WO2020055817A1 - Systèmes et procédés d'assainissement de l'air - Google Patents

Systèmes et procédés d'assainissement de l'air Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020055817A1
WO2020055817A1 PCT/US2019/050339 US2019050339W WO2020055817A1 WO 2020055817 A1 WO2020055817 A1 WO 2020055817A1 US 2019050339 W US2019050339 W US 2019050339W WO 2020055817 A1 WO2020055817 A1 WO 2020055817A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
air
outdoor
measurement
duration
zone
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2019/050339
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Chuan He
Yiwen DI
Cong Wang
Original Assignee
Delos Living Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Delos Living Llc filed Critical Delos Living Llc
Priority to US17/276,097 priority Critical patent/US11649977B2/en
Publication of WO2020055817A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020055817A1/fr
Priority to US18/196,747 priority patent/US20230280058A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/0008—Control or safety arrangements for air-humidification
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/70—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
    • F24F11/72—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure
    • F24F11/74—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling air flow rate or air velocity
    • F24F11/77—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling air flow rate or air velocity by controlling the speed of ventilators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/70—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
    • F24F11/80—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air
    • F24F11/86—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air by controlling compressors within refrigeration or heat pump circuits
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
    • F24F8/10—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering
    • F24F8/192—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by separation, e.g. by filtering by electrical means, e.g. by applying electrostatic fields or high voltages
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F8/00—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
    • F24F8/20—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by sterilisation
    • F24F8/22—Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying by sterilisation using UV light
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2110/00—Control inputs relating to air properties
    • F24F2110/50—Air quality properties
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2110/00—Control inputs relating to air properties
    • F24F2110/50—Air quality properties
    • F24F2110/52—Air quality properties of the outside air
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
    • F24F3/12—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
    • F24F3/14—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification
    • F24F3/1405—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification in which the humidity of the air is exclusively affected by contact with the evaporator of a closed-circuit cooling system or heat pump circuit
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A50/00—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE in human health protection, e.g. against extreme weather
    • Y02A50/20—Air quality improvement or preservation, e.g. vehicle emission control or emission reduction by using catalytic converters
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B30/00—Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]
    • Y02B30/70—Efficient control or regulation technologies, e.g. for control of refrigerant flow, motor or heating

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to assessing, monitoring, and improving the indoor air quality in a habitable environment and/or spaces therein.
  • these indoor spaces exposes the occupant to a wide range of environmental factors, any of which may have either adverse or beneficial effects on the occupant's health, well-being or sense of well-being.
  • poor indoor air quality has been linked to numerous short- and long-term health issues.
  • Common indoor air pollutants include, for example, carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (e.g., PM2 5, PMJO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radon, nitrogen dioxide, ozone (O3), and noxygen (NOx), which may be produced or otherwise released by, for example, building materials, HVAC systems, fuel burning combustion appliances, cleaning products, smoking, etc.
  • Short-term effects of indoor air pollutants may include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, while long-term effects may include respiratory 7 diseases, heart disease, and even cancer.
  • SBS Sick Building Syndrome
  • Products, methods and systems may be usable for improving air quality within a particular indoor space or other habitable environment.
  • Such spaces may include, for example, an office building, school, apartment building, dormitory, single family home, multi-family dwelling or building, townhouse, theatre, train or bus station, library, public lounge, store or market, bakery, restaurant, tavern, pub, resort, bar, hostel, lodge, hotel, motel, inn, guest house, mail, art gallery, art studio, craft studio, ship, boat gym, spa, fitness center, sports facility', gas station, airplane, airport, automobile, tram, bus, kiosk, hospital, doctor’s office, dentist’s office, police station, fire station, lighthouse, bank, coffee shop, dry cleaner, department store, pharmacy, hardware store, drug store, grocery' store, institution, music studio, recording studio, concert hall, radio station or studio, television station or studio, post office, church, mosque, synagogue, chapel, mobile home, barn, farm house, silo, residence, assisted living center, hospice, dwelling, laundromat
  • sub-spaces or habitable environments that may be used for single or multiple purposes, such as home or other offices, kitchens, galleys, pantries, cooking areas, eating areas, home or office libraries or studies, conference rooms, dining rooms, bathrooms, toilets, powder rooms, play rooms, bedrooms, foyers, reception areas, file rooms, pods, pet rooms, storage rooms, junk rooms, carports, dens, basements, attics, garages, closets, classrooms, cabins, cabooses, train cars, bunk rooms, media rooms, baths, auditoriums, locker rooms, changing rooms, engine rooms, cockpits, work rooms, stairwells, exhibition rooms, platforms, elevators, walk ways, hallways, pools, stock rooms, exercise rooms, break rooms, snack rooms, living or family rooms, dressing rooms, lumber rooms, meeting rooms, conference rooms, game rooms, porches, patios, seating areas, clean rooms, common rooms, lunch rooms, sky boxes, stages, prop rooms, make up rooms, safes, vaults, reception areas, check-in areas
  • enclosed stairwells often may have a separate source of air, a separate air handling system, or be pressurized to make sure that the stairwells remain usable in a fire.
  • Occupants or other users of such spaces or sub-spaces may want to control or influence the indoor air quality or other parameters within a given space or sub-space, which may be, or may be part, of a habitable environment or other habitable, usable or occupiable area.
  • a system for improving the air quality in an indoor space may be summarized as including a sensor array configured to measure at least one air parameter in an indoor space; an air handling unit comprising a control circuit; and a central control circuit that includes at least one processor and at least one iion-transitory processor-readable medium that stores at least one of processor-executable instructions or data.
  • the central controller is
  • the air handling unit communicatively coupled to the sensor array and the air handling unit and is configured to receive from the sensor array a first signal indicative of a measurement of a first air parameter in the space; determine if the measurement of the first air parameter is above a first threshold value for a first duration; if the measurement of the first air parameter is above the first threshold value for the first duration, determine if air within the space is currently being remediated; and if the air within the space is not currently being remediated, cause the air handling unit to remediate the air within the space until a measurement of the first air parameter is lower than a second value for a second duration.
  • the first and second threshold values may be substantially the same.
  • the second threshold value may be lower than the first threshold value.
  • the second threshold value may be about half of the first threshold value.
  • the sensor array may be configured to measure one or more air parameters at defined detection intervals.
  • each of the first and second durations may comprise at least one, and sometimes, at least two sensor detection intervals.
  • the first and second durations are substantially similar. In other embodiments, the second duration is longer than the first duration.
  • the sensor array may include one or more sensors that are capable of detecting and/or measuring any detectable air pollutant or air quality parameter including, but not limited to, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (V OCs), radon, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, noxygen (NQx), and combinations thereof.
  • any detectable air pollutant or air quality parameter including, but not limited to, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (V OCs), radon, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, noxygen (NQx), and combinations thereof.
  • the air handling unit may remediate the air within the indoor space using any suitable air remediation technique including, but not limited to fresh air exchange, particulate filtration, ionic filtration, activated carbon filtration, ultraviolet air purification, chemical sorbent filtration, catalyst sorbent filtration, and combinations thereof.
  • the air handling unit may remediate the air within the indoor space by fresh air exchange. For example, when the measurement of carbon dioxide in the indoor space is above the first threshold value for the first duration, the central control circuit causes a window or vent in the indoor space to open a predetermined amount to facilitate the fresh air exchange by the air handling unit.
  • the central control circuit may receive from the sensor array a second signal indicative of a measurement of a second air pollutant or parameter in the space. In some embodiments, the central control circuit may then determine if the measurement of the second air parameter is above a third threshold value for a third duration, and if the measurement of the second air parameter is above the third threshold value for the third duration, the central control circuit may cause the air handling unit to remediate the air within the space until a measurement of the second air parameter is lower than a fourth threshold value for a fourth duration.
  • the central control circuit may determine that a combined measurement of the first and second air parameters in the indoor space is above a first combined threshold value for the first duration, and cause the air handling unit to remediate the air within the space until a combined measurement of the first and second air parameters is lower than a second combined threshold value for the second duration.
  • the air handling unit may remediate the air m the indoor space by at least fresh air exchange.
  • the system may further include one or more occupancy sensors communicatively coupled to the central control circuit and configured to detect an occupancy in the indoor space or zones therein, and the sy stem may automatically adjust the first and second threshold values and/or the first and second durations based on a detected occupancy in the indoor space or zones therein.
  • the central control circuit may be further configured to initiate operation of the air handling unit at a specific time of day or for a period prior to a predetermined time of day to reduce a measurement of the first air parameter below a threshold value that is lower than each of the first and second threshold values.
  • the system may further comprise an outdoor air sensor communicatively coupled to the central control circuit, the outdoor air sensor located in an outdoor area outside of the indoor space and configured to measure at least one air outdoor parameter in the outdoor area.
  • the central control circuit may receive from the outdoor sensor a first outdoor signal indicative of a measurement of a first outdoor air parameter in the outdoor area and determine if the measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is above a first outdoor threshold value for a first outdoor duration.
  • the central control circuit may cause the air handling unit to remediate the air within the indoor space without using fresh air exchange until the sooner of: a measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is lower than a second outdoor threshold value for a second outdoor duration, or a measurement of the first air parameter in the indoor space is lower than the second threshold value for the second duration.
  • the control circuit may delay air remediation in the indoor space by the air handling unit until a measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is lower than the second threshold value for the second outdoor duration. In some embodiments, if the measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is above the first outdoor threshold value for the first outdoor duration, and if the air within the space is currently being remediated, the central control circuit may cause the air handling unit to cease air remediation in the indoor space until the measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is lower than a second outdoor threshold valise for the second outdoor duration.
  • a system for improving the air quality m an indoor space may be summarized as including a first sensor array located in a first zone of an indoor space and a second sensor array located m a second zone of the indoor space, the first and second sensors configured to measure at least one air parameter in the first and second zones of the indoor space, respectively; and an air handling unit associated with the first and second zones of the indoor space comprising a control circuit.
  • the system further includes a central control circuit communicatively coupled to the sensor array and the air handling unit, the central control circuit configured to receive from the first sensor array a signal indicative of a measurement of a first air parameter in the first zone: determine if the measurement of the first air parameter is above a first threshold value for a first duration: if the measurement of the first air parameter is above the first threshold value for the first duration, determine if air within the first zone is currently being remediated; and if the air within the first zone is not currently being remediated, cause the air handling unit to remediate the air within the first and second zones until a measurement of the first air parameter is lower than a second value for a second duration.
  • the air handling unit associated with the first and second zones may further comprise a first damper located in the first zone and a second damper located in the second zone, the first and second dampers configured to control airflow into the first and second zones, respectively. If the measurement of the first air parameter is above the first threshold value for the first duration, and if the air within the first zone is not currently being remediated, the air handling unit associated with the first and second zones may remediate the air within the first zone by reconfiguring positions of the first and second dampers to allow airflow into the first zone and to restrict airflow into the second zone.
  • the system may further may comprise a third sensor array located in a third zone of a of the indoor space and a fourth sensor array located in a fourth zone of the indoor space, the third and fourth sensor arrays communicatively coupled to the central control circuit and configured to measure at least one air parameter m the third and fourth zones of the indoor space, respectively.
  • the system may further include an air handling unit associated with the third and fourth zones of the indoor space comprising a control circuit.
  • the control circuit may be further configured to receive from the third sensor array a signal indicative of a measurement of a second air parameter in the third zone; determine if the measurement of the second air parameter in the third zone is above a third threshold value for a third duration; if the measurement of the second air parameter in the third zone is above the third threshold value for the third duration, determine if air within the third zone is currently being remediated; and if the air within the third zone is not currently being remediated, cause the air handling unit associated with the third and fourth zones to remediate the air within the third and fourth zones until a measurement of the second air parameter in the third zone is lower than a fourth threshold value for a fourth duration.
  • the air handling unit associated with the third and fourth zones may further comprise a third damper located in the third zone and a fourth damper located in the fourth zone, the third and fourth dampers configured to control airflow into the third and fourth zones, respectively. If the measurement of the first air parameter in the third zone is above the first threshold value for the first duration, and if the air within the third zone is not currently being remediated, the air handling unit associated with the third and fourth zones may remediate the air within the third zone by reconfiguring positions of the third and fourth dampers to allow airflow into the third zone and to restrict airflow into the fourth zone.
  • the first and second threshold values may be substantially the same. In other embodiments, the second threshold value may be lower than the first threshold value. For example, the second threshold value may be about half of the first threshold value. In some embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth threshold values may be substantially the same. In other embodiments, the first and third threshold values may be substantially the same and the second and fourth values may be substantially the same. In some embodiments, the second and fourth threshold values may be lower than the first and third threshold values. For example, the second and fourth threshold values may be about half of the first and third thresholds values.
  • the sensor arrays are generally capable of detecting and/or measuring any detectable air quality parameter including, but not limited to, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radon, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, noxygen (NOx), and combinations thereof.
  • the sensor arrays may be configured to measure one or more air parameters at defined detection intervals.
  • each of the first, second, third, and/or fourth durations may comprise at least one, and in some embodiments, at least two sensor detection intervals.
  • the first, second, third, and fourth durations maybe substantially similar.
  • the first and third durations may be substantially similar and the second and fourth durations may be substantially similar, and the second and fourth durations may be longer than the first and third durations.
  • the air handling unit associated with the first and second zones may remediate the air within the first and second zones using any suitable air remediation technique including, but not limited to fresh air exchange, particulate filtration, ionic filtration, activated carbon filtration, ultraviolet air purification, and combinations thereof.
  • the air handling unit associated with the first and second zones may remediate the air within the first and second zones by fresh air exchange.
  • the central control circuit causes a window- or vent in the first and/or second zones to open a predetermined amount to facilitate the fresh air exchange by the air handling unit.
  • the central control circuit may receive a signal from the first sensor array indicating that levels of two different air parameters m the first zone are above respective first and second thresholds for the first duration. The central control circuit may then cause the air handling unit associated with the first and second zones to remediate the air within the first and second zones until a measurement of the two air parameters in the first zone is lower than respective second predetermined threshold values for the second duration. In other embodiments, the central control circuit may determine that a combined measurement of first and second air parameters in the first zone is above a first combined threshold value for the first duration and cause the air handling unit to remediate the air within the first and second zones until a combined measurement of the first and second air parameters is lower than a second combined threshold value for the second duration. When the first air parameter comprises carbon dioxide and a second air parameter comprises particulate matter, the air handling unit associated with the first and second zones may remediate the air in the first and second zones by at least fresh air exchange.
  • the system may further include one or more occupancy sensors communicatively coupled to the central control circuit and configured to detect an occupancy in the first zone, and the system may automatically adjust the first and second threshold values and/or the first and second durations based on a detected occupancy m the first zone
  • the central control circuit may be further configured to initiate operation of the air handling unit associated with the first and second zones at a specific time of day or for a period prior to a predetermined time of day to reduce a measurement of the first air parameter m the first zone below a threshold value that is lower than each of the first and second threshold values.
  • the system may further comprise an outdoor air sensor communicatively coupled to the central control circuit, the outdoor air sensor located in an outdoor area outside of the indoor space and configured to measure at least one air outdoor parameter in the outdoor area.
  • the central control circuit may receive from the outdoor sensor a first outdoor signal indicative of a measurement of a first outdoor air parameter in the outdoor area and determine if the measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is above a first outdoor threshold value for a first outdoor duration.
  • the central control circuit may cause the air handling unit to remediate the air within the first and second zones without using fresh air exchange until the sooner of: a measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is lower than a second outdoor threshold value for a second outdoor duration; or a measurement of the first air parameter in the first zone is lower than the second threshold value for the second duration.
  • the control circuit may delay air remediation in the first and second zones by the air handling unit until a measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is lower than the second threshold value for the second outdoor duration. In some embodiments, if the measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is above the first outdoor threshold value for the first outdoor duration, and if the air within the first and second zones is currently being remediated, the central control circuit may cause the air handling unit to cease air remediation in the first and second zones until the measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is lower than a second outdoor threshold value for the second outdoor duration.
  • a method of improving air quality in an indoor space may ⁇ be summarized as including receiving from a sensor array a first signal indicative of a
  • the air handling unit may remediate the air within the space using at least one of fresh air exchange, particulate filtration, ionic filtration, activated car bon filtration, and ultraviolet air purification.
  • the first air parameter may be selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radon, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, noxygen (NOx), and combinations thereof.
  • the method may further include receiving from a sensor array a second signal indicative of a measurement of a second air parameter in the space; determining if the measurement of the second air parameter is above a third threshold value for a third duration; and if the measurement of the second air parameter is above the third threshold value for the third duration, initiating air remediation in the indoor space by the air handling unit and continuing air remediati on within the space until a measurement of the second air parameter is lower than a fourth threshold value for a fourth duration.
  • the method may further include receiving from the sensor array a second signal indicative of a measurement of a second air parameter in the space; determining that a combined measurement of the first and second air parameters in the indoor space is above a first combined threshold value for the first duration; initiating air remediation in the indoor space by the air handling unit; and continuing air remediation within the space until a combined measurement of the first and second air parameters is lower than a second combined threshold value for the second duration.
  • the method may further include initiating operation of the air handling unit at a specific time of day or for a period prior to a predetermined time of day to reduce a measurement of the first air parameter below a threshold value that is lower than each of the first and second threshold values.
  • the method may further comprise receiving from an outdoor sensor a first outdoor signal indicative of a measurement of a first outdoor air parameter in the outdoor area; and determining if the measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is abov e a first outdoor threshold value for a first outdoor duration.
  • the method may further comprise initiating air remediation within the indoor space by the air handling unit without using fresh air exchange, and continuing air remediation until the sooner of: a measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is lower than a second outdoor threshold value for a second outdoor duration; or a measurement of the first air parameter m the indoor space is lower than the second threshold value for the second duration.
  • the method may further comprise delaying air remediation in the indoor space by the air handling unit until a measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is lower than the second threshold value for the second outdoor duration. In some embodiments, if the measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is above the first outdoor threshold value for the first outdoor duration, and if the air within the space is currently being remediated, the method may further comprise causing the air handling unit to cease air remediation in the indoor space until the measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is lower than a second outdoor threshold value for the second outdoor duration.
  • a method of improving air quality in an indoor space may be summarized as including receiving from a first sensor array a signal indicative of a measurement of a first air parameter in a first zone; determining if the measurement of the first air parameter is above a first threshold value for a first duration; if the measurement of the first air parameter is above the first threshold value for the first duration, determining if air within the first zone is currently being remediated; if the air within the first zone is not currently being remediated, initiating air remediation in the first and second zones by an air handling unit associated with the first and second zones; and continuing air remediation within the first and second zones until a measurement of the first air parameter in the first zone is lower than a second value for a second duration.
  • the air handling unit associated with the first and second zones may remediate the air within the first zone by reconfiguring positions of first and second dampers located m the first and second zones, respectively, to allow airflow into the first zone and to restrict airflow' into the second zone.
  • the method may further comprise receiving from a third sensor array a signal indicative of a measurement of a second air parameter in a third zone; determining if the measurement of the second air parameter in the third zone is above a third threshold value for a third duration; if the measurement of the second air parameter in the third zone is above the third threshold value for the third duration, determining if air within the third zone is currently being remediated; if the air within the third zone is not currently being remediated, initiating air remediation in the third and fourth zones by an air handling unit associated with the third and fourth zones; and continuing air remediation within the third and fourth zones a measurement of the second air parameter in the third zone is low'er than a fourth threshold value for a fourth duration.
  • the air handling unit associated with the third and fourth zones may remediate the air within the third zone by reconfiguring positions of third and fourth dampers located m the third and fourth zones, respectively, to allow airflow into the third zone and to restrict airflow' into the fourth zone.
  • the air handling units may remediate the air within the zones using at least one of fresh air exchange, particulate filtration, ionic filtration, activated carbon filtration, and ultraviolet air purification.
  • the air parameters may be selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radon, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, noxygen (NOx), and combinations thereof.
  • the method may further include receiving a signal from the first sensor array indicating that levels of two air parameters in the first zone are above respective first threshold values for the first duration, initiating air remediation in the first and second zones by the air handling unit associated with the first and second zones, and continuing air remediation within the first and second zones until a measurement of the two air parameters in the first zone is lower than respective second predetermined threshold values for the second duration.
  • the method may further include receiving from the first sensor array a second signal indicative of a measurement of a second air parameter in the first zone, determining that a combined measurement of the first and second air parameters in the first zone is above a first combined threshold value for the first duration, initiating air remediation in the first and second zones by the air handling unit associated with the first and second zones, and continuing air remediation within the first and second zones until a combined measurement of the first and second air parameters is lower than a second combined threshold value for the second duration.
  • the method may further include initiating operation of the air handling unit at a specific time of day or for a period prior to a predetermined time of day to reduce a measurement of the first air parameter below a threshold value that is lower than each of the first and second threshold values.
  • the method may further comprise receiving from an outdoor sensor a first outdoor signal indicative of a measurement of a first outdoor air parameter in the outdoor area; and determining if the measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is above a first outdoor threshold value for a first outdoor duration.
  • the method may further comprise initiating air remediation within the first zone by the air handling unit associated with the first and second zones without using fresh air exchange, and continuing air remediation in the first zone until the sooner of: a measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is lower than a second outdoor threshold value for a second outdoor duration; or a measurement of the first air parameter in the first zone is lower than the second threshold value for the second duration.
  • the method may further comprise delaying air remediation in the first zone by the air handling unit associated with the first and second zones until a measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is lower than the second threshold value for the second outdoor duration.
  • the method may further comprise causing the air handling unit associated with the first and second zones to cease air remediation in the first and second zones until the measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is lower than a second outdoor threshold valise for the second outdoor duration.
  • a method of improving air quality in an indoor space may be summarized as including receiving from a first sensor array a signal indicative of a measurement of an air parameter m a first zone; receiving from a second sensor array a signal indicative of a measurement of an air parameter in a second zone; determining that the
  • measurements of the air parameters in the first and second zones are above first respecti ve threshold values for first respective durations; ranking the first and second zones as one of a highest ranked zone and a next highest ranked zone based on air remediation priority; initiating air remediation in the highest ranked zone by an air handling unit associated with the first and second zones; continuing air remediation in the highest ranked zone until a measurement of the respective air parameter in the highest ranked zone is lower than a respective second value for a respective second duration; initiating air remediation in the next highest ranked zone by the air handling unit; and continuing air remediation in the next highest ranked zone until a measurement of the respective air parameter in the next highest zone is lower than a respective second value for a respective second duration.
  • air remediation priority may be based on, for example, at least one of: (a) the type of elevated air parameter(s); (b) the respective measurements or scores of the air parameter(s); (c) comparison of which air parameter(s) exceeds its threshold value the most; (d) estimated, actual, or predicted occupancy of the zone (e.g , if one zone is occupied and the other is not, the occupied zone may be remediated first; the zone scheduled for occupancy first may be remediated first; etc.); (e) intended or expected use of the zone, the type of room/ zone, etc. (e.g., a bedroom may be remediated before a kitchen, a child’s bedroom may be remediated before an adult’s bedroom); (f) the zone that was remediated the longest time ago may be remediated first;
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an air remediation system for improving air quality in an indoor space in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an air remediation system for improving air quality in an indoor space in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an indoor space m accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a multi-zone indoor space in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a multi-zone indoor space in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method for improving air quality in an indoor space in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method for improving air quality in an indoor space in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method for improving air quality in an indoor space in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method for improving air quality m an indoor space in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method for improving air quality in an indoor space in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method for improving air quality in an indoor space in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a method for improving air quality in an indoor space in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG. I illustrates an exemplary air remediation system 100 for improving air quality in a habitable environment or indoor space therein.
  • the air remediation system 100 may be a standalone system for remediating air quality in a habitable environment.
  • the air remediation system may form part of, or otherwise incorporate, one or more existing HVAC systems within a habitable environment.
  • the air remediation system 100 may form part of a home w'ellness and/or a“smart home” system in the habitable environment, which may also include other systems or components that contribute to a wellness or sense of wellness of the occupant of the habitable environment.
  • embodiments of the air remediation describe herein may be incorporated into systems for enhancing wellness in a habitable environment, and example of which is described in International Application No. PCT/US2017/048382, filed on August 27, 2017, which published as
  • air remediation system 100 generally includes one or more indoor air quality (IAQ) sensor arrays 110.
  • the sensor arrays 110 may comprise one or more indoor air quality sensors configured to sense, detect, or otherwise measure air pollutants in the habitable space or one or more zones therein.
  • air pollutants that may be detected by sensors comprising sensor array 110 may include, but are not limited to, carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5, PMio), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radon, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and noxygen (NOx).
  • the air remediation system 100 may optionally include one or more outdoor air quality (OAQ) sensors 150 to measure outdoor air pollutants.
  • the outdoor air quality sensors may include air quality standalone sensors located outside of the habitable environment and configured to send signals to the air remediation system 100, and may also include sensors associated with weather stations, which may broadcast air quality data, weather predictions or forecasts, or other information for public use.
  • the system may also include one or more occupancy sensors, motion detectors, face or other visual recognition technologies, or other technology or devices located in the indoor space or zones therein 160 to sense, detect, or otherwise measure the occupancy of an indoor space of the habitable environment or zones therein.
  • the air remediation system 100 further may include one or more air handling units 130 communicatively coupled to a central control circuit 120, directly or indirectly.
  • the one or more air handling systems 130 may form part of an existing HVAC system in the habitable environment and may include a variety of components to ensure that air supplied to one or more zones in the habitable environment is healthy and comfortable for the oecupant(s). It should be noted that although air handling unit 130 as depicted in FIG. 1 may include a variety of components, as discussed below in further detail, it is not necessar for the air handling unit to include each and every component discussed below.
  • Some components may be optional, depending on the geographical location of the habitable environment, the configuration of the habitable space, the number of rooms or other zones within the habitable space, the needs and/or desires of occupants, cost, external conditions, availability, etc.
  • Various air pollutants and techniques for partial or complete remediation of them winch may be utilized by air remediation system 100 are discussed in more detail below.
  • Stationary adults typically inhale 6 to 10 liters of air each minute. This amount may double with moderate activity and may double again with vigorous exercise. Approximately 15 cubic meters of air pass through the lungs of a moderately active adult each day.
  • Minute quantities of gaseous pollutants and particulates may be present in the air from both natural and anthropogenic sources, which can cause serious health problems. Reducing the sources of gases and particulates in the home will decrease their negative effects. Airborne contaminants generated by materials, and the presence of individuals in the home, require expulsion through ventilation to the outdoors, and filtration to ensure that they do not return to the indoor air supply.
  • the major health effects of poor air quality include lung cancer and cardio-pulmonary disease. Often a significantly greater number of deaths from these ailments can be attributed to periods of higher levels of particulate matter. Other effects of air quality are asthma attacks, emphysema, and interference with the immune system.
  • this microscopic particulate matter can be divided into two categories: fine particles, smaller than 2.5 mth (PM2.5); and coarse particles larger than 2.5 pm and smaller than 10 pm (PM! 0-2.5).
  • Fine particles are inhalable particles that can lead to a number of health issues. Due to physical processes that govern their formation, fine particles are inherently more acidic and mutagenic than their larger counterparts. Fine particles are drawn deep into the lungs, maximizing damage. Most cases of mortality from inhalation of coarse particulate matter and larger contaminants arise from toxic chemicals they contain rather than the particles themselves.
  • Coarse particles usually do not penetrate as deeply into the lungs as fine particles, and therefore are the less dangerous of the two.
  • many coarse particles are allergens.
  • dust mites are microscopic arachnids that feed on pet dander, dead human skin cells, and other biological matter. They thrive in carpets, mattresses, and curtains, and tend to dwell in synthetic fibers rather than natural materials. Mites are not inherently dangerous, but their droppings contain chemicals that trigger an immune response in some individuals. The resulting symptoms often include itchy eyes, runny nose, and wheezing, a reaction that can be particularly debilitating for asthmatics. Nearly one quarter of American homes have dust mite levels associated with symptomatic asthma, and almost half of them contain enough dust mites to cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
  • air handling unit 130 may include one or more mechanical air filters (e.g., mesh, screen, woven, or piled material) 131 , through which air passes to remove larger particulate.
  • mechanical air filters e.g., mesh, screen, woven, or piled material
  • Suitable mechanical air filters may include an activated carbon air filter, high efficiency particulate (HEP A) air filter (i.e., MERV equivalent 17+), MERV 13-16 air filter, a quantity' of Zeolite, or a porous material .
  • HEP A high efficiency particulate
  • the air handling unit 130 may include one or more electrostatic filters or precipitators 132 to remove fine particulate in one or more zones.
  • electrostatic filter(s) 132 trap particles that could contain allergens, toxins, and pathogens.
  • the electrostatic filter(s) 132 attracts particles using an electrostatic charge and extracts them from the air into a wire mesh
  • the electrostatic filters 132 may take a variety of forms, for instance ones which place a charge on particles and an opposite charge on a screen or other electrode element to attract the charged particles.
  • An example of such is a corona discharge type of electrostatic filter.
  • the electrostatic filter 132 may be supplied charge via an electrical power supply 139.
  • Mold spores can induce skin, nose, throat, and eye irritation, and trigger asthma attacks. These fungi release volatile organic compounds that produce the characteristic“moldy” odor and have been linked to dizziness and nausea. Humidity' control has been proven effective in reducing mold, and insulated window's reduce condensation so as to prevent mold from growing in nearby joints.
  • UVGI ultraviolet germicidal irradiation
  • the air handling unit 130 may include a UV air sanitizer designed to disinfect air via UV light within one or more components (e.g., duets) of a ventilation system.
  • the aim is to sterilize airborne bacteria, viruses, dust mites, and mold spores that may have escaped filtration.
  • the air handling unit 130 may include one or more UV illumination sources 133.
  • the TV illumination source(s) 133 is positioned to illuminate air with UV illumination of a sufficient intensity for a sufficient time as to render pathogens non-harmful.
  • VOCs V olatile Organic Compounds
  • paints, varnishes, cleaning products, and pest control chemicals emit VOCs, whose presence in buildings can be 2 to 5 tunes as high as outside levels.
  • Wet applied products, such as paints, coatings, varnishes, adhesives, and sealants can often be a significant source of VOCs if they are not low-VOC materials, especially when they are drying, but also after drying.
  • Composite wood products, winch may be included in some furniture, millwork, etc.
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • Expogen dioxide is a product of combustion and mainly found near burning sources. Indoor areas that contain gas stoves, fireplaces, and cigarette smoke often have a much higher concentration of nitrogen dioxide. Epidemiological studies have suggested that excessive nitrogen dioxide inhalation may decrease lung function, particularly in children. In the short term, it can also trigger allergic responses from the immune system, resulting in irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
  • Ozone is created by reactions between molecular oxygen, nitrogen oxides, and sunlight. It is the major catalyst in the formation of smog. Ozone impedes cellular respiration, resulting in reduced cell activity'. High concentrations of inhaled ozone can result m an itchy throat and chest tightness; chronic exposure scars the lung tissue, which can lead to emphysema. In addition, ozone interferes with the body's immune system, which compounds the danger from air or water-borne pathogens. Under current standards, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency expects ozone to cause more than 1 10,000 lost work days and 1 ,100,000 lost school days between 2008 and 2020.
  • the air handling unit 130 may include one or more activated carbon air filters 134 in the flow path to reduce VOC/TVOC, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone that pass through activated carbon media filters designed to intercept gas molecules.
  • activated carbon air filters 134 can be very beneficial in zones or other areas with sources of fumes or odors.
  • the electrostatic filter 132 or some other element may optionally include one or more catalysts selected to catalyze certain impurities in the air.
  • the electrostatic filter 132 may include one or more catalysts (e.g., non-metal catalysts for instance: titanium dioxide, chromium oxide or aluminum oxide, or metal catalysts for instance: Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ir, Pt and Au, as well as combinations or alloys thereof, such as an alloy of Pt and Rh) to catalyze species of VOCs into more acceptable or less harmful forms.
  • catalysts e.g., non-metal catalysts for instance: titanium dioxide, chromium oxide or aluminum oxide, or metal catalysts for instance: Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ir, Pt and Au, as well as combinations or alloys thereof, such as an alloy of Pt and Rh
  • the air handling unit 130 may include one or more heaters or heating systems 135 to heat air or provided heated air in one or more zones.
  • the heaters 135 may take any of a large variety of forms. Heaters 135 may take the form of various electric heaters, which employ a resistive radiant element to heat air. Heaters 135 may take the form of forced air heaters which typically include burners that burn a fuel such as natural gas or propane. Heaters 135 may alternatively take the form of oil furnaces, gas furnaces, or the like. In some embodiments, hot water supplied from a boiler or other hot water source also may be included.
  • the air handling unit 130 may include one or more compressors or other cooling systems 136 which may form part of an air conditioner cooling unit.
  • the cooling systems 136 may be fluidly coupled to control pressure of a fluid, coupled with one or more coils or other heat exchangers, and may operate in a similar fashion to standard air conditioner units to remove heat from the air.
  • chilled water supplied from a cooling system or other chilled water source also may be included.
  • Relative humidity' is the measure of water vapor in the air compared to the total amount that can be held at a given temperature. In the spring and summer months, humidity' levels can be high enough to cause discomfort. When cool air flows through central air systems, humidity in the air often is reduced, since cooler air holds less water vapor. However, as dry air is drawn in and heated within a building in the winter, relative humidity may fall, so the air feels may feel dry.
  • relative humidity in the habitable environment preferably is kept between 30% and 50%.
  • Humidity towards the bottom of this range usually is better in terms of air quality, but extremely low moisture levels may lead to dry skin and respiratory irritation.
  • the air handling unit may include a humidifier and/or dehumidifier 137 which may' be used to control humidity in one or more zones or throughout the indoor habitable environment. This is particularly important when moisture levels in the air fall in winter, thus the air handling unit 130 may increase the moisture (i.e., humidify) during dry periods. Conversely, the air handling unit may lower moisture (i.e., dehumidifies) during humid periods.
  • the humidifier and/or dehumidifier 137 may include a reservoir (not shown) that retains water to either be added to the air m a humidification mode or removed from the air in a dehumidification mode.
  • the humidifier and/or dehumidifier 137 may include a compressor or other cooling system (not shown) used to, for example cool air as part of removing moisture from the air.
  • the humidifier and/or dehumidifier 137 may optionally include a heating element to heat air as part of adding moisture to the air.
  • the air handling unit 130 may include one or more fans and/or blowers 138 coupled to one or more ducts and/or vents to facilitate air circulation and/or fresh air exchange in one or more zones.
  • the fans and/or blowers 138 may circulate air within the air handling unit 130 and/or within the indoor habitable environment or zones therein.
  • the fans and/or blowers 138 may expel air to an exterior environment and/or draw fresh air from the exterior environment, prior to treating the fresh air.
  • a high flow ventilation system may expel indoor air to reduce the buildup of internally generated air impurities such as volatile organic compounds, dust mites, and pet dander.
  • a heat exchanger may advantageously be employed to recover energy from the outgoing air.
  • the air handling unit 130 may further include a control circuit 141.
  • Control circuit 141 may be communicatively coupled directly or indirectly to the air handling unit 130 and configured to control one or more components of the air handling unit 130.
  • the air remediation system 100 also may include a central control circuit 200.
  • the central control circuit 200 may take the form of a programmed computer or other processor-based system or device.
  • the central control circuit 200 may take the form of a conventional mainframe computer, mini -computer, workstation computer, personal computer (desktop or laptop), or handheld computer.
  • the central control circuit 200 may include one or more processing units 220 (one illustrated), non-transitory system memories 222a- 222b (collectively 222) and a system bus 224 that couples various system components including the system memory 222 to the processing unit(s) 220.
  • the processing unit(s) 220 may be any logic processing unit, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits ( ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), etc.
  • CPUs central processing units
  • DSPs digital signal processors
  • ASICs application-specific integrated circuits
  • FPGAs field programmable gate arrays
  • PLCs programmable logic controllers
  • Non-limiting examples of commercially available computer systems include, but are not limited to, an 80 86. Pentium, or i?
  • the system bus 224 can employ any known bus structures or architectures, including a memory- bus with memory- controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus.
  • the system memory- 222 includes non-transitory Flash or read-only memory (“ROM”) 222a and non-transitory random-access memory (“RAM”) 222b.
  • BIOS basic input-output system
  • the controller 200 may include a hard disk drive 228a for reading from and writing to a hard disk 228b, an optical disk drive 230a for reading from and writing to removable optical disks 230b, and/or a magnetic disk drive 232a for reading from and writing to magnetic disks 232b
  • the optical disk 230b can be a CD/DVD-ROM, while the magnetic disk 232b can be a magnetic floppy disk or diskette.
  • the hard disk drive 228a, optical disk drive 230a and magnetic disk drive 232a may communicate with the processing unit 220 via the system bus 224
  • the hard disk drive 230a, optical disk drive 230a and magnetic disk drive 232 a may include interfaces or controllers (not shown) coupled between such drives and the system bus 224, as is known by those skilled m the relevant art.
  • the drives 228a, 230a and 232a, and their associated computer-readable storage media 228b, 230b, 232b, may provide non-volatile and non-transitory storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program engines and other data for the air remediation system 100.
  • controller 200 is illustrated employing a hard disk 228a, optical disk 230a and magnetic disk 232a, those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that other types of computer- or processor-readable storage media that can store data accessible by a computer may be employed, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory, digital video disks (“DVD”), Bernoulli cartridges, RAMs, ROMs, smart cards, etc.
  • DVD digital video disks
  • RAMs random access memory
  • ROMs read only memory
  • smart cards etc.
  • the hard disk 228a may, for example, store instructions and data for controlling the air remediation system 100, as well as other for components of a home wellness and/or home automation system, for example based on specific aspects or characteristics detected in one or more indoor spaces or zones therein in the habitable environment, inputs by an occupant or user of the habitable environment, or events expected or occurring in the habitable environment, to improve indoor air quality in one more indoor spaces or zones therein to promote the wellness or wellbeing of the oecupant(s).
  • Program engines can be stored in the system memory 222b, such as an operating system 236, one or more application programs 238, other programs or engines and program data.
  • Application programs 238 may include instructions that cause the processor(s) 220 to
  • Application programs 238 may include instructions that cause the processor(s) 220 to automatically receive input and/or display output via various user operable input/ output (I/O) devices 170 such as, for example, panels installed the habitable environment, handheld mobile devices, kiosks, and the like.
  • I/O input/ output
  • the system memory 220 may also include communications programs 240, for example, a server for permitting the central control circuit 200 to provide services and exchange data with the air remediation system 100 and, optionally, other subsystems or computer systems or devices via the Internet, corporate intranets, extranets, or other networks (e.g , LANs, WANs), as well as other server applications on server computing systems such as those discussed further herein.
  • the server m the depicted embodiment may be markup language based, such as Hypertext Markup Language
  • HTML HyperText Markup Language
  • XML Extensible Markup Language
  • WML Wireless Markup Language
  • the operating system 236, application programs 238, other programs/engines, program data and communications applications (e.g., server, browser) 240 can be stored on the hard disk 228b of the hard disk drive 228a, the optical disk 230b of the optical disk drive 230a and/or the magnetic disk 232b of the magnetic disk drive 232a.
  • An operator can enter commands and information (e.g., configuration information, data or specifications) via various user operable input/output (I/O) devices, such as, for example, panels installed the habitable environment, handheld mobile devices, kiosks, and the like, or through other input devices such as a dedicated touch screen or keyboard and/or a pointing device such as a mouse and/or via a graphical user interface.
  • I/O input/output
  • Other input devices can include a microphone, joystick, game pad, tablet, scanner, touch pad, etc.
  • These and other input devices may be connected to one or more of the processing units 220 through an interface such as a serial port interface 242 that couples to the system bus 224, although other interfaces such as a parallel port, a game port or a wireless interface or a universal serial bus (“USB”) can be used.
  • a monitor or other display device may be coupled to the system bus 224 via a video interface, such as a video adapter (not shown).
  • the central control circuit can include other output devices, such as speakers, printers, etc.
  • these and other input devices may be connected directly to the air handling unit 130, allowing a user to directly communicate with and/or control the air handling unit 130.
  • the central control circuit 200 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers and/or devices as described above with reference to FIG. 1
  • the central control circuit 200 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more other subsystems 204-214, one or more server computer systems 244 and associated non-transitory data storage device 246.
  • the server computer systems 244 and associated non-transitory data storage device 246 may, for example, be controlled and operated by a facility (e.g., hotel, spa, apartment building, condominium building, hospital) in which the habitable environment is located. Communications may be via wired and/or wireless network architectures (190 in FIG.
  • the central control circuit 200 may include wireless communications components, for example one or more transceivers or radios 248 and associated anterma(s) 250 for wireless (e.g., radio or microwave frequency communications, collected referred to herein as RF communications).
  • wireless communications components for example one or more transceivers or radios 248 and associated anterma(s) 250 for wireless (e.g., radio or microwave frequency communications, collected referred to herein as RF communications).
  • Other embodiments may include other types of communication networks including telecommunications networks, cellular networks, paging networks, and other mobile networks.
  • the air remediation system 100 may further include one or more windows and/or vents 180 communicatively coupled, directly or indirectly, to central control circuit 200 such that the central control circuit 200 may control the opening and closing of the windows and/or vents m response to detected levels of various indoor and outdoor air pollutants.
  • the air remediation system 100 may include one or more wared or wireless user input/display devices 170 communicatively coupled to the central control circuit 200 and/or to air handling unit 130 directly, which allows a user to view and/or control functions of the air remediation system 100, as well as the air handling system 130 directly.
  • the user input/display device 170 may include user actuatable controls (e.g., user selectable icons displayed on touch screen, keys, butons) manipulation of which allows a user, for instance an occupant of the habitable environment, to select parameters or programs to control one or more components of the air remediation system 100 and/or the air handling unit 130.
  • a mobile or handheld device may serve as the user input/display device 170 and may include a display (e.g., LCD) to display information and user actuatable controls (e.g., user selectable icons, keys, buttons) manipulation of which allows a user, for instance an occupant of the habitable environment, to select parameters or programs to execute to control one or more components of the air remediation system 100.
  • the mobile or handheld device may execute a downloaded customized application or “APP” that communicatively interfaces via a wireless protocol (e.g., IEEE 802.11,
  • FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrates various scenarios in which air remediation system 100 may be utilized to improve the air quality of an indoor space 10 in a habitable environment.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a single-zone indoor space 10 (i.e., the space only has one conditioned zone), with one air handling unit 130.
  • the indoor space 10 may be, for example, studio apartment a small home, a small office space, a hotel room, or any other habitable environment in which a single air handling unit may be used.
  • the air remediation system utilized in the single-zone scenario illustrated in FIG. 3 may include some or all of the components described above with reference to FIG. 1.
  • the air remediation system may include one or more sensor arrays 1 10 comprising one or more sensors configured to measure at least one air parameter in the indoor space 10, including, but not limited to carbon dioxide, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radon, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, noxygen (NOx), and combinations thereof.
  • the sensors in the sensor array 110 may be positioned throughout indoor space 10 in any suitable location. In one approach, one or more sensors that form the sensor array may be positioned at the expected typical breathing leve!(s) and/or height(s) of an average adult.
  • one or more sensors that form the sensor array may be positioned at, for example, from about 3 to about 7 feet from the floor, or even more specifically from about 4 to about 6 feet above the floor where one or more people may be expected to be standing in the indoor space 10; from about 2 to about
  • One or more sensors may also be placed or otherwise adjusted to be positioned to accommodate spaces where children are expected to occupy. In some embodiments, two or more sensors configured to measure the same or different air quality parameters, or multiple air quality parameters, may be placed at different heights within the indoor space 10.
  • one sensor may be placed at a lower height from the floor to measure one or more air quality parameters at a sitting height for the person and another sensor may be placed at a higher height from the floor to measure one or more air quality factors at a standing height for the person.
  • a sensor used in the sensor array 1 10 may be configured to measure one or more air parameters at defined detection intervals, for example, every set number of minutes.
  • the sensor detection interval for one or more of the sensors may be 1 minute, in some approaches two minutes, in some approaches three minutes, in some approaches four minutes, etc.
  • the sensor detection interval may be between 1 and 5 minutes or even longer (e.g., ten minutes, twenty minutes, thirty minutes, sixty minutes, four hours, twelve hours, twenty- four hours).
  • Air handling unit 130 is configured to remediate or otherwise improve the air quality in indoor space 10 using any suitable air remediation technique, including but not limited to fresh air exchange, particulate filtration, ionic filtration, activated carbon filtration, and ultraviolet air purification.
  • any suitable air remediation technique including but not limited to fresh air exchange, particulate filtration, ionic filtration, activated carbon filtration, and ultraviolet air purification.
  • setting points regarding thermal comfort may be achieved with indoor air quality remediation simultaneously, and particulate matter can be reduced continuously in default mode for most of the time, even without a heating/cooling load.
  • Sensor array 1 10 and air handling unit 130 are communicatively coupled, directly or indirectly, to a central control circuit, which may comprise central control circuit 200 described above with reference to FIG. 1.
  • the central control circuit 200 is configured to receive from the sensor array 110 signals indicative one or more air parameter measurements in indoor space 10 and communicate with air handling unit 130 to cause air handling unit 130 to initiate air remediation when certain conditions are met. For example, when the central control circuit 200 receives a first signal indicative of a measurement of a first air parameter in indoor space 10, the central control circuit determines if the measurement of the first air parameter is above a first threshold value for a first duration.
  • the threshold values for various air pollutants may correspond to threshold values recommended by experts in the field.
  • threshold values may be dependent and/or may otherwise change based on, for example, geographic region, season, location, user preference, month, day, and even time of day.
  • Threshold values, detection intervals, and durations may be dependent on, or may otherwise change, based on intended or expected use of the space or an internal event such as, for example, when the occupant count in the space exceeds a normal range, the space has been unoccupied for a period of time, a window is opened, a person known to have severe allergies enters or leaves the indoor space, etc.
  • threshold values, detection intervals, and durations may change based on an external event such as, for example, a local increase or decrease in local pollen count external air pollution, etc.
  • threshold values, detection intervals, and durations may change (e.g., may decrease) after air remediation is triggered a first time.
  • thresholds, detection intervals, and durations may increase if air remediation is not triggered for a certain period of time, or may decrease if air remediation is being triggered with only short variations in between.
  • a first threshold value for PM2.5 may be 12ug/nr
  • a first threshold value for PM10 may be 50 ug/nfi
  • a first threshold value for CO2 may be 800 ppm.
  • the first duration may comprise at least one sensor detection interval, and in some approaches at least two detection intervals, in order to confirm the high measurement of the air parameter. For example, if a detection interval for a given sensor measuring a given air parameter is 2 minutes, the first and/or second duration may be 4 minutes.
  • the central control circuit 200 determines if air within the indoor space 10 is currently being remediated. If the air within the indoor space 10 is not currently being remediated, the central control circuit 200 sends a signal to air handling unit, directly or indirectly, to cause the air handling unit 130 to remediate the air within the indoor space 10 until a measurement of the first air parameter is lower than a second threshold value for a second duration.
  • Exemplary default threshold values, threshold value ranges, detection intervals, and durations for common air pollutants/air quality indicators are listed in Table 1 below.
  • any suitable air remediation technique may be used to remediate the air in the indoor space, and may often depend on the particular air pollutant detected.
  • the air remediation technique employed by the system to improve air quality in indoor space 10 may include fresh air exchange.
  • the air remediation technique employed by the system to improve air quality m indoor space 10 may include mechanical air filtration and/or fresh air exchange.
  • fresh air exchange may not be a suitable air remediation technique in scenarios where outdoor air quality may be poorer than the air quality in indoor space 10
  • air remediation by the air handling unit 130 may not begin with an instant concentration peak. Generally, only a high level of the detected air parameter which lasts more than at least one detection interval, and in some approaches at least two detection intervals, may trigger remediation (a delay loop may be included to execute this feature before sending a command to the air handling unit). Even if the detected air parameter is above a set threshold value for a set duration, in some approaches air remediation may not begin unless or until the system determines that no remediation is occurring in any other areas or zones of the indoor space. In some approaches, air remediation may be triggered by the occurrence of an external event such as, for example, an increase in local pollen count, external air pollution, etc.
  • an external event such as, for example, an increase in local pollen count, external air pollution, etc.
  • air remediation may be triggered by the occurrence of an internal event such, as for example, within a designated time period after a fire is started m a fireplace or a stove is started m a kitchen, even if the threshold has not been met in the room containing the fireplace or the stove.
  • air remediation may be triggered by a sudden increase in room occupancy.
  • the remediation process will not cease instantly when the concentration drops below the second threshold.
  • the same delay loop mentioned above may be applied when the concentration drops below the second threshold.
  • the detected air parameter should be below the threshold value for more than at least one detection interval for air remediation to cease.
  • the first and second threshold values for a given air parameter are substantially the same.
  • air remediation might be triggered when a detected level of an air parameter is above a particular threshold value and then may cease when the detected level of the air parameter falls below the same threshold value.
  • the second threshold value for ceasing air remediation may be lower than the first threshold value for a given air parameter.
  • the second threshold value may be about half of the first threshold value.
  • each of the first and second durations comprise at least one sensor detection interval.
  • the first and second durations may be substantially similar.
  • air remediation might be triggered when a detected level of an air parameter is above a particular threshold for a set duration (e.g., at least one detection interval) and then may cease when the detected level of the air parameter fails below the threshold value for at least the same set duration.
  • the second duration may be longer than the first duration.
  • the sensor array 110 may be configured to measure at least two different air parameters at defined detection intervals.
  • the sensor array 110 may be configured to measure both PM2.5 and CO2 using on or more sensors.
  • the central control circuit 200 may be further configured to receive from the sensor array 110 both the first and second signals indicative measurements of a first and second air parameter in the space 10.
  • the central control circuit 200 may then determine if the measurement of one or both of the first and second air parameters are above set threshold values for a set duration for each air parameter, and if one or both measurements are above the set threshold value(s) for the set duration(s), the central control circuit may cause the air handling unit 130 to remediate the air within the space 10 until a measurement of both the first and second the second air parameters are lov/er than respective second thresholds for second durations for each given air parameter.
  • the central control circuit may calculate a combined measurement (e.g., an air quality score) of at least two air parameters and determine that the combined measurement of the first and second air parameters in the indoor space 10 is above a first combined threshold value for the first duration.
  • the central control circuit may then send a signal to air handling unit 130, directly or indirectly, to cause the air handling unit 130 to remediate the air within the space 10 until a combined measurement of the first and second air parameters is low3 ⁇ 4r than a second combined threshold value for the second duration.
  • the combined measurement which may also be referred to as an air quality score, may ⁇ be represented by S(t) to indicate the contamination level, where i is the type of contaminant.
  • S(t) the contamination level
  • i the type of contaminant.
  • the score may be calculated per the following equation:
  • S(i) is the score of the contamination level of pollutant i, which is a real number in 0 ⁇ 1; t(0 is the health threshold of the pollutant i; The value of thresholds can be referred to WELL Building Standard.
  • C(i) is the concentration of pollutant i.
  • C- min C * s the minimum concentration of pollutant i that can be achieved in the normal environment.
  • the typical value of C min (i) is 350-450 ppm
  • the overall score of the air quality is determined by the highest score of different pollutants:
  • the threshold of S 1A Q is 1 in normal scenario.
  • the threshold of S !A Q can be adjusted according to, but not limited to, the following reasons:
  • the threshold for S 4 Q wall be adjusted to a, 0 8 ⁇ a ⁇ 1.
  • the threshold of S IA Q wall be adjusted according to these designated functionalities to avoid potential air pollution. For example, in a kitchen area, the most common activity often is cooking. Most of cooking operation will generate much more combustion related pollutant than the other activities that happens in the residential homes. Thus, to ensure the performance of the system, the threshold for S ]A Q will be reduced from the value in the building standard by multiplying a factor, b. Some example values for b is listed below:
  • Sensor Location will influence the measurement of the level of pollutants. If the sensor is installed m a place that always has a lower reading compared with the real concentration of the pollutant in the breathing zone, e.g., ceiling mount, the threshold of S IA Q can be reduced to ensure the performance of air remediation.
  • the air handling unit 130 may remediate the air wathin the space 10 by fresh air exchange. For example, wherein when the measurement of CO? in the indoor space 10 is above a first threshold value (e.g., 800 ppm) for a first duration (e.g., two detection cycles), the central control circuit 200 may initiate fresh air exchange. However, some habitable environments might not have fresh air intake capability. In such scenarios, the central control circuit 200 may be configured to communicate with one or more windows 180, which are communicatively coupled to the central control circuit, to cause the one or more windows 180 in the indoor space 10 to open a predetermined amount to facilitate fresh air exchange by the air handling unit 130.
  • a first threshold value e.g. 800 ppm
  • a first duration e.g., two detection cycles
  • the central control circuit 200 may initiate fresh air exchange.
  • the central control circuit 200 may be configured to communicate with one or more windows 180, which are communicatively coupled to the central control circuit, to cause the one or more windows 180 in the indoor space 10 to open a
  • the central control circuit 200 may be configured to provide an alert to occupants, for example a sound alert or and alert to the occupant’s or another person’s handheld mobile device, to open one or more windows to facilitate fresh air exchange, or to take another action.
  • the indoor space 10 may further include one or more occupancy sensors 160 communicatively coupled to the central control circuit 200 and configured to detect an occupancy in the indoor space 10 or zones therein.
  • the one or more occupancy sensors 160 may be positioned throughout the indoor space 10 and configured to send signals to the central control circuit 200 indicative of an occupancy in one or more areas of the indoor space 10.
  • the central control circuit 200 may be configured to receive occupancy data from the occupancy sensor(s) 160 and to adjust one or more threshold values and/or durations for various air parameters based on a detected occupancy in the indoor space 10. For example, the central control circuit may reduce the thresholds for CC and/or particulate matter (PM) when indoor space 10 is over-occupied. In some approaches, the central control circuit may automatically reduce the threshold(s) of one or more air parameters when detected occupancy is above a set threshold and/or when occupancy increases at a faster rate than expected.
  • PM particulate matter
  • the central control circuit 200 may be further configured to initiate operation of the air handling unit 1 10 at a specific time of day or for a period prior to a predetermined time of day to reduce a measurement of the first air parameter below a threshold value that is lower than each of the first and second threshold values.
  • the system may be configured to pre remediate an indoor space or zones therein. For example, if indoor space 10 is a bedroom within a house, and the bedroom belongs to a child suffering from asthma, the central control circuit 200 may be configured to begin remediating the air within the child’s bedroom to a lower threshold than in the rest of the house on hour before the child’s expected bedtime.
  • the air remediation system 100 may further include one or more outdoor air sensor(s) communicatively coupled to the central control circuit, such as the outdoor air sensors 150 described above with reference to FIG. 1.
  • the outdoor air sensor(s) 150 are located in an outdoor area outside of the indoor space 10 and are configured to measure at least one air outdoor parameter in the outdoor area.
  • the central control circuit 200 may receive from the outdoor sensor 150 a first outdoor signal indicative of a measurement of a first outdoor air parameter in the outdoor area and determine if the measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is above a first outdoor threshold value for a first outdoor duration.
  • the outdoor air sensor measurement may be used to determine if the air quality outside the indoor space is poorer than the air quality inside the indoor space (e.g., in polluted cities), in which case the system may determine that fresh air exchange should not be used for air remediation until certain conditions are met.
  • the central control circuit may cause the air handling unit 110 to remediate the air within the indoor space 10 without using fresh air exchange until the sooner of (1) a measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is lower than a second outdoor threshold value for a second outdoor duration; or (2) a measurement of the first air parameter in the indoor space 10 is lower than the second threshold value for the second duration.
  • the system remediates air in the indoor space without using fresh air exchange until levels of one or more outdoor air pollutants fall below a set threshold.
  • the central control circuit may delay air remediation in the indoor space by the air handling unit 130 until a measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is lower than the second threshold value for the second outdoor duration.
  • the system delays air remediation in the indoor space until levels of one or more outdoor air pollutants fall below a set threshold.
  • a scenario may occur in an apartment or condo where fresh air exchange is the only air remediation technique available for reducing certain air pollutants in the indoor space.
  • the central control circuit may cause the air handling unit 130 to cease air remediation m the indoor space 10 until the measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is lower than a second outdoor threshold value for the second outdoor duration.
  • Indoor space 10 may also include one or more networked or remote user input/ display devices 170, described above with reference to FIG. 1, which may allow a user or occupant to view and/or control functions of the air remediation system governing indoor space 10.
  • the air remediation system 100 may be configured to provide various alerts or notifications based on certain conditions. For example, in some approaches, the system may provide an alert or notification when a determination is made that the measurement of the first air parameter is above the first threshold value for the first duration, a determination is made that the measurement of the first air parameter is lower than the second threshold value for the second duration, air remediation in the indoor space is initiated due to the first parameter being above the first threshold for the first duration and the air within the space is not currently being remediated, air remediation in the indoor space has ceased, and/or a change to at least one of the first air parameter, the first threshold value, the first duration, the second threshold value, the second duration is made, requested, or approved.
  • the system may provide an alert or notification when, for example, a determination is made that the measurement of the first air parameter is above the first threshold value for the first duration and the system determines that the room currently is occupied and/or a determination is made that the measurement of the first air parameter is above the first threshold value for the first duration and the system determines that the room currently is not occupied.
  • the system may provide an alert or notification when at least one error in or damage to the sensor array or the air handling system is detected, when the sensor array is out of calibration, when the sensor or air handling unit have exceeded their expected lifespan, the sensor is no longer positioned at the best place within a zone or room, when maintenance to the air handling system is scheduled or overdue, or when relocation of the sensor is scheduled or overdue.
  • the system may provide an alert or notification when activation of air remediation in the indoor space due to a measurement of the first parameter exceeds a designated number of times during a designated time period. For example, the system may provide an alert or notification if air remediation is triggered in the space more than twice in an hour, more than ten times during a twenty -four hour period, etc., due to the measurement of the first air parameter m the space exceeding the first threshold value for the first duration.
  • alerts or notifications may include, but are not limited to, text or SMS messages, MMS messages, email messages, radio signals, automated voice messages, sound notifications, or any other audio or visual alert or signal, which may be sent to (or emitted by) one or more components, electronic devices, or displays associated with the indoor space, the occupant(s), or selected persons associated with the space.
  • the alert or notification may be sent to one or more persons associated with the indoor space (e.g., someone who lives in an apartment or house but who is not there at the apartment or house), someone who is responsible for the space (e.g., a landlord, a maintenance person, an owner), a current occupant of the space who is not in the specific space, a database that stores information relevant to the operation of the space, an automation control device or application, or a parent or caregiver (e.g., if a child or other family member is in the space).
  • persons associated with the indoor space e.g., someone who lives in an apartment or house but who is not there at the apartment or house
  • someone who is responsible for the space e.g., a landlord, a maintenance person, an owner
  • a current occupant of the space who is not in the specific space e.g., a database that stores information relevant to the operation of the space, an automation control device or application, or a parent or caregiver (e.g., if a child or other family member is
  • air remediation may not necessarily begin automatically when the first air parameter is determined to be above the first threshold value for the first duration. Instead, in some approaches, the system may send an alert, notification, or other signal to a device or a person who must approve initiation of the remediation by, for example, sending a designated approval message back to the system, selecting a designated button or icon on a device communicatively coupled to the system, etc. In some approaches, if an approval signal is not received by the system within a certain period of time (e.g., 60 seconds, 10 minutes, one hour), air remediation may begin automatically. In other approaches, remediation in a particular area or zone of the indoor space may not begin unless or until the central control circuit 200 determines that no remediation is occurring in any other areas or zones of the indoor space.
  • a certain period of time e.g. 60 seconds, 10 minutes, one hour
  • the flexibility of remediation is further enhanced by employing multiple air handling units in the indoor space, as illustrated in FIG. 4.
  • some rooms or other zones may be bundled together as a single area or zone for remediation, which can address the problem of crossover of air pollutants from one zone to another due to pressure.
  • the air handling unit associated with each area or zone will generally, but not necessarily, be triggered by the worst detection reading in the room or space associated with that area or zone.
  • Spatially close rooms may be bundled together as one area for remediation, and if any room in this bundled area has confirmed contamination, all the rooms or other zones near the contaminated room may be cleaned as well.
  • setting points regarding thermal comfort may be achieved with indoor air quality remediation simultaneously, and particulate matter and CO? can be reduced continuously m default mode for most of the time, even without a heating/cooling load.
  • a zone may include one or more rooms or other spaces that are largely or completely walled off or otherwise separated from each other, or which may be otherwise isolatable from each other by doors, windows, partitions, walls, etc., that can be opened, closed, moved, etc.
  • one zone may encompass multiple bedrooms m a house, while another zone may encompass the kitchen and dining room.
  • a zone may include one or more rooms or other spaces that are not completely walled off or otherwise separated from each other, as is common in homes, offices, and other indoor environments using open plan design.
  • a zone may include one or more rooms bundled together based on the type of room (e.g., bedrooms), the expected use(s) of the room (e.g , cooking), the expected occupancy of the room, thermal aspects, air handling system configuration, sizes of the room, materials used in the room, furniture used in the room, etc.
  • a single room may comprise more than one zone. For example, a large open space that includes a kitchen area, a dining room area and a living room area may be considered a single room having multiple distinct zones.
  • each zone may include a plurality of indoor air quality sensors located in each zone (in some cases in each room of the zone).
  • the sensors in each zone may be configured to detect one or more air quality parameters in their respective zone.
  • the sensors in the multiple zones and/or rooms within the multiple zones may be configured to detect the same or different parameters and may have the same or different detection intervals, durations, and/or threshold values, and may be located at the same or different heights relative to the floor
  • a first zone in a house may comprise bedrooms, a second zone may compose a kitchen, and a third zone may comprise a home office.
  • Sensors located in the bedrooms may be located at a sleeping height and may be configured to measure particulate matter
  • sensors in the kitchen may be located at a standing height of an adult and may be configured to measure particulate matter and CO
  • sensors in the home office may be located at a seated height of an adult and may be configured to measure particulate matter and VOCs.
  • the detection intervals, durations, and/or threshold values for particulate matter in the bedrooms may be the same or different than in the kitchen and home office, while the detection intervals and durations for CO and VOCs in the kitchen and home office, respectively, may be the same of different than those for particulate matter in those areas.
  • the threshold value for particulate matter may be lower and the duration and the detection interval may be shorter compared to a bedroom used by a person who does not suffer from asthma or other allergies.
  • threshold values may be higher, and durations and detection intervals may be longer compared to more frequently used rooms, such as a family room.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an air remediation system utilized in an indoor space 10 that is divided into multiple zones bundled into remediation areas.
  • Zones 1 and 2 are bundled together as bundled area A and are served by air handling unit 130A.
  • Zones 1 and 2 may comprise, for example, bedrooms in a house or apartment.
  • Zones 3 and 4 are bundled together as bundled area B and are served by air handling unit 130B.
  • Zones 3 and 4 may comprise, for example, a living room and kitchen in a house or apartment.
  • Air handling units 130A and 130B may comprise air handling unit 130 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
  • Each of zones 1, 2, 3, and 4 may include an indoor air quality sensor arrays 110a, 110b,
  • Air sensor arrays 1 10a, 1 10b, 1 10c, and 1 lOd may comprise air sensor array 110 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
  • FIG. 4 shows only one sensor array 1 10 in each of the four zones, each of the zones may include a plurality of indoor air quality sensor arrays.
  • air handling unit 130A will generally be triggered by the worst indoor air quality reading from sensor arrays 1 10a and 110b in bundled area A (zones 1 and 2), while air handling unit 110B will generally be triggered by the worst indoor air quality reading from sensor arrays 110c and 110c in bundled area B (zones 3 and 4).
  • One or more of the threshold values, durations, and detection intervals for bundled area A may be the same as or different from the threshold values, durations, and detection intervals for bundled area B.
  • One or more of the threshold values, durations, and detection intervals for zone 1 in bundled area A may be the same as or different from the threshold values, durations, and detection intervals for zone 2 in bundled area A or the zones 3 and 4 in bundled area B.
  • one or more of the threshold values, durations, and detection intervals for zone 3 in bundled area B may be the same as or different from the threshold values, durations, and detection intervals for zone 4 in bundled area B or the zones 1 and 2 in bundled area A.
  • the central control circuit communicatively coupled to sensor arrays 110a, 110b, 110c, and 1 lOd and air handling units 130A and 130B receive a signal from sensor arrays 110a and 1 10b indicative measurements of an air parameter in zones 1 and 2, respectively, and determines if at least one of those measurements is above a first threshold value for a first duration for that given air parameter. Threshold values and durations may correspond to the threshold values and durations descri bed above with referen ce to FIG. 3 If the measurement of the air parameter in zone 1 is above the first threshold value for the first duration for that given air parameter, the central control circuit determines if air within bundled area A is currently being remediated.
  • the central control circuit 200 sends a signal to air handling unit 130 A, directly or indirectly, to cause air handling unit 130A to remediate the air within the positive zone (e.g., zone 1) and its adjacent zone (zone 2) in bundled area A until a measurement of the air parameter is lower than a second value for a second duration in the positive zone (zone 1) and the adjacent zone (zone 2) in bundled area A.
  • An example of the above scenario may occur in a home comprising two bedrooms (zone 1) adjacent to a home office and a den (zone 2), these four rooms forming bundled area A, with each room having at least one air quality sensor. If a sensor in one of the bedrooms of zone 1 detects an air quality parameter above a set threshold for longer than a set duration, the system initiates air remediation in the two bedrooms (zone 1) and the adjacent home office and den (zone 2) forming bundled are A until the level of the air parameter falls below a set threshold for a set duration in both zones of bundled area A (the threshold and duration may be the same or different than the threshold and duration used to initiate air remediation).
  • the central control circuit 200 also may be further configured to receive from sensor arrays 110c and 1 lOd signals indicative of measurements of one or more air parameters in bundled area B.
  • the central circuit may determine that an air parameter in zone 3 is above a first threshold value for a first duration for that given air parameter. If the measurement of the air parameter is above the first threshold value for the first duration for that given air parameter, the central control circuit determines if air within bundled area B is currently being remediated.
  • the central control circuit sends a signal, directly or indirectly, to an handling unit 130B to cause air handling unit 130B to remediate the air within the positive zone (e.g., zone 3) and its adjacent zone (zone 4) in bundled area B until a measurement of the air parameter is lower than a second value for a second duration in the positive zone (zone 3) and the adjacent zone (zone 4) in bundled area B.
  • a signal directly or indirectly, to an handling unit 130B to cause air handling unit 130B to remediate the air within the positive zone (e.g., zone 3) and its adjacent zone (zone 4) in bundled area B until a measurement of the air parameter is lower than a second value for a second duration in the positive zone (zone 3) and the adjacent zone (zone 4) in bundled area B.
  • the home may further comprise a kitchen and a dining room (zone 3) adjacent to a living room and a play room (zone 4), the four rooms forming bundled area B, with each room having at least one air quality sensor. If a sensor in the kitchen of zone 3 detects an air quality parameter above a set threshold for longer than a set duration, the system initiates air remediation in the kitchen and dining room (zone 3) and the adjacent family room and play room (zone 4) forming bundled are B until the level of the air parameter falls below a set threshold for a set duration in both zones of bundled area B (the threshold and duration may be the same or different than the threshold and duration used to initiate air remediation).
  • air remediation by the air handling units 130.4 and 130B might not begin with an instant concentration peak.
  • a high level of the detected air parameter which lasts more than at least one detection interval (for example, at least two detection intervals) may trigger remediation (a delay loop may be included to execute this feature before sending a command to the air handling unit).
  • the remediation status might not cease instantly when the concentration drops below the second threshold in some approaches, the same delay loop mentioned above may be applied when the concentration drops below the second threshold.
  • sensor arrays 110a, 110b, 110c, and 1 lOd may be configured to measure at least two different air parameters at defined detection intervals m their respective zones.
  • the sensor arrays may be configured to measure both PM?..5 and CO?.
  • the central control circuit 200 may determine if the measurement of one or both of the first and second air parameters are above set threshold values for a set duration for each air parameter, and if one or both measurements are above the set threshold value(s) for the set duration(s), the central control circuit 200 may cause the air handling unit associated with the bundled area to remediate the air within the bundled area until a measurement of the first and second air parameters are lower than a set threshold value for a set duration for each air parameter.
  • the central control circuit 200 may calculate a combined measurement (e.g., an air quality score) of two air parameters in the bundled area and determine that the combined measurement of the first and second air parameters in the bundled area is above a first combined threshold value for the first duration. The central control circuit 200 may then cause the air handling unit associated with that bundled area to remediate the air within the bundled area until a combined measurement of the first and second air parameters is lower than a second combined threshold value for the second duration in the bundled area.
  • the combined measurement which may also be referred to as an air quality score, may be represented by S(i) to indicate the contamination level, and may be calculated as described above.
  • the sensors associated with one zone or bundled area of zones may measure one or more different air parameters than the sensors associated with another zone or bundled area of zones.
  • one or more sensors located in a bedroom might measure CO level, CO2 level, PM2 5 particles, PMxo particles and the presence of one or more VOCs
  • one or more sensors in a kitchen might measure only the presence of smoke and PM2.5 and PM10 particles.
  • the bedroom and the kitchen may be in the same or different zones or the same or different bundled areas.
  • the air handling unit associated with a bundled area may remediate the air within the bundled area by fresh air exchange.
  • the central control circuit 200 may cause one or more windows or vents 180 in bundled area A to open a predetermined amount to facilitate fresh air exchange by air handling unit 130A.
  • the central control circuit 200 may cause one or more windows or vents 180 in bundled area B to open a predetermined amount to facilitate fresh air exchange by air handling unit 1 30B.
  • the central control circuit 200 may be configured to provide an alert to occupants, for example a sound alert or and alert to the occupant’s handheld mobile device or to another person’s mobile device, to open one or more windows to facilitate fresh air exchange.
  • the indoor space may further include one or more occupancy sensors 160 in one or more zones of the bundled areas.
  • zones 1 and 2 in bundled area A and at zones 3 and 4 in bundled area B may include one or more occupancy sensors 160 communicatively coupled to a central control circuit and configured to detect an occupancy in the zones in which the occupancy sensors are located.
  • the central control circuit may be configured to receive occupancy data from the occupancy sensor(s) 160 and to adjust one or more of the first and second threshold values and the first and second durations based on a detected occupancy in one or more zones and/or bundled areas.
  • the central control circuit may reduce the thresholds for CCte and/or particulate matter (PM) in bundled area A if zones 1 and/or 2 are over- occupied or are more frequently occupied.
  • the central control circuit may automatically reduce the threshold(s) of one or more air parameters in on or more zones and/or bundled areas when detected occupancy is above a set threshold and/or when occupancy increases at a faster rate than expected for that zone and/or bundled area.
  • the central control circuit may be further configured to initiate operation of one or more air handling units associated with a bundled area at a specific time of day or for a period prior to a predetermined time of day to reduce a measurement of the first air parameter in a zone of the bundled area below a threshold value that is lower than each of the first and second threshold values.
  • the central control circuit may be configured to begin remediating the air within the child’s bedroom and one or more rooms adjacent to the child’s bedroom (e.g., zone 2 in FIG. 4.) to a lower threshold than in the rest of the house one hour before the child’s expected bedtime.
  • One or more outdoor air sensors 1 50 may also be associated with at least one of the bundled areas or zones in the indoor area 10 and may be communicatively coupled to the central control circuit.
  • each of bundled area A and B may include an associated occupancy sensor 150 located in an outdoor area outside of the indoor space 10 and configured to measure at least one air outdoor parameter in the outdoor area adjacent to bundled areas A and B.
  • the outdoor air sensors may comprise outdoor air sensors 150 described above with reference to FIG. 1.
  • the central control circuit may receive from, for example, outdoor sensor 150 associated with bundled area A, a first outdoor signal indicative of a measurement of a first outdoor air parameter in the outdoor area and determine if the measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is above a first outdoor threshold value for a first outdoor duration.
  • the central control circuit may cause air handling unit 130A to remediate the air within the bundled area A without using fresh air exchange until the sooner of (1) a measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is lower than a second outdoor threshold value for a second outdoor duration; or (2) a measurement of the first air parameter in one or both bundled areas A and B or zones therein is lower than the second threshold value for the second duration.
  • the central control circuit may delay air remediation in bundled area A until a measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is lower than the second threshold value for the second outdoor duration.
  • the system remediates air in bundled area A without using fresh air exchange until levels of one or more outdoor air pollutants fall below a set threshold.
  • the central control circuit may cause air handling unit 130A to cease air remediation until the measurement of the first outdoor air parameter is lower than the second outdoor threshold value for the second outdoor duration.
  • the system delays air remediation in bundled area A until levels of one or more outdoor air pollutants fall below a set threshold.
  • Each bundled area may also include one or more networked or remote user
  • input/display devices 170 described above with reference to FIG. 1, which may allow' a user or occupant to view and/or control functions of the air remediation system governing one or both bundled areas.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a multi-zone scenario with one air handling unit 130 and a plurality of dampers 180a and 180b.
  • zoning is achieved by controlling the flow rate introduced to each of zones 1 and 2 zone through PID damper systems.
  • the flow- rate may be set or controlled to be within 200-800 cubic feet per minute (CFM), but in some settings the CFM may depend on the room size, room type, or other factors.
  • CFM cubic feet per minute
  • the CFM may be set to be 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 or other level, or to be within a range of levels.
  • the central control circuit sends commands to the air handling unit requiring a higher flow rate to clean the polluted room, while the dampers in the other rooms are closed so the flow rate wall not be weakened.
  • particulate matter and CC can be reduced continuously with default mode for most of the time, even without heating/cooling load.
  • a control circuit communicatively coupled to sensor arrays 110a and 1 10b and air handling unit 130 receives from a first sensor array (e.g , sensor array 110a in zone 1) a first signal indicative of a measurement of a first air parameter in the first zone.
  • the central control circuit determines if the measurement of the first air parameter in the first zone is above a first threshold value for a first duration, as described above with reference to FIGS. 4. If the
  • the control circuit determines if air within the first zone (zone 1) is currently being remediated. If the air within the first zone is not currently being remediated, the central control circuit causes the air handling unit to remediate the air within the first zone by determining the relative configurations of the dampers communicatively coupled to the central control circuit and reconfiguring positions of the first damper (damper 180a) and the second damper (damper 180b) to allow airflow into the first zone (zone 1 ) and to restrict airflow into the second zone (zone 2).
  • central control circuit may (re)configure the dampers so that the damper in the polluted zone (e.g., damper 180a in zone 1) may be open a sufficient amount and the other dampers (e.g., damper 180b in zone 2) closed a sufficient amount to achieve at least a 20% fresh air exchange.
  • the central control circuit may (re)configure the dampers so that the damper m the polluted zone (e.g., damper 180a in zone 1) may be fully open, while the other dampers (e.g., damper 180b m zone 2) may be fully or partially closed.
  • indoor air quality remediation may result m an increase of the total enthalpy introduced to the target zone, which may result in a transient deviation from thermal comfort status.
  • the thermal comfort level can recover quickly after remediation, and the heating/cooling coil temperature should compensate the heatmg/cooling load.
  • the multi-zone scenario with one air handling unit illustrated in FIG. 5 may also include one or more occupancy sensors (160a, 160b), outdoor air sensors (150), user
  • the multi-zone scenario with one air handling unit described above with reference to FIG. 5 may be incorporated into a habitable environment having a plurality of bundled areas.
  • the scenario described above with reference to FIG. 5 can be incorporated into the scenario described above with reference to FIG. 4, where each bundled area in FIG. 4 may be considered a separate multi-zone indoor space serviced by one air handling unit.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a method for improving air quality in an indoor space in accordance with some embodiments, which may be executed by air remediation system 100 described above with reference to FIGS 1 to 5.
  • the method begins at start step 300.
  • step 301 one or more indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters are measured by a sensor array having one or more sensors located in an indoor space.
  • step 302 the system determines if a first air parameter is above a first threshold for a first duration. If the first air parameter is not above a first threshold for a first duration, the system may then proceed back to start step 300.
  • IAQ indoor air quality
  • step 303 determines if the air within the indoor space is currently being remediated. If the air is not currently being remediated, in step 304 the system initiates air remediation by an air handling unit (AHU) and in step 305 the system continues air remediation until the first air parameter is lower than a second threshold for a second duration. If at step 303 the system determines that the air within the space is currently being remediated, the system proceeds to step 305 and continues to remediate the air within the space until the first air parameter is lower than a second threshold for a second duration. Once the first air parameter is lower than the second threshold for the second duration at step 305, the system may then proceed back to start step 300.
  • AHU air handling unit
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a method for improving air quality in an indoor space in accordance with some embodiments, which may be executed by air remediation system 100 described above with reference to FIGS 1 to 5.
  • the method begins at start step 400.
  • step 401 first and second indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters are measured by a sensor array located in an indoor space.
  • step 402 the system determines if the first and second measured air parameters are above set thresholds for set durations for that given air parameter. If at least one of the first and second air parameters is above a set threshold for a set duration, in step 403 the system determines if the air is currently being remediated in the indoor space.
  • IAQ indoor air quality
  • step 404 the system initiates air remediation by an air handling unit (AHU) and in step 405 the system continues air remediation until both the first and second air parameters are lower than set thresholds for set durations. If at step 403 the system determines that the air within the space is currently being remediated, the system proceeds to step 405 and continues air remediation until both the first and second air parameters are lower than set thresholds for set durations. Once the first and second air parameters are lower than the set thresholds for the set durations at step 405, the system may then proceed back to start step 400.
  • AHU air handling unit
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a method for improving air quality in an indoor space in accordance with some embodiments, which may be executed by air remediation system 100 described above with reference to FIGS 1 to 5.
  • the method begins at start step 500.
  • step 501 first and second indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters are measured by a sensor array located in an indoor space.
  • step 502 the system determines a combined value for the first and second air parameters.
  • step 503 the system determines if a combined value for the first and second air parameters is above a set threshold for a set duration. If the combined value for the first and second measured air parameters is not above a set threshold for a set duration, the system may then proceed back to start step 500.
  • IAQ indoor air quality
  • step 504 the system determines if the air is currently being remediated in the indoor space. If the air is not currently being remediated, in step 505 the system initiates air remediation by an air handling unit (AHU) and in step 506 the system continues air remediation until the combined value for the first and second measured air parameter is lower than a set threshold for a set duration. If at step 504 the system determines that the air within the space is currently being remediated, the system proceeds to step 506 and continues air remediation until the combined value for the first and second measured air parameter is lower than a set threshold for a set duration. Once the combined value for the first and second measured air parameter is lower than the set threshold for the set duration step 506, the system may then proceed back to start step 500.
  • AHU air handling unit
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a method for improving air quality in an indoor space in accordance with some embodiments, which may be executed by air remediation system 100 described above with reference to FIGS 1 to 5.
  • the method begins at start step 600.
  • one or more indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters are measured by a sensor array located m an indoor space.
  • the system determines if a first air parameter is above a first threshold for a first duration. If a first air parameter is above a first threshold for a first duration, in step 603 the system determines if the air within the indoor space is currently being remediated.
  • IAQ indoor air quality
  • step 604 the system initiates air remediation by an air handling unit (AHU) and in step 605 the system continues air remediation until the first air parameter is lower than a second threshold for a second duration. If at step 603 the system determines that the air within the space is currently being remediated, the system proceeds to step 605 and continues to remediate the air within the space until the first air parameter is lower than a second threshold for a second duration. Once the first air parameter is lower than the second threshold for the second duration at step 605, the system may then proceed back to start step 600.
  • AHU air handling unit
  • step 606 the system determines the current time of day.
  • step 607 the system determines whether the current time of day matches a target time of day and/or is within a set duration of a target time of day. If not, the system may proceed to step 602, If so, in step 608 the system determines if the air within the indoor space is currently being remediated. If the air is not currently being remediated, in step 609 the system initiates air remediation by an air handling unit (AHU) and in step 610 the system continues air remediation until the first air parameter is below a threshold that is lower than the first and second thresholds for a second threshold. Once the first air parameter is lower than the second threshold for the second duration at step 605, the system may then proceed back to start step 600.
  • AHU air handling unit
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a method for improving air quality in an indoor space m accordance with some embodiments, which may be executed by air remediation system 100 described above with reference to FIGS 1 to 5.
  • the method described with reference to FIG. 10 may be especially useful in multi-zone scenarios, such as those described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
  • the method begins at start step 700.
  • a first indoor air quality (IAQ) parameter is measured by a sensor array located in a first zone in an indoor space and a first indoor air quality (IAQ) parameter is measured by a sensor array located in a second zone in an indoor space, the first and second zones being adjacent.
  • IAQ indoor air quality
  • step 702 the system determines if at least one of the first air parameters from the first or second zones is above a first threshold for a first duration. If at least one of the first air parameters from the first or second zones is not above a first threshold for a first duration, the system may then proceed back to start step 700.
  • step 703 the system determines if the air is currently being remediated in the first and second zones. If the air is not currently being remediated in the first and second zones, in step 804 the system initiates air remediation by an air handling unit (AHU) in the first and second zones and in step 705 the system continues air remediation in the first and second zones until the first air parameter in both the first and second zones are lower than a second threshold for a second duration.
  • AHU air handling unit
  • step 703 the system determines that the air within the space is currently being remediated, the system proceeds to step 705 and continues air remediation in the first and second zones until the first air parameter in both the first and second zones are lower than a second threshold for a second duration. Once the first air parameter in both the first and second zones are lower than the second threshold for the second duration at step 705, the system may then proceed back to start step 700.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates a method for improving air quality in an indoor space in accordance with some embodiments, which may be executed by air remediation system 1 00 described above with reference to FIGS 1 to 5.
  • the method described with reference to FIG. 11 may be especially useful in multi-zone scenarios, such as those described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
  • the method begins at start step 800.
  • a first indoor air quality (IAQ) parameter is measured by a sensor array located in a first zone m an indoor space and a first indoor air quality (IAQ) parameter is measured by a sensor array located in a second zone in an indoor space, the first and second zones being adjacent.
  • IAQ indoor air quality
  • step 802 the system determines if at least one of the first air parameters from the first or second zones is above a first threshold for a first duration. If at least one of the first air parameters from the first or second zones is not above a first threshold for a first duration, the system may then proceed back to start step 800.
  • step 803 the system determines if the air is currently being remediated in the first and second zones. If the air is not currently being remediated in the first and second zones, in step 804 the system initiates air remediation by an air handling unit (AHU) in the first and second zones by reconfiguring positions of dampers in the first and second zones to allow air into the first zone and restrict air into the second zone. In step 805 the system continues air remediation in the first and second zones until the first air parameter in both the first and second zones are lower than a second threshold for a second duration.
  • AHU air handling unit
  • step 803 the system determines that the air within the space is currently being remediated, the system proceeds to step 805 and continues air remediation in the first and second zones until the first air parameter in both the first and second zones are lower than a second threshold for a second duration. Once the first air parameter in both the first and second zones are lower than a second threshold for a second duration at step 805, the system may then proceed back to start step 800.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates a method for improving air quality in an indoor space in accordance with some embodiments, which may be executed by air remediation system 100 described above with reference to FIGS 1 to 5.
  • the method described with reference to FIG. 12 may be especially useful in multi-zone scenarios, such as those described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, and especially in scenarios where poor indoor air quality may create a need for remediation in more than one zone.
  • the method begins at start step 900.
  • a first indoor air quality (IAQ) parameter is measured by a sensor array located in a first zone in an indoor space and a first indoor air quality (IAQ) parameter is measured by a sensor array located in a second zone in an indoor space, the first and second zones being adjacent. While FIG.
  • IAQ indoor air quality
  • the indoor air quality parameter(s) measured by sensors in the first and second zones do not necessarily have to be the same parameter.
  • the measured indoor air quality parameters m the different zones can be the same or different indoor air quality parameters, which may have the same or different threshold values, durations, and detection intervals.
  • the air sensor in the first zone may measure carbon dioxide, while the air sensor in the second zone may measure volatile organic compounds.
  • the threshold values would likely differ, but the detection intervals and/or durations for the two zones may be the same or different.
  • the air sensors m the first and second zones may both be configured to measure carbon dioxide levels.
  • the threshold values, durations, and detection intervals for the first zone may be the same or different from those for the second zone. Threshold values, durations, and detection intervals, may be determined based on, for example, one or more of: location(s) of the zone(s), intended or expected use of the zone(s), estimated, actual, or predicted occupancy of the zone(s), time of day or year, user preference or need, location, elevation, etc.
  • step 902 the system determines if the first air parameter in the first zone is above a first threshold for a first duration. If the first air parameter in the first zone is not above the first threshold for a first duration, in step 903 the system determines if the first air parameter in the second zone is above a first threshold for a first duration. If the first air parameter in the second zone is not above the first threshold for a first duration, the system may then proceed back to start step 900.
  • step 904 determines if the air is currently being remediated in the second zone. If the air is not currently being remediated in the second zone, in step 905 the system initiates air remediation by an air handling unit (AHU) in the second zone by reconfiguring positions of dampers in the first and second zones to allow air into the second zone and restrict air into the first zone. In step 906 the system continues air remediation in the second zone until the first air parameter in the second zone is lower than a second threshold for a second duration.
  • AHU air handling unit
  • step 904 the system determines that the air within the second zone is currently being remediated, the system proceeds to step 906 and continues air remediation in second zone until the first air parameter in the second zone is lower than a second threshold for a second duration. Once the first air parameter in the second zone is lower than the second threshold for the second duration in step 906, the system may then proceed back to start step 900.
  • step 902 determines that the first air parameter in the first zone is above a first threshold for a first duration
  • step 907 determines if the first air parameter in the second zone is above a first threshold for a first duration. If the first air parameter in the second zone is not above the first threshold for a first duration, in step 908 the system determines if the air is currently being remediated in the first zone. If the air is not currently being remediated in the first zone, in step 909 the system initiates air remediation by an air handling unit (AHU) in the first zone by reconfiguring positions of dampers in the first and second zones to allow air into the first zone and restrict air into the second zone.
  • AHU air handling unit
  • step 910 the system continues air remediation m the first zone until the first air parameter m the first zone is lower than a second threshold for a second duration. If at step 908 the system determines that the air within the first zone is currently being remediated, the system proceeds to step 910 and continues air remediation in first zone until the first air parameter m the first zone is lower than a second threshold for a second duration. Once the first air parameter in the first zone is lower than the second threshold for the second duration in step 910, the system may then proceed back to start step 900.
  • the steps described above with reference to FIG. 12 relate to scenarios where either the first zone or second zone (but not both) experiences an above-threshold indoor air quality measurement that triggers air remediation in zone with the above-threshold measurement.
  • the steps described below with reference to FIG. 12 encompass scenarios where both the first and second zones experience above-threshold indoor air quality measurements, triggering either concurrent or consecutive air remediation in the first and second zones.
  • the system determines whether the first and second zones can or otherwise should he remediated concurrently. This determination may he made based on, for example, at least one of the type of elevated air parameter(s), the measurement(s) of the air parameter(s), configurations of the zones, efficiency, locations of the zones, intended or expected use of the zones, estimated, actual, or predicted occupancy of the zones, time of day or year, day of week, location, elevation, user preference or need, etc.
  • the system determines that the first and second zones can or otherwise should be remediated concurrently, at step 912 the system initiates air remediation by an air handling unit (AHU) in the first and second zones.
  • AHU air handling unit
  • the air handling unit may remediate the air in both zones by reconfiguring positions of dampers in the first and second zones to allow sufficient airflow into both zones. Additionally, or alternatively, in some approaches the air handling unit may remediate air in one or both zones using fresh air exchange, particulate filtration, ionic filtration, activated carbon filtration, ultraviolet air purification, and combinations thereof.
  • step 913 the system continues air remediation in the first and second zones until the first air parameter in both the first and second zones are lower than a second threshold for a second duration. Once the first air parameter in both the first and second zones are lower than the second threshold for the second duration in step 913, the system may then proceed back to start step 900.
  • Air remediation priority or other ranking may be based on, for example, at least one of: (a) the type of elevated air parameter(s); (b) the respective measurements or scores of the air parameter(s); (e) comparison of which air parameter(s) exceeds its threshold value the most or by the highest percentage; (d) estimated, actual, or predicted occupancy of the zone (e.g., if one zone is occupied and the other is not, the occupied zone may be remediated first; the zone scheduled for occupancy first may be remediated first; the zone having or expected to have the highest occupancy level may be remediated first etc.); (e) intended or expected use of the zone, the type of room/zone, etc.
  • a bedroom may be remediated before a kitchen
  • the zone that was remediated the longest time ago may be remediated first
  • the zone that can be remediated the quickest may be remediated first
  • time of day, time of year, or day of week may be remediated first
  • location may be remediated
  • external weather or other conditions may be remediated first
  • the relative impacts of elevated air parameters on one or more people’s health may be remediated and (1) user preference or need.
  • step 915 the system initiates air remediation by an air handling unit (AHU) in the highest ranked zone.
  • step 916 the system continues air remediation in the highest ranked zone until the first air parameter in this zone is lower than a second threshold for a second duration.
  • step 917 the system then initiates air remediation by the air handling unit (AHU) in the next highest ranked zone.
  • step 918 the system continues air remediation in the next highest ranked zone until the first air parameter in this zone is lower than a second threshold for a second duration. The system may then proceed back to start step 900.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des systèmes, des procédés et un appareil permettant d'améliorer la qualité de l'air dans des espaces intérieurs à une ou plusieurs zones. Le système reçoit d'un ou plusieurs capteurs de qualité de l'air un signal indiquant une mesure de paramètre d'air dans l'espace intérieur, détermine que le paramètre d'air est supérieur à une première valeur de seuil pendant une première durée, et signale à l'unité de traitement de l'air d'assainir l'air à l'intérieur de l'espace jusqu'à ce que la mesure du paramètre d'air soit inférieure à une seconde valeur pendant une seconde durée. De multiples zones dans l'espace intérieur peuvent être regroupées ensemble dans de multiples zones regroupées d'assainissement pour un assainissement par des systèmes et/ou des processus de traitement de l'air séparés.
PCT/US2019/050339 2018-09-14 2019-09-10 Systèmes et procédés d'assainissement de l'air WO2020055817A1 (fr)

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US18/196,747 US20230280058A1 (en) 2018-09-14 2023-05-12 Systems and methods for air remediation

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US62/731,535 2018-09-14
US201862756913P 2018-11-07 2018-11-07
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WO2021258116A1 (fr) * 2020-06-19 2021-12-23 Honeywell International Inc. Systèmes et procédés de réduction de risque d'exposition à des pathogènes dans un espace
WO2022094338A1 (fr) * 2020-10-30 2022-05-05 Ionic Air, LLC Système et procédé de purification d'air et de surface à double polarisation avec application d'interface de passager
WO2024107138A1 (fr) * 2022-11-16 2024-05-23 Süleyman Demi̇rel Üni̇versi̇tesi̇ İdari̇ Ve Mali̇ İşler Dai̇re Başkanliği Genel Sekreterli̇k Purificateur d'air et d'environnement auto-désinfectant avec caractéristique de mesure de la qualité d'air et système de filtre multicouche à longue durée de vie

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US20150134123A1 (en) * 2013-11-14 2015-05-14 Ces Group, Llc Predictive monitoring and control of an environment using cfd
WO2018039433A1 (fr) * 2016-08-24 2018-03-01 Delos Living Llc Systèmes, procédés et articles permettant d'accroître le bien-être associé à des environnements habitables

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US20090053989A1 (en) * 2005-04-06 2009-02-26 Tom Lunde Interior Air Quality Space and Methods of Designing and Constructing Same
US20150134123A1 (en) * 2013-11-14 2015-05-14 Ces Group, Llc Predictive monitoring and control of an environment using cfd
WO2018039433A1 (fr) * 2016-08-24 2018-03-01 Delos Living Llc Systèmes, procédés et articles permettant d'accroître le bien-être associé à des environnements habitables

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021258116A1 (fr) * 2020-06-19 2021-12-23 Honeywell International Inc. Systèmes et procédés de réduction de risque d'exposition à des pathogènes dans un espace
WO2022094338A1 (fr) * 2020-10-30 2022-05-05 Ionic Air, LLC Système et procédé de purification d'air et de surface à double polarisation avec application d'interface de passager
WO2024107138A1 (fr) * 2022-11-16 2024-05-23 Süleyman Demi̇rel Üni̇versi̇tesi̇ İdari̇ Ve Mali̇ İşler Dai̇re Başkanliği Genel Sekreterli̇k Purificateur d'air et d'environnement auto-désinfectant avec caractéristique de mesure de la qualité d'air et système de filtre multicouche à longue durée de vie

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