Ventilation Fan Pressure Control for Variable Air Renewal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ventilation systems in single-family dwellings consume excessive energy due to constant pressure operation, which is wasteful as they maintain high pressure even when flow rates exceed requirements, necessitating complex calculations and adjustments for optimal energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An automatic adjustment system that dynamically adjusts fan pressure based on air renewal needs using a control logic box, pressure sensors, and detection means like CO2 and humidity detectors, allowing the fan to operate within a pre-established band above the reference flow rate/pressure curve, eliminating the need for site-specific measurements and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ventilation units operate at constant pressure, then air renewal is maintained, but energy consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pressure adjustment by replacing constant pressure operation with variable pressure control. The control unit continuously adjusts fan pressure based on real-time flow rate measurements and the stored characteristic curve, allowing the system to adapt pressure levels to actual ventilation needs rather than maintaining fixed high pressure throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control by measuring actual flow rate through sensors, comparing it with required flow rate from the characteristic curve, and adjusting fan pressure accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the fan operates at optimal pressure points that match actual ventilation requirements, preventing energy waste from excessive pressure maintenance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If complex calculations and adjustments are performed for optimal energy efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but installation complexity and engineering costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-storing the fan's characteristic curve (pressure-flow rate relationship) in the control unit's memory during manufacturing. This pre-computed reference data eliminates the need for complex on-site calculations and adjustments, as the control unit can directly compare measured flow rates against the stored curve to determine optimal pressure settings without requiring engineer intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically performing all optimization calculations and adjustments without external intervention. The control unit independently reads flow rate measurements, retrieves corresponding optimal pressure values from the stored characteristic curve, and adjusts fan operation accordingly, eliminating the need for site-specific engineering studies and complex manual configurations.
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 effectively adjusts fan pressure to match airflow needs, reducing energy consumption by allowing the fan to operate within a variable flow rate and pressure range, simplifying installation and eliminating the need for complex calculations, thus providing immediate energy savings suitable for single-family dwellings.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor located in the inlet duct such that a change of pressure in this duct... is detected by the pressure sensor, which converts the change of pressure into a change of the electric resistance
Implementation Method 2
a fan, said box having an inlet with a larger diameter for a duct directed towards the kitchen and several inlets for ducts going towards the bathrooms
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic adjustment system for automatically adjusting the pressure of a fan depending on the required flow rate, comprising a controlled mechanical ventilation unit (1) from which air from different enclosures in a single-family dwelling is extracted through ducts (3), which mechanical ventilation unit (1) incorporates means (5) that detect the pressure variations in the ducts (3) depending on the inlet pressure in the unit (1); and a control logic box (7) that stores a reference flow rate/pressure curve, defining above said curve a predetermined band within which the working area of the fan (2) which forms part of the controlled mechanical ventilation unit (1) is established.