Ventilation Conduit Self-Diagnosis for Airtightness and Airflow Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems in multi-dwelling buildings face challenges in diagnosing conduit airtightness and airflow distribution due to cumbersome and expensive measuring devices, which require specialized labor and can cause damage during installation, leading to inefficient airflow and increased heat loss.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic method using a blower, conduits with integrated measuring devices and control units to measure airflow, pressure, and leakage rates in each conduit, allowing for precise identification of defects and optimization of damper settings without external measuring devices or specialized labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measuring devices are used to verify conduit permeability, then measurement capability is provided, but the devices are cumbersome, expensive, and require specialized labor
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation unit performs self-diagnosis by using its own blower and integrated sensors to measure conduit permeability, eliminating the need for external measuring devices. The control unit automatically controls the blower to generate pressure differences and measures airflow through the conduits, allowing the system to test itself without specialized equipment or labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The blower serves multiple functions: it provides normal ventilation operation and simultaneously acts as a test pump for permeability measurement. The control unit also performs dual roles of managing ventilation operations and conducting diagnostic measurements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated measuring devices.
2Measurement precision
If conventional measuring devices are used, then permeability can be measured, but the devices require temporary dismantling of conduits which increases damage risk and causes performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-testing through existing access points (vents) without requiring conduit dismantling. The blower generates pressure differences while the system measures airflow through the intact conduit system, completely avoiding the need to open or disconnect conduits during the measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs permeability measurements as part of the installation verification process before the system is put into regular operation. This preliminary diagnostic action identifies and allows correction of installation issues while the system is still accessible, preventing future performance degradation.
3Measurement precision
If conventional measuring devices are used, then overall permeability can be measured, but precise measurement of individual conduits and identification of defective conduits is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic system tests each conduit individually by controlling dampers to isolate specific conduit paths. The control unit sequentially activates dampers associated with different conduits and measures airflow for each, generating separate permeability values for each conduit segment. This segmented approach identifies which specific conduits have installation defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives airflow measurement data from each conduit test and compares it against expected values. Based on this feedback, the system identifies conduits with abnormal permeability and can indicate which specific conduits require attention, providing actionable diagnostic information.
4Measurement precision
If conventional measuring devices are used, then permeability measurement is possible, but the process is time-consuming and reduces installation productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The automated self-diagnosis system performs all permeability measurements without requiring specialized technicians to manually dismantle and test conduits. The control unit automatically sequences the testing of multiple conduits, eliminating manual labor and significantly reducing the time required for installation verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs permeability measurements as an integrated part of the installation process without interrupting the overall installation workflow. The automated testing can be performed sequentially and efficiently, maintaining continuous productive action rather than requiring separate manual measurement steps for each conduit.
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
Enables precise diagnosis of conduit permeability and airflow distribution, reducing the risk of damage and improving installation efficiency by allowing for independent testing of each conduit, thereby enhancing the overall ventilation system performance and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
turning on the blower at a determined operating pressure
Implementation Method 2
measuring the airflow of the conduit by means of the measuring device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for diagnosing a single flow or dual flow ventilation unit, the method making it possible to diagnose the permeability and installation of each conduit of the ventilation unit by means of measuring devices and a control unit.