WO2021040634A1 - An adaptive vent system for providing localized and customized thermal comfort. - Google Patents

An adaptive vent system for providing localized and customized thermal comfort. Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2021040634A1
WO2021040634A1 PCT/TR2019/050703 TR2019050703W WO2021040634A1 WO 2021040634 A1 WO2021040634 A1 WO 2021040634A1 TR 2019050703 W TR2019050703 W TR 2019050703W WO 2021040634 A1 WO2021040634 A1 WO 2021040634A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
inlet
air
agent
temperature
diffuser
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/TR2019/050703
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Cem Keskin
Mustafa Pinar MENGUC
Original Assignee
Ozyegin Universitesi
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 Ozyegin Universitesi filed Critical Ozyegin Universitesi
Priority to PCT/TR2019/050703 priority Critical patent/WO2021040634A1/en
Publication of WO2021040634A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021040634A1/en

Links

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
    • F24F11/70—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
    • 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
    • F24F11/72—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure
    • F24F11/79—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling the direction of the supplied air
    • 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
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
    • F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
    • 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
    • F24F2110/10—Temperature
    • 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
    • F24F2110/30—Velocity
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2120/00—Control inputs relating to users or occupants
    • F24F2120/10—Occupancy
    • 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

  • the present invention relates to an adaptive vent system for providing localized and customized thermal comfort conditions, specifically a vent system controlling air flow direction in order to manage non-uniformity of temperature distribution in an indoor environment -in accordance with specific demand of a person or group of people occupying a sub-space inside a room.
  • HVAC Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
  • Figure 1 is a schematic view of vent system in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic view of an inlet diffuser showing open and close positions of operable flaps in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic view of schematic view of two diffusers mounted on the ceiling of a room in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Vent system 2. HVAC machinery
  • Embodiments of the present invention relates to a vent system (1) for providing localized and customized thermal comfort
  • the term 'customized' refers to being in agreement with the specific preference of a person or joint preference of at least one person.
  • the vent system (1) comprises a HVAC machinery (2) for producing an inlet air; at least one agent (3) for being positioned inside a indoor environment and monitoring a peripheral temperature of the agent (3); a control and communication hub (4) communicatable (i.e.
  • each agent (3]; at least one inlet diffuser (5] for being positioned inside the indoor environment and distributing the inlet air produced by HVAC machinery (2] through plurality of air outlets (6] facing different directions; wherein the inlet diffuser (5) comprises at least one individually operable flap (7) for each air outlet (6) for directing flow of the inlet air.
  • the control and communication hub (4) adapted to; determine temperature of the inlet air for being distributed according to the peripheral temperature received from the agent (3), determine flow speed and flow direction of the inlet air according to relative direction and/or position of the agent (3) to the inlet diffuser (5), so as to reach a user defined temperature inside peripheral of the agent (3) (in other words an input temperature dedicated to the agent (3)).
  • the determinations preferably are made by considering energy efficiency and/or optimum temperature, flow speed, flow direction conditions to reach the user defined temperature inside peripheral of the agent (3) as fast as possible.
  • the control and communication hub (4) further adapted to; adjusting temperature and flow speed of the inlet air preferably by the HVAC machinery (2) as determined temperature and determined flow speed, and direction angle of the operable flaps (7) to achieve determined flow direction.
  • the embodiments of the present invention aim to control temperature, flow speed and flow direction of the inlet air being distributed to indoor environment.
  • An air flow pattern is provided to the indoor environment by adjusting angle of each operable flap (7) of the inlet diffusers (5).
  • a non-uniform temperature distribution is assured to the indoor environment in accordance with the user defined temperature.
  • At least one agent (3) is positioned to the indoor environment.
  • the agent (3) continuously or intermittently monitors/measure the peripheral temperature. Therefore, the agent (3) preferably comprises at least one temperature sensor for monitoring the peripheral temperature.
  • the agent (3) is able to communicate with the control and communication hub (4) or vice versa by means of a wired or wireless connection.
  • the wireless communication means used herein is to designate any kind of wireless communication means using optics comprising but not limited to laser, IR and Radio waves comprising but not limited to ZigBee, EnOcean; Personal area networks, Bluetooth, Transferjet, Ultra-wideband, Wi-Fi, and others.
  • the relative directions and/or position of the agents (3) to the inlet diffusers (5) are defined after the agents (3) and the inlet diffusers (5) are positioned to the indoor environment.
  • the agent (3) is portable so that the user is free to move and still able to be facilitated by the localized and personalized thermal comfort.
  • the agent (3) comprises an indoor positioning system for providing its position to the control and communication hub (4).
  • the control and communication hub (4) determines flow speed and flow direction of the inlet air according to new relative direction and/or position of the moved/patrolling agent (3).
  • the agent (3) is a cellular phone comprising a temperature sensor being able to monitor the peripheral temperature.
  • the control and communication hub (4) is communicatable with inlet diffuser (5) preferably by a connection wire.
  • the control and communication hub (4) preferably comprises a wireless communication means to communicate with the control and communication hub (4).
  • the wireless communication means used herein is to designate any kind of wireless communication means using optics comprising but not limited to laser, IR and Radio waves comprising but not limited to ZigBee, EnOcean; Personal area networks, Bluetooth, Transfer) et, Ultra-wideband, Wi-Fi, and others.
  • the control and communication hub (4) is communicated to a plurality of agents (3).
  • the control and communication hub (4) is adapted to determine temperature of the inlet air for being distributed according to the peripheral temperature information received from plurality of agents (3) so as to reach a user defined temperature inside peripheral of the agent (3) (in other words so as to make the peripheral temperature equal to an input temperature dedicated to the agent (3)).
  • the control and communication hub (4) is adapted to determine flow speed and flow direction of the inlet air according to relative directions and/or positions of the agents (3) to the inlet diffuser/diffusers (5).
  • an air flow pattern (temperature, flow speed and flow direction) is determined by the control and communication hub (4) and provided by the inlet diffusers (5).
  • the agents (3] also monitor humidity and air quality in the peripheral of the agent (3].
  • the control and communication hub (4] is further adapted to; determine temperature /humidity/air quality of the inlet air for being distributed according to the peripheral temperature/humidity/air quality information received from the agent (3], and adjusting temperature/humidity/air quality of the conditioned air by the HVAC machinery (2] as determined temperature /humidity /air quality.
  • the determination of the temperature, flow speed and flow direction of the inlet air for being distributed, and adjustments of temperature and flow speed of the inlet air are performed preferably by a direct digital control algorithm. Neural network based control algorithms, predictive control algorithms, or other advance control approaches may also be used for determinations and adjustments.
  • control and communication hub (4] and inlet diffusers (5] may be executed by a 'proprietary' or a 'open protocol' languages such as Building Automation Control Network (BACnet], LonWorks (Echelon], Modbus TCP, KNX, and others.
  • BACnet Building Automation Control Network
  • LonWorks Echelon
  • Modbus TCP KNX
  • the determinations to which the control and communication hub (4] is adapted are preferably done by considering the energy efficiency and/or temperature, flow speed, flow direction conditions to reach the user defined temperature inside peripheral of the agent (3] as fast as possible.
  • the vent system (1] comprises a sensor series (8] communicatable with the control and communication hub (4] for providing information on outdoor temperature and/or open/close position of doors/windows of the indoor environment and/or number of occupant inside the residential structure to the control and communication hub (4].
  • the control and communication hub (4] also adapted to determine temperature, flow speed and flow direction of the inlet air according to the information coming from sensor series.
  • the vent system (1] comprises a user interface (9] for inputting the user defined temperature and/or other environmental parameters.
  • the user interface (9) is preferably provided on the agent (3).
  • the user interface (9) with an interactive GUI may be provided on an internet browser or a smart phone application.
  • the user interface (9) provides a manual adjustment for the direction angle of each operable flap (7) of the inlet diffuser (5) and/or temperature and/or flow speed of the inlet air.
  • the vent system (1) comprises an outlet diffuser (11) for being positioned inside the indoor environment and receiving air from the indoor environment through plurality of air inlets facing different directions.
  • the outlet diffuser (11) comprises an individually operable flap (7) for each air inlets.
  • the control and communication hub (4) is further adapted to adjust direction angle of the operable flaps (7) of the outlet diffuser (11) according to relative direction and/or position of the agent (3).
  • the relative directions and/or position of the agents (3) to the outlet diffuser (11) are defined after the agents (3) and the outlet diffuser (11) are positioned to the indoor environment.
  • the agent (3) comprises an indoor positioning system for providing its position to the control and communication hub (4).
  • the control and communication hub (4) adjusts direction angle of the operable flaps (7) of the outlet diffuser (11) according to relative position of the agent (3).
  • the operable flaps (7) of the outlet diffuser (11) may be completely closed to block the penetration of inlet air. In this way, unnecessary conditioning (receiving air) for the parts of the indoor environment where there is no occupant/agent/demand for user defined temperature, is prevented by blocking air flow towards the parts.
  • the vent system (1) is connected to a cloud platform (10).
  • the embodiments comprising plurality of agent (3) and/or inlet diffuser (5) need computational power for determinations and adjustments which may be provided by the cloud platform (10).
  • the communication among means providing the interface, agents (3) and the control and communication hub (4) may be provided though the cloud platform (10).
  • At least one inlet diffuser (5) is in the form of a regular hexagonal box.
  • operable flaps (7) are in the form of a trapezoid or any other geometry.
  • at least one inlet diffuser (5) is in the form of a regular octagonal box wherein operable flaps (7) are in the form of a trapezoid or any other geometry.
  • the operable flaps (7) of the inlet diffuser (5) may be completely closed to block penetration of the inlet air. In this way, unnecessary conditioning for the parts of the indoor environment where there is no occupant/agent/demand for user defined temperature, is prevented by blocking the air outlets (6) facing and so flow towards the parts.
  • the operable flaps (7) are movable in the vertical plane of the inlet diffuser (5).
  • the movement of the operable flaps (7) may be provided by an actuator (11) such as rotary or linear motors, or any combinations thereof.
  • the inlet diffuser (5) is for being positioned on the ceiling of the indoor environment.
  • the control and communication hub (4) is a part of the inlet diffuser (5).
  • Figure 2 shows the inlet diffuser (5) in the form of a regular octagonal box, in a configuration that two of the eight flaps (7) are open allowing inlet air flow through specific direction. Remaining six flaps (7) are close and block air outlets (6) and so inlet air flow. Flaps (7) are in the shape of trapezoid and one edge of each flap (7) is rotatable along a rotation axis (R). An actuator (12) for changing flap (7) angles is positioned in the center in this exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 shows an inlet diffuser (5) and an outlet diffuser (11) mounted on a ceiling of a room. Both have open and close flaps (7) that are configured to prioritize air flow toward the peripheral of only the agent (3) in other words occupant of the room.
  • the opposite part of the room have no agent (3) (is not occupied] and so the flap (7] configuration minimizes the air flow towards that part.
  • the present invention also related to an air distributer system for vent systems comprising at least one agent (3) for being positioned inside a indoor environment and monitoring a peripheral temperature of the agent (3); at least one inlet diffuser (5) for being positioned inside the indoor environment and distributing a inlet air through plurality of air outlets (6) facing different directions; wherein the inlet diffuser (5) comprises an individually operable flap (7) for each air outlet (6) for directing flow of the inlet air; wherein each inlet diffuser (5) is configured for receiving the inlet air from a HVAC machinery (2); wherein each agent (3) is configured for being communicatable with a control and communication hub (4) adapted to; determine temperature of the inlet air for being distributed according to the peripheral temperature received from the agent (3), determine flow speed and flow direction of the inlet air according to relative direction and/or position of the agent (3) to the inlet diffuser (5) so as to reach a user defined temperature inside peripheral of the agent (3), adjusting temperature and flow speed of the inlet air as determined temperature and determined flow speed, and direction angle of the operable
  • an inlet diffuser (5) for vent systems comprising plurality of air outlets (6) facing different directions for distributing an inlet air to an indoor environment; an individually operable flap (7) for each air outlet (6) for directing flow of the inlet air; wherein each inlet diffuser (5) is configured for: being communicatable with a control and communication hub (4) which is also communicatable with at least one agent (3) positioned inside the indoor environment and monitoring a peripheral temperature of the agent (3); receiving the inlet air from a HVAC machinery (2); wherein the control and communication hub (4) adapted to; determine temperature of the inlet air for being distributed according to the peripheral temperature received from the agent (3), determine flow speed and flow direction of the inlet air according to relative direction and/or position of the agent (3) to the inlet diffuser (5) so as to reach a user defined temperature inside peripheral of the agent (3), adjusting temperature and flow speed of the inlet air as determined temperature and determined flow speed, and direction angle of the operable flaps (7) to achieve determined flow direction.

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relates a vent system (1) for providing localized and personalized thermal comfort comprising a HVAC machinery (2) for producing an inlet air; at least one agent (3) for being positioned inside an indoor environment and monitoring a peripheral temperature of the agent (3); a control and communication hub (4) communicatable with each agent (3); at least one inlet diffuser (5) for being positioned inside the indoor environment and distributing the inlet air through plurality of air outlets (6) facing different directions; wherein the inlet diffuser (5) comprises at least one individually operable flap (7) for each air outlet (6) for directing flow of the inlet air.

Description

AN ADAPTIVE VENT SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING LOCALIZED AND CUSTOMIZED
THERMAL COMFORT
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an adaptive vent system for providing localized and customized thermal comfort conditions, specifically a vent system controlling air flow direction in order to manage non-uniformity of temperature distribution in an indoor environment -in accordance with specific demand of a person or group of people occupying a sub-space inside a room.
Background of the Invention
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems refer to a technology used for conditioning indoor environments for building/office occupants. However, since each occupant may demand a different environmental condition (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), providing uniform environmental condition in the structure dissatisfies some of the occupants. Moreover, having a uniform temperature distribution inside large indoor environments requires conditioning of a larger volume of air which negatively influences energy efficiency and environmental impact of these structures.
Consequently, there is significant requirement for the improvement of ventilation systems for localized and customized thermal comfort conditions for occupants inside buildings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings to be more easily understood and uses thereof will be clearer when considered in view of the detailed description, in which like reference numbers indicate the same or similar elements, and the following figures in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of vent system in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a schematic view of an inlet diffuser showing open and close positions of operable flaps in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic view of schematic view of two diffusers mounted on the ceiling of a room in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows: 1. Vent system 2. HVAC machinery
3. Agent
4. Control and communication hub
5. Inlet diffuser
6. Air outlet 7. Flap
8. Sensor series
9. User interface
10. Cloud platform
11. Outlet diffuser 12. Actuator
R. Rotation axis of the flap
Detailed Description Embodiments of the present invention relates to a vent system (1) for providing localized and customized thermal comfort The term 'customized' refers to being in agreement with the specific preference of a person or joint preference of at least one person. The vent system (1) comprises a HVAC machinery (2) for producing an inlet air; at least one agent (3) for being positioned inside a indoor environment and monitoring a peripheral temperature of the agent (3); a control and communication hub (4) communicatable (i.e. being able to communicate] with each agent (3]; at least one inlet diffuser (5] for being positioned inside the indoor environment and distributing the inlet air produced by HVAC machinery (2] through plurality of air outlets (6] facing different directions; wherein the inlet diffuser (5) comprises at least one individually operable flap (7) for each air outlet (6) for directing flow of the inlet air.
The control and communication hub (4) adapted to; determine temperature of the inlet air for being distributed according to the peripheral temperature received from the agent (3), determine flow speed and flow direction of the inlet air according to relative direction and/or position of the agent (3) to the inlet diffuser (5), so as to reach a user defined temperature inside peripheral of the agent (3) (in other words an input temperature dedicated to the agent (3)). The determinations preferably are made by considering energy efficiency and/or optimum temperature, flow speed, flow direction conditions to reach the user defined temperature inside peripheral of the agent (3) as fast as possible. The control and communication hub (4) further adapted to; adjusting temperature and flow speed of the inlet air preferably by the HVAC machinery (2) as determined temperature and determined flow speed, and direction angle of the operable flaps (7) to achieve determined flow direction.
The embodiments of the present invention aim to control temperature, flow speed and flow direction of the inlet air being distributed to indoor environment. An air flow pattern is provided to the indoor environment by adjusting angle of each operable flap (7) of the inlet diffusers (5). Thus, a non-uniform temperature distribution is assured to the indoor environment in accordance with the user defined temperature.
In embodiments of the vent system (1), at least one agent (3) is positioned to the indoor environment. The agent (3) continuously or intermittently monitors/measure the peripheral temperature. Therefore, the agent (3) preferably comprises at least one temperature sensor for monitoring the peripheral temperature. The agent (3) is able to communicate with the control and communication hub (4) or vice versa by means of a wired or wireless connection. The wireless communication means used herein is to designate any kind of wireless communication means using optics comprising but not limited to laser, IR and Radio waves comprising but not limited to ZigBee, EnOcean; Personal area networks, Bluetooth, Transferjet, Ultra-wideband, Wi-Fi, and others. In one embodiment of the present invention, the relative directions and/or position of the agents (3) to the inlet diffusers (5) are defined after the agents (3) and the inlet diffusers (5) are positioned to the indoor environment. In one embodiment of the present invention, the agent (3) is portable so that the user is free to move and still able to be facilitated by the localized and personalized thermal comfort. In this embodiment, the agent (3) comprises an indoor positioning system for providing its position to the control and communication hub (4). Thus, the control and communication hub (4) determines flow speed and flow direction of the inlet air according to new relative direction and/or position of the moved/patrolling agent (3).
In one embodiment of the present invention, the agent (3) is a cellular phone comprising a temperature sensor being able to monitor the peripheral temperature. The control and communication hub (4) is communicatable with inlet diffuser (5) preferably by a connection wire. In one alternative of this embodiment, the control and communication hub (4) preferably comprises a wireless communication means to communicate with the control and communication hub (4). The wireless communication means used herein is to designate any kind of wireless communication means using optics comprising but not limited to laser, IR and Radio waves comprising but not limited to ZigBee, EnOcean; Personal area networks, Bluetooth, Transfer) et, Ultra-wideband, Wi-Fi, and others.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the control and communication hub (4) is communicated to a plurality of agents (3). In this embodiment, the control and communication hub (4) is adapted to determine temperature of the inlet air for being distributed according to the peripheral temperature information received from plurality of agents (3) so as to reach a user defined temperature inside peripheral of the agent (3) (in other words so as to make the peripheral temperature equal to an input temperature dedicated to the agent (3)). Further, the control and communication hub (4) is adapted to determine flow speed and flow direction of the inlet air according to relative directions and/or positions of the agents (3) to the inlet diffuser/diffusers (5). Thus, an air flow pattern (temperature, flow speed and flow direction) is determined by the control and communication hub (4) and provided by the inlet diffusers (5). In one embodiment of the present invention, the agents (3] also monitor humidity and air quality in the peripheral of the agent (3]. In this embodiment, the control and communication hub (4] is further adapted to; determine temperature /humidity/air quality of the inlet air for being distributed according to the peripheral temperature/humidity/air quality information received from the agent (3], and adjusting temperature/humidity/air quality of the conditioned air by the HVAC machinery (2] as determined temperature /humidity /air quality. The determination of the temperature, flow speed and flow direction of the inlet air for being distributed, and adjustments of temperature and flow speed of the inlet air are performed preferably by a direct digital control algorithm. Neural network based control algorithms, predictive control algorithms, or other advance control approaches may also be used for determinations and adjustments. The communication between agents (3), sensor series (8) (will be explained further], the control and communication hub (4] and inlet diffusers (5] may be executed by a 'proprietary' or a 'open protocol' languages such as Building Automation Control Network (BACnet], LonWorks (Echelon], Modbus TCP, KNX, and others.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the determinations to which the control and communication hub (4] is adapted are preferably done by considering the energy efficiency and/or temperature, flow speed, flow direction conditions to reach the user defined temperature inside peripheral of the agent (3] as fast as possible. In one embodiment of the present invention, the vent system (1] comprises a sensor series (8] communicatable with the control and communication hub (4] for providing information on outdoor temperature and/or open/close position of doors/windows of the indoor environment and/or number of occupant inside the residential structure to the control and communication hub (4]. In this embodiment, the control and communication hub (4] also adapted to determine temperature, flow speed and flow direction of the inlet air according to the information coming from sensor series.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the vent system (1] comprises a user interface (9] for inputting the user defined temperature and/or other environmental parameters. The user interface (9) is preferably provided on the agent (3). Alternatively, the user interface (9) with an interactive GUI may be provided on an internet browser or a smart phone application. In one alternative of this embodiment, the user interface (9) provides a manual adjustment for the direction angle of each operable flap (7) of the inlet diffuser (5) and/or temperature and/or flow speed of the inlet air.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the vent system (1) comprises an outlet diffuser (11) for being positioned inside the indoor environment and receiving air from the indoor environment through plurality of air inlets facing different directions. The outlet diffuser (11) comprises an individually operable flap (7) for each air inlets. In this embodiment, the control and communication hub (4) is further adapted to adjust direction angle of the operable flaps (7) of the outlet diffuser (11) according to relative direction and/or position of the agent (3). In this embodiment, the relative directions and/or position of the agents (3) to the outlet diffuser (11) are defined after the agents (3) and the outlet diffuser (11) are positioned to the indoor environment. In an alternative version of this embodiment, the agent (3) comprises an indoor positioning system for providing its position to the control and communication hub (4). Thus, the control and communication hub (4) adjusts direction angle of the operable flaps (7) of the outlet diffuser (11) according to relative position of the agent (3). The operable flaps (7) of the outlet diffuser (11) may be completely closed to block the penetration of inlet air. In this way, unnecessary conditioning (receiving air) for the parts of the indoor environment where there is no occupant/agent/demand for user defined temperature, is prevented by blocking air flow towards the parts. In one embodiment of the present invention, the vent system (1) is connected to a cloud platform (10). Especially, the embodiments comprising plurality of agent (3) and/or inlet diffuser (5) need computational power for determinations and adjustments which may be provided by the cloud platform (10). Moreover, the communication among means providing the interface, agents (3) and the control and communication hub (4) may be provided though the cloud platform (10).
In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one inlet diffuser (5) is in the form of a regular hexagonal box. In this embodiment, operable flaps (7) are in the form of a trapezoid or any other geometry. In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one inlet diffuser (5) is in the form of a regular octagonal box wherein operable flaps (7) are in the form of a trapezoid or any other geometry. In one embodiment of the present invention, the operable flaps (7) of the inlet diffuser (5) may be completely closed to block penetration of the inlet air. In this way, unnecessary conditioning for the parts of the indoor environment where there is no occupant/agent/demand for user defined temperature, is prevented by blocking the air outlets (6) facing and so flow towards the parts.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the operable flaps (7) are movable in the vertical plane of the inlet diffuser (5).
The movement of the operable flaps (7) may be provided by an actuator (11) such as rotary or linear motors, or any combinations thereof.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the inlet diffuser (5) is for being positioned on the ceiling of the indoor environment. In one embodiment of the present invention, the control and communication hub (4) is a part of the inlet diffuser (5).
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention is depicted in Figure 2. Figure 2 shows the inlet diffuser (5) in the form of a regular octagonal box, in a configuration that two of the eight flaps (7) are open allowing inlet air flow through specific direction. Remaining six flaps (7) are close and block air outlets (6) and so inlet air flow. Flaps (7) are in the shape of trapezoid and one edge of each flap (7) is rotatable along a rotation axis (R). An actuator (12) for changing flap (7) angles is positioned in the center in this exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
A use of an exemplary embodiment of the invention is depicted in Figure 3. Figure 3 shows an inlet diffuser (5) and an outlet diffuser (11) mounted on a ceiling of a room. Both have open and close flaps (7) that are configured to prioritize air flow toward the peripheral of only the agent (3) in other words occupant of the room. The opposite part of the room have no agent (3) (is not occupied] and so the flap (7] configuration minimizes the air flow towards that part.
The present invention also related to an air distributer system for vent systems comprising at least one agent (3) for being positioned inside a indoor environment and monitoring a peripheral temperature of the agent (3); at least one inlet diffuser (5) for being positioned inside the indoor environment and distributing a inlet air through plurality of air outlets (6) facing different directions; wherein the inlet diffuser (5) comprises an individually operable flap (7) for each air outlet (6) for directing flow of the inlet air; wherein each inlet diffuser (5) is configured for receiving the inlet air from a HVAC machinery (2); wherein each agent (3) is configured for being communicatable with a control and communication hub (4) adapted to; determine temperature of the inlet air for being distributed according to the peripheral temperature received from the agent (3), determine flow speed and flow direction of the inlet air according to relative direction and/or position of the agent (3) to the inlet diffuser (5) so as to reach a user defined temperature inside peripheral of the agent (3), adjusting temperature and flow speed of the inlet air as determined temperature and determined flow speed, and direction angle of the operable flaps (7) to achieve determined flow direction.
The previously mentioned embodiments are also applicable for the air distributer system.
In one embodiment of the present invention, an inlet diffuser (5) for vent systems comprising plurality of air outlets (6) facing different directions for distributing an inlet air to an indoor environment; an individually operable flap (7) for each air outlet (6) for directing flow of the inlet air; wherein each inlet diffuser (5) is configured for: being communicatable with a control and communication hub (4) which is also communicatable with at least one agent (3) positioned inside the indoor environment and monitoring a peripheral temperature of the agent (3); receiving the inlet air from a HVAC machinery (2); wherein the control and communication hub (4) adapted to; determine temperature of the inlet air for being distributed according to the peripheral temperature received from the agent (3), determine flow speed and flow direction of the inlet air according to relative direction and/or position of the agent (3) to the inlet diffuser (5) so as to reach a user defined temperature inside peripheral of the agent (3), adjusting temperature and flow speed of the inlet air as determined temperature and determined flow speed, and direction angle of the operable flaps (7) to achieve determined flow direction. The previously mentioned embodiments are also applicable for this embodiment of the present invention i.e. an inlet diffuser (5) for vent systems.

Claims

1. A vent system (1) for providing localized and customized thermal comfort comprising a HVAC machinery (2) for producing an inlet air; at least one agent (3) for being positioned inside an indoor environment and monitoring a peripheral temperature of the agent (3); a control and communication hub (4) communicatable with each agent (3); at least one inlet diffuser (5) for being positioned inside the indoor environment and distributing the inlet air through plurality of air outlets (6) facing different directions; wherein the inlet diffuser (5) comprises at least one individually operable flap (7) for each air outlet (6) for directing flow of the inlet air; wherein the control and communication hub (4) adapted to; determine temperature of the inlet air for being distributed according to the peripheral temperature received from the agent (3), determine flow speed and flow direction of the inlet air according to relative direction and/or position of the agent (3) to the inlet diffuser (5) so as to reach a user defined temperature inside peripheral of the agent (3), adjusting temperature and flow speed of the inlet air as determined temperature and determined flow speed, and direction angle of the operable flaps (7) to achieve determined flow direction.
2. A vent system (1) according to claim 1 comprises a sensor series (8) communicatable with the control and communication hub (4) for providing information on outdoor temperature and/or open/close position of doors /windows of the indoor environment and/or number of occupant the to the control and communication hub (4) wherein the control and communication hub (4) also adapted to determine temperature, flow speed and flow direction of the inlet air according to the information received from the sensor series (8).
3. A vent system (1) according to any preceding claims comprises a user interface (9) for inputting the user defined temperature.
4. A vent system (1) according to claim 3 wherein the user interface (9) is provided on the agent (3).
5. A vent system (1) according to claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the user interface (9) provides a manual adjustment for the direction angle of each operable flap (7) of the inlet diffuser (5) and/or temperature and/or flow speed of the inlet air.
6. A vent system (1) according to any preceding claims comprising an outlet diffuser
(11) for being positioned inside the indoor environment and receiving air from the indoor environment through plurality of air inlets facing different directions; wherein the outlet diffuser (11) comprises an individually operable flap (7) for each air inlets; wherein the control and communication hub (4) is further adapted to adjust direction angle of the operable flaps (7) of the outlet diffuser (11) according to relative direction and/or position of the agent (3).
7. A vent system (1) according to any preceding claims wherein the inlet diffuser (5) comprises a fan for each air outlet (6) for providing flow of the inlet air at adjustable speeds in each air outlet (6) and wherein the control and communication hub (4) further adapted to; determine flow speed of the inlet air in each air outlet (6), adjusting speed of the fan to achieve the determined flow speed of the inlet air in each air outlet (6).
8. A vent system (1) according to any preceding claims wherein at least one inlet diffuser (5) is in the form of a regular octagonal or hexagonal box wherein operable flaps (7) are in the form of a trapezoid.
9. A vent system (1) according to any preceding claims wherein the operable flaps (7) are movable to a position where the air outlets (6) are completely closed to block penetration of the inlet air.
10. A vent system (1) according to any preceding claims wherein the operable flaps (7) are movable in the vertical plane of the inlet diffuser (5).
11. A vent system (1) according to any preceding claims wherein the inlet diffuser (5) is for being positioned on the ceiling of the indoor environment.
12. An air distributer system for vent systems comprising at least one agent (3) for being positioned inside an indoor environment and monitoring a peripheral temperature of the agent (3); at least one inlet diffuser (5) for being positioned inside the indoor environment and distributing an inlet air through plurality of air outlets (6) facing different directions; wherein the inlet diffuser (5) comprises an individually operable flap (7) for each air outlet (6) for directing flow of the inlet air; wherein each inlet diffuser (5) is configured for receiving the inlet air from a HVAC machinery (2); wherein each agent (3) is configured for being communicatable with a control and communication hub (4) adapted to; determine temperature of the inlet air for being distributed according to the peripheral temperature received from the agent (3), determine flow speed and flow direction of the inlet air according to relative direction and/or position of the agent (3) to the inlet diffuser (5) so as to reach a user defined temperature inside peripheral of the agent (3), adjusting temperature and flow speed of the inlet air as determined temperature and determined flow speed, and direction angle of the operable flaps (7) to achieve determined flow direction.
13. An inlet diffuser (5) for vent systems comprising plurality of air outlets (6) facing different directions for distributing an inlet air to an indoor environment; an individually operable flap (7) for each air outlet (6) for directing flow of the inlet air; wherein each inlet diffuser (5) is configured for: being communicatable with a control and communication hub (4) which is also communicatable with at least one agent (3) positioned inside a indoor environment and monitoring a peripheral temperature of the agent (3); receiving the inlet air from a HVAC machinery (2); wherein the control and communication hub (4) adapted to; determine temperature of the inlet air for being distributed according to the peripheral temperature received from the agent (3), determine flow speed and flow direction of the inlet air according to relative direction and/or position of the agent (3) to the inlet diffuser (5) so as to reach a user defined temperature inside peripheral of the agent (3), adjusting temperature and flow speed of the inlet air as determined temperature and determined flow speed, and direction angle of the operable flaps (7) to achieve determined flow direction.
PCT/TR2019/050703 2019-08-26 2019-08-26 An adaptive vent system for providing localized and customized thermal comfort. WO2021040634A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/TR2019/050703 WO2021040634A1 (en) 2019-08-26 2019-08-26 An adaptive vent system for providing localized and customized thermal comfort.

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/TR2019/050703 WO2021040634A1 (en) 2019-08-26 2019-08-26 An adaptive vent system for providing localized and customized thermal comfort.

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2021040634A1 true WO2021040634A1 (en) 2021-03-04

Family

ID=68426799

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/TR2019/050703 WO2021040634A1 (en) 2019-08-26 2019-08-26 An adaptive vent system for providing localized and customized thermal comfort.

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2021040634A1 (en)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011099608A1 (en) * 2010-02-15 2011-08-18 ダイキン工業株式会社 In-room unit of air conditioning device
KR20110115736A (en) * 2010-04-16 2011-10-24 신기만 Apparatus for controlling supply amount and direction of air
EP2982911A1 (en) * 2013-04-01 2016-02-10 Daikin Industries, Ltd. Operating system and operating method for air-conditioning device
EP3096088A1 (en) * 2015-05-20 2016-11-23 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Room air conditioning system
US20180306456A1 (en) * 2017-04-20 2018-10-25 Trane International Inc. Personal comfort variable air volume diffuser
EP3511639A1 (en) * 2016-09-12 2019-07-17 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Air conditioning system

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011099608A1 (en) * 2010-02-15 2011-08-18 ダイキン工業株式会社 In-room unit of air conditioning device
KR20110115736A (en) * 2010-04-16 2011-10-24 신기만 Apparatus for controlling supply amount and direction of air
EP2982911A1 (en) * 2013-04-01 2016-02-10 Daikin Industries, Ltd. Operating system and operating method for air-conditioning device
EP3096088A1 (en) * 2015-05-20 2016-11-23 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Room air conditioning system
EP3511639A1 (en) * 2016-09-12 2019-07-17 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Air conditioning system
US20180306456A1 (en) * 2017-04-20 2018-10-25 Trane International Inc. Personal comfort variable air volume diffuser

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20200241583A1 (en) Microzone hvac system with precision air device and precision air aggregator
US6019677A (en) Modular integrated terminals and associated systems for heating and cooling
US5535814A (en) Self-balancing variable air volume heating and cooling system
CN103604198B (en) Intelligent air conditioner control system
EP0606335B1 (en) Wireless communication system for air distribution system
US20070037507A1 (en) Multi-zone air handling systems and methods with variable speed fan
US20220316752A1 (en) Modular fan assembly with articulating nozzle
US11293654B2 (en) Personal comfort variable air volume diffuser
CN114688714A (en) HVAC control with remote user interface and remote temperature sensor
CN104697059A (en) Indoor unit of air conditioner and control method of indoor unit
WO2014036612A1 (en) System for optimising an enclosed space
WO2019036611A1 (en) Enclosed space air conditioning systems
US20070277542A1 (en) Auto-balancing damper control
WO2016092635A1 (en) Air control system
WO2021040634A1 (en) An adaptive vent system for providing localized and customized thermal comfort.
CN105841313A (en) Intelligent control system of central air conditioner
CN110871657B (en) Air-conditioner air supply system without air sense and control method of air supply system
KR20140103194A (en) Temperature customized air conditioning system and method of operation the same
CN205783560U (en) Central air conditioner intelligent control system
TR2022002597T2 (en) An adaptable vent system to provide local and customized thermal comfort.
KR102070496B1 (en) System for controlling heating and cooling of building
JP2017116231A (en) Air conditioning system
CN206234968U (en) A kind of air-conditioner and air conditioner control system
CN116221936B (en) Partition multi-mode air supply method adapting to changing heat demands
CN110345625A (en) Air conditioner, the control method of air conditioner and storage medium

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 19797855

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 19797855

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1