Window Fan and AC Control for Air Circulation and Rain Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window fan systems fail to effectively circulate air, leading to poor cooling due to inadequate exhaust capabilities, temperature stratification, and limited integration with air conditioning systems, while also being unable to prevent water ingress during rain events and lacking advanced control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes an electronic controller communicating with fans and a compressor, utilizing sensors to monitor indoor and outdoor air conditions, allowing for intelligent operation based on set points to optimize air circulation and energy use, and incorporating a barrier system to prevent water ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If prior art fans only pull air into a room without exhaust capability, then the fan structure is simple, but air circulation is poor and cooling effectiveness is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The fan system is segmented into separate intake and exhaust functions with independent control. The exhaust fan and intake fan operate as separate units that can be independently activated based on whether AC is running, enabling effective air circulation while maintaining structural modularity
2Device complexity
If prior art fans pull air into a room and exhaust air in the same vertical plane, then the fan structure is simple, but temperature stratification is not eliminated and cooling effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust fan is positioned at a different vertical elevation than the intake fan. The exhaust fan discharges air at a higher vertical plane while the intake fan draws air at a lower vertical plane, creating vertical air movement that eliminates temperature stratification and improves cooling effectiveness
3Ease of operation
If prior art window fans operate during rain events, then fan operation is simple, but water passes through the housing and enters the room
Solution Approach 1:
A rain sensor provides feedback to the controller to detect rain events. When rain is detected, the controller automatically inhibits fan operation to prevent water from passing through the housing and entering the room, while allowing normal operation when no rain is present
4Device complexity
If prior art fans are manually operated without AC integration, then the control system is simple, but the fan cannot intelligently operate based on outside air criteria and AC system needs
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback from the AC system regarding its operational state and from sensors monitoring outside air conditions. Based on this feedback, the controller intelligently activates or deactivates the exhaust fan to supplement AC cooling when needed or to operate independently when outside air conditions are favorable
Solution Approach 2:
The fan system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate independently to provide basic air circulation when AC is not needed, and it can supplement AC cooling by providing additional exhaust capacity when AC is running and outside air conditions warrant fan operation
5Device complexity
If prior art fans lack dew point and humidity controls, then the control mechanism is simple, but energy savings and occupant comfort are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors monitoring humidity and dew point conditions provide feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to intelligently control fan operation, activating the exhaust fan when humidity conditions warrant dehumidification assistance and deactivating when conditions are already comfortable, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining occupant comfort
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 enhances air circulation, improves cooling efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and integrates seamlessly with air conditioning to save energy and prevent water entry during rain, thereby increasing occupant comfort and reducing cooling costs.
Implementation Method 1
an intake fan that selectively draws exterior air through the fan unit into a building interior
Implementation Method 2
a compressor that selectively cools air circulated by the fan
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling at least one fan and/or a compressor are described and shown. The system may comprise an electronic controller, an indoor sensor responsive to at least one characteristic of interior air, and an outdoor sensor responsive to at least one characteristic of exterior air. The electronic controller may cause at least one fan to be activated when interior air meets certain criteria relative to a set point and exterior air meets certain criteria relative to interior air. The method may comprise the steps of measuring at least one characteristic of exterior air, at least one characteristic of interior air, and activating at least one fan when the interior air meets certain criteria relative to a set point and the exterior air meets certain criteria relative to the interior air. A compressor may be selectively activated to provide air conditioning.