Method for detecting configuration of a ventilation system and a ventilation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems face challenges in efficiently detecting the configuration, especially in large buildings with multiple ventilation units, leading to slow and laborious processes and a high risk of errors, which complicates balancing and automation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a control apparatus and ventilation units with exhaust and inlet fans, where exhaust/inlet air valves are adjusted to different flow positions to measure pressure differences, allowing for the determination of valve identifiers and premise data, facilitating accurate configuration detection and minimizing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual detection methods are used to detect ventilation system configuration, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but the detection becomes slow and laborious especially in large buildings with multiple ventilation units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical detection methods with an automated electronic detection system that uses pressure sensors and control units to automatically identify valve connections and map ventilation system configuration, dramatically improving detection speed and eliminating manual labor
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system performs self-identification of valve connections by automatically measuring pressure differences and comparing results to reference values, enabling the system to map its own configuration without external intervention or manual tracing
2Reliability
If traditional detection methods are used in large buildings with several ventilation units, then equipment complexity remains low, but the risk of detection errors increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives pressure difference measurements from sensors, compares them against reference values, and uses this feedback to automatically identify which valves connect to which ventilation units, ensuring accurate detection even in complex multi-unit systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressure sensors as intermediary measurement devices that indirectly detect valve connections by measuring pressure differences, providing reliable detection information without requiring direct physical tracing or complex visual inspection
3Measurement precision
If manual valve adjustment to multiple positions is performed for detection, then accurate configuration identification is achieved, but the detection process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system periodically adjusts valves between closed and open positions in a systematic sequence, measuring pressure differences at each stage to build a complete configuration map, ensuring accurate identification while maintaining efficient detection throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection by closing all valves initially, then systematically opening them one by one or in groups, allowing each valve's connection to be identified before proceeding to the next, ensuring no connections are missed while maintaining organized detection flow
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 method simplifies the detection of ventilation system configuration, reduces error risk, and enables efficient balancing and automation of ventilation adjustments, particularly in complex systems.
Implementation Method 1
Adjusting one exhaust air valve to the second flow position leads to the increase of negative pressure in this premise so that the exhaust air valve adjusted to the second flow position impacts all pressure differences in the same premise
Implementation Method 2
pressure measuring equipment for measuring the pressure difference impacting over the exhaust air valve
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
In the method for detecting the configuration of a ventilation system, the exhaust air valves in the premises are detected. The ventilation system comprises a control apparatus (122) and a first subsystem (100), which includes a first ventilation unit (102) with an exhaust fan (104). The first subsystem further comprises a first exhaust air duct (108) connected to the exhaust fan, the ends of the exhaust air duct having been led to the premises (120, 121, 220, 221) and an exhaust air valve (112, 212) having been installed into the ends. In the detection, the exhaust air valves are determined an individualizing identifier, the exhaust fan of the first ventilation unit is switched on, the exhaust air valves installed into the first exhaust air duct are adjusted to the first flow position, and reference pressure values are determined for these exhaust air valves by measuring pressure differences over said exhaust air valves. One exhaust air valve connected to the first exhaust air duct in the first premise is then adjusted to the second flow position, in which air flow through the valve is substantially bigger than in the first flow position, pressure differences are measured over the exhaust air valves in the first flow position and the measured pressure differences are compared with the reference pressure values of the said exhaust air valves. The closed exhaust air valves, the measured pressure difference of which deviates substantially from the reference pressure value, are determined as valves in the first premise and they are given the same premise value as the exhaust air valve in the second flow position. The identifiers of the exhaust air valves with the same premise data are transmitted to the control apparatus. The premise can be an apartment of a block of flats or a terraced house.