it passes through the diffuser housing. The UV light exposes air and surrounding surfaces to ultraviolet radiation, reducing pathogens in the common space without directly contacting occupants.
3Ease of operation
If adjustable directional outlets are added for personalized comfort, then occupant comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable outlet vents serve multiple functions: they control airflow direction for personalized comfort, regulate air distribution for energy efficiency, and work in conjunction with the UV light device for air quality management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect occupancy and environmental conditions, providing feedback to the control mechanism. This enables automatic adjustment of outlet vent positions and UV light operation, simplifying user interaction while maintaining personalized comfort and air quality.
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 provides personalized air delivery and improved indoor air quality by optimizing airflow and UV light exposure, enhancing occupant comfort while maintaining energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet light device configured to reduce pathogens in the common space
Implementation Method 2
ultraviolet light device configured to reduce pathogens
Implementation Method 3
ultraviolet light device configured to reduce pathogens in the common space
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are techniques relating to an improved air quality device that can provide personalized comfort and improved air quality elements to occupants of a common space. The improved air quality device can comprise a plurality of individually adjustable directional outlets. The state of these individually adjustable directional outlets can be updated to individually satisfy comfort levels of various occupants at different locations within the common space, which can be determined based on inputs from a control device (e.g., thermostat), a sensor (e.g., occupancy sensor), and so forth. The improved air quality device can further comprise an ultraviolet light device that can reduce pathogens in the common space. The state of the ultraviolet light device (e.g., on/off, duration of on/off, a position/location, and so on) can be a function of the state of the state of the outlets.