Method of operating a ventilation system, ventilation system and valve for a ventilation system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems face challenges in accurately and cost-effectively controlling airflow in individual spaces due to high costs and measurement uncertainties associated with differential pressure sensors, leading to overventilation and underventilation issues.
Innovation Solution
A method using at least two set points with a single absolute pressure sensor to measure air pressure changes, allowing for the determination of flow rate parameters, which can be used to optimize airflow and minimize energy consumption by eliminating measurement uncertainties caused by pressure sensor drift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If differential pressure sensors are used to measure airflow through ventilation valves, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to calibration requirements and additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration function from the measurement system by using a single absolute pressure sensor that does not require calibration. Instead of using a differential pressure sensor that needs calibration to measure pressure difference directly, the system measures absolute pressure at two different valve positions and calculates the pressure difference mathematically, eliminating the need for calibration arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements at two different valve positions (first and second set points) to establish pressure values before calculating the flow rate. By measuring absolute pressure at these predetermined positions, the system prepares the necessary data to compute pressure difference and flow rate without requiring real-time calibration during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two absolute pressure sensors are used to measure pressure on both sides of the valve, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to pressure offset drift in both sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into two separate measurements taken at different valve positions rather than attempting to measure both pressures simultaneously with two sensors. By measuring absolute pressure at the first set point and then at the second set point, the system avoids the accumulation of errors from two independent sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a single pressure sensor to effectively create two measurement readings by taking measurements at two different operational states (first and second set points). This copying approach using one sensor instead of two eliminates the need to compensate for differences in sensor drift characteristics between multiple sensors.
3Device complexity
If manually operated ventilation valves are used to control airflow, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as individual space ventilation needs cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by measuring the actual pressure and calculating the flow rate through the valve, then using this information to automatically adjust the valve position to achieve the desired ventilation rate. The control unit continuously monitors pressure measurements and adjusts the valve to maintain optimal airflow based on actual conditions in each space.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation system performs self-adjustment by automatically controlling valve positions based on measured pressure data and calculated flow rates. Each ventilation outlet independently regulates its own airflow without manual intervention, allowing the system to adapt to varying ventilation needs in different spaces automatically.
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 provides a simple, reliable, and inexpensive way to determine flow rates, enabling individual control of ventilation in multiple spaces and allowing existing systems to be upgraded, thus optimizing indoor air quality and reducing energy use.
Implementation Method 1
measuring air pressure in the first location by means of a first pressure sensor while the ventilation system is operated with the first set point of said ventilation system device
Implementation Method 2
the selected set point of the ventilation system device affecting the air pressure in a first location of the ventilation system
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The method of operating a ventilation system that comprises an adjustable ventilation system device (1, 5) having at least two different set points, the selected set point of the ventilation system device (1, 5) affecting the air pressure in a first location (A) of the ventilation system, comprises the steps of operating the ventilation system with a first set point of said ventilation system device (1, 5) (101), measuring air pressure in the first location (A) by means of a first pressure sensor (2) while the ventilation system is operated with the first set point (102), operating the ventilation system with a second set point of said ventilation system device (1, 5) (103), measuring air pressure in the first location (A) by means of said first pressure sensor (2) while the ventilation system is operated with the second set point to detect the pressure change caused by the changing of the set point (104), and using the measured pressures to determine at least one value of at least one flow rate parameter representing the flow rate in the first location (A) (105).