Ventilation unit, system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Natural ventilation systems are inadequate in well-insulated buildings and areas with high outdoor air pollution, as they rely on weather conditions and can introduce pollutants indoors, while mechanical ventilation systems are costly and energy-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation unit that utilizes natural air flow driven by pressure differentials, incorporating an electrostatic air cleaning device and a mechanical restrictor controlled by air quality sensors and a controller to manage airflow and air quality, ensuring efficient and controlled ventilation without the need for mechanical ventilators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If natural ventilation is used, then energy consumption is reduced and the system is unobtrusive, but indoor air quality deteriorates due to outdoor pollutants and moisture
Solution Approach 1:
An electrostatic air cleaning device is introduced as an intermediary component between the outdoor environment and the indoor space. This device captures outdoor pollutants through electrostatic precipitation before they enter the building, and also captures indoor pollutants before air is exhausted, thereby maintaining indoor air quality while preserving the energy-efficient natural ventilation approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation system is segmented into distinct functional zones: an outdoor air intake section with electrostatic precipitation for capturing outdoor pollutants, an indoor air handling section for capturing indoor pollutants and controlling moisture, and controlled air release points. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function while maintaining overall system efficiency.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical ventilation systems are used, then indoor air quality is improved through controlled air exchange, but energy consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ventilation system (fans, motors, complex ductwork) with a passive natural ventilation system enhanced by electrostatic precipitation technology. The electrostatic air cleaning device creates electric fields that actively capture particles without requiring mechanical air movement, substituting mechanical force with electromagnetic force for pollutant removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes natural pressure differentials and wind-driven airflow to provide self-powered ventilation. The electrostatic precipitation process is self-regulating, automatically adjusting to varying air flow conditions without requiring external control mechanisms or additional energy input, making the system self-sufficient and energy-efficient.
3Productivity
If natural ventilation rate is increased to improve air exchange, then indoor air quality improves, but outdoor pollutants and extreme temperatures adversely affect indoor comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor indoor air quality parameters (particulate matter, moisture, temperature) and outdoor conditions. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the air cleaning device operation and ventilation rate to maintain optimal indoor air quality and comfort while minimizing the intake of outdoor pollutants and extreme temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation system is designed to be dynamic and adaptive rather than static. The electrostatic air cleaning device and ventilation rate can be adjusted in real-time based on varying outdoor air quality, indoor occupancy, and weather conditions, allowing the system to optimize performance for different scenarios and maintain comfort while improving air exchange when conditions permit.
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 solution provides energy-efficient, unobtrusive, and responsive ventilation that maintains indoor air quality by actively controlling airflow based on outdoor and indoor conditions, reducing pollutant entry and energy consumption, and is suitable for well-insulated homes.
Implementation Method 1
Corona discharge devices apply a high voltage potential to charge particles and create a corona discharge
Implementation Method 2
the charged particles are precipitated from air onto a set of collecting electrodes
Implementation Method 3
outdoor air enters and indoor air leaves the 'leaky' home/building under the influence of the local air pressure differentials between outdoors and indoors
Data Source
AI summary
A ventilation unit is for ventilating an indoor space, and incorporates an air cleaning device and mechanical restrictor for controlling a restriction to a flow resulting from a pressure differential across the unit. There is determination of the inside and outside air pressures in the vicinity of the unit and of air quality parameters inside and outside. The air cleaning device and the mechanical restrictor are controlled in dependence on the determined air pressures and air quality parameters. This provides a fan-less, and hence low-power ventilation unit, which relies on throttling the natural air flow across the unit to provide flow control, and hence enable control of air quality. The air cleaning device may be operated only when the flow is into the inside space, saving power.