U.S. patent application number 11/271480 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-11 for indoor environmental parameter balancing apparatus and method to do the same.
Invention is credited to David Belt, John Van Leeuwen.
Application Number | 20060099904 11/271480 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35985231 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060099904 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Belt; David ; et
al. |
May 11, 2006 |
Indoor environmental parameter balancing apparatus and method to do
the same
Abstract
An indoor environmental balancing apparatus and method for a
structure that includes a plenum, a plurality of openings disposed
within the plenum and in communication with a plurality of indoor
spaces, a fan in communication with the plenum and the plurality of
openings, a plurality of sensors disposed within the plurality of
indoor spaces and configured to measure an environmental parameter
of the plurality of indoor spaces, and a controller configured to
monitor the plurality of sensors and respond to a differential in
the measured environmental parameter between two or more of the
plurality of indoor spaces by operating the fan to move air between
the plurality of indoor spaces to bring the differential into
equilibrium.
Inventors: |
Belt; David; (Weaverville,
NC) ; Leeuwen; John Van; (Dayton, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DINSMORE & SHOHL LLP;One Dayton Centre
Suite 1300
One South Main Street
Dayton
OH
45402-2023
US
|
Family ID: |
35985231 |
Appl. No.: |
11/271480 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60626849 |
Nov 10, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
454/236 ;
454/229; 62/186 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/62 20180101;
F24F 11/30 20180101; F24F 2110/20 20180101; G05D 23/1932 20130101;
F24F 7/06 20130101; F24F 2110/10 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/236 ;
062/186; 454/229 |
International
Class: |
F25D 17/04 20060101
F25D017/04; F24F 11/02 20060101 F24F011/02; F24F 7/06 20060101
F24F007/06 |
Claims
1. An indoor environmental balancing apparatus for a structure,
comprising: a plenum; a plurality of openings disposed within the
plenum and in communication with a plurality of indoor spaces; a
fan in communication with the plenum and the plurality of openings;
a plurality of sensors disposed within the plurality of indoor
spaces and configured to measure an environmental parameter of the
plurality of indoor spaces; and a controller configured to monitor
the plurality of sensors and respond to a differential in the
measured environmental parameter between two or more of the
plurality of indoor spaces by operating the fan to move air between
the plurality of indoor spaces to bring the differential into
equilibrium.
2. The indoor environmental balancing apparatus according to claim
1, wherein the fan is a bi-directional fan.
3. The indoor environmental balancing apparatus according to claim
1, wherein the apparatus is a supplemental ventilation system.
4. The indoor environmental balancing apparatus according to claim
1, wherein the plenum comprises a L-Shaped unit disposed within it,
wherein the L-Shaped unit includes one of the plurality of openings
that are in communication with the plurality of indoor spaces.
5. The indoor environmental balancing apparatus according to claim
4, wherein the plenum comprises a T-Shaped unit having one of the
plurality of openings disposed within it, wherein the T-Shaped unit
is configured to permit air to both bypass the opening and flow out
of the opening into one of the plurality of indoor spaces.
6. The indoor environmental balancing apparatus according to claim
1, wherein the plurality of sensors are configured to measure
temperature.
7. The indoor environmental balancing apparatus according to claim
6, wherein the controller is configured to respond to a
differential in temperature between two or more of the plurality of
indoor spaces by drawing air into the plenum from one of the
plurality of indoor spaces having a cooler temperature relative to
at least one of the plurality of indoor spaces and exhausting the
cooler air from the plenum into the at least one of the plurality
of indoor spaces such that the differential in temperature between
the two or more of the plurality of indoor spaces is equalized.
8. The indoor environmental balancing apparatus according to claim
7, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the
structure's heating and cooling system is in a heating mode or
cooling mode.
9. The indoor environmental balancing apparatus according to claim
8, wherein if the controller determines the structure's heating and
cooling system is in the heating mode, the controller will switch
the direction of the fan such that when the controller monitors a
differential in temperature between two or more of the plurality of
indoor spaces, the controller is configured to respond to the
differential in temperature by drawing air into the plenum from one
of the plurality of indoor spaces having a warmer temperature
relative to at least one of the plurality of indoor spaces and
exhausting the warmer air from the plenum into the at least one of
the plurality of indoor spaces such that the differential in
temperature between the two or more of the plurality of indoor
spaces is equalized.
10. The indoor environmental balancing apparatus according to claim
1, further comprising a lateral duct connected between the plenum
to the plurality of openings.
11. The indoor environmental balancing apparatus according to claim
10, wherein the lateral duct is flexible duct.
12. The indoor environmental balancing apparatus according to claim
1, wherein the plenum comprises a cold air duct and a supply duct
of an existing heating and cooling system of the structure.
13. The indoor environmental balancing apparatus according to claim
12, further comprising a bypass duct connecting the cold air duct
to the supply duct such that air may bypass the heating and cooling
system.
14. The indoor environmental balancing apparatus according to claim
13, wherein the fan is disposed within the bypass duct and the
system includes motorized dampers connected to the controller.
15. An indoor temperature balancing apparatus for a structure,
comprising: a plenum; first and second openings disposed within the
plenum and in communication with respective first and second indoor
spaces of a structure; a fan in communication with the plenum and
the first and second openings; a first sensor disposed within the
first indoor space and configured to measure a first temperature of
the first indoor space; a second sensor disposed within the second
indoor space and configured to measure a second temperature of the
second indoor space; and a controller configured to monitor the
first and second sensors and respond to a differential between the
first and second temperatures by operating the fan to move air
between the first and second indoor spaces to bring the
differential between the first and second temperatures into
equilibrium.
16. The indoor temperature balancing apparatus for a structure
according to claim 15, wherein the first and second indoor spaces
comprise a first level of a home and a second level of a home.
17. The indoor temperature balancing apparatus for a structure
according to claim 16, wherein the controller is configured such
that if the controller determines that the structure's heating and
cooling system is in the cooling mode and that the first
temperature is less than the second temperature, the controller
will operate the fan to draw air into the plenum from the first
level, transport the air through the plenum, and exhaust the air
from the plenum into the second level.
18. The indoor temperature balancing apparatus for a structure
according to claim 16, wherein the controller is configured such
that if the controller determines that the structure's heating and
cooling system is in the heating mode and that the first
temperature is less than the second temperature, the controller
will operate the fan to draw air into the plenum from the second
level, transport the air through the plenum, and exhaust the air
from the plenum into the first level.
19. The indoor temperature balancing apparatus for a structure
according to claim 15, further comprising: a third opening disposed
within the plenum and in communication with the fan and a third
indoor space of the structure; and a third sensor disposed within
the third indoor space and configured to measure a third
temperature of the third space; wherein the controller is
configured to monitor the first, second, and third sensors and
respond to a differential between one or more of the temperatures
measured by the first, second, and third sensors by operating the
fan to move air between the first, second, and third indoor spaces
to bring the differential between the one or more temperatures into
equilibrium.
20. A method of balancing the indoor temperature for a structure,
comprising: monitoring temperatures of a first indoor space and a
second indoor space; detecting a differential in the temperatures
between the first and second indoor spaces; drawing air into a
plenum from the first indoor space; transporting the air within the
plenum; exhausting the air from the plenum into the second indoor
space; detecting that the differential in the temperatures between
the first and second indoor spaces is equalized; and stopping the
drawing of the air into the plenum from the first space.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of prior-filed U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/626,849, filed Nov. 10,
2004, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is direction to an apparatus and
method that balances thermal load and other indoor environmental
differentials between floors, rooms, and/or other spaces of a
structure. More particularly, the present invention is directed to
an apparatus and method that provides an apparatus that balances
indoor environmental parameters such as temperatures and/or
humidity between floors or rooms of a structure such as a home or
commercial facility.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A common climate control problem in multi-story or
multi-room structures is the noticeable temperature differential
between floors or rooms of the structure. For example, many are
familiar with the effect of outside weather on a residential home
having an upstairs, wherein the upstairs too warm in summer and/or
too warm in the winter because the all the heat rises and
accumulates in the upper level of the home. In addition, the
multi-level home may have a downstairs that is too cold in winter.
Various heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ("HVAC") system
solutions have been implemented to attempt to solve this
temperature imbalance between multiple floors or rooms.
[0004] For example, in the residential home market, some have
attempted to solve this issue by installing dual power plants,
e.g., placing one on each floor or zone. However, this solution is
not only relatively expensive, but also requires sufficient space
to install two HVAC units within the structure (e.g., a home).
Others have attempted to solve this issue by using sophisticated,
zoned HVAC systems. However, the complexity of these systems also
makes them relatively expensive. Both attempted solutions, due to
the relatively high implementation costs, make them affordable only
in the high-end residential home and commercial market.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Accordingly, the present invention is intended to address
and obviate problems and shortcomings and otherwise improve
previous apparatus and methods used in an attempt to try and
balance environmental parameters within a structure.
[0006] One exemplary embodiment of the present invention is an
indoor environmental balancing apparatus for a structure that
includes a plenum, a plurality of openings disposed within the
plenum and in communication with a plurality of indoor spaces, a
fan in communication with the plenum and the plurality of openings,
a plurality of sensors disposed within the plurality of indoor
spaces and configured to measure an environmental parameter of the
plurality of indoor spaces, and a controller configured to monitor
the plurality of sensors and respond to a differential in the
measured environmental parameter between two or more of the
plurality of indoor spaces by operating the fan to move air between
the plurality of indoor spaces to bring the differential into
equilibrium.
[0007] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is an
indoor temperature balancing apparatus for a structure that
includes plenum, first and second openings disposed within the
plenum and in communication with respective first and second indoor
spaces of a structure, a fan in communication with the plenum and
the first and second openings, a first sensor disposed within the
first indoor space and configured to measure a first temperature of
the first indoor space, a second sensor disposed within the second
indoor space and configured to measure a second temperature of the
second indoor space, and a controller configured to monitor the
first and second sensors and respond to a differential between the
first and second temperatures by operating the fan to move air
between the first and second indoor spaces to bring the
differential between the first and second temperatures into
equilibrium.
[0008] Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
is a method of balancing the indoor temperature for a structure
that includes monitoring temperatures of a first indoor space and a
second indoor space, detecting a differential in the temperatures
between the first and second indoor spaces, drawing air into a
plenum from the first indoor space, transporting the air within the
plenum, exhausting the air from the plenum into the second indoor
space, detecting that the differential in the temperatures between
the first and second indoor spaces is equalized, and stopping the
drawing of the air into the plenum from the first space.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed
the same will be better understood from the following description
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary
embodiment of the environmental balancing apparatus according to
the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
L-Shaped end cap shown in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
T-Shaped unit shown in FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of another exemplary
embodiment of the environmental balancing apparatus according to
the present invention; and
[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of another exemplary
embodiment of the environmental balancing apparatus according to
the present invention.
[0015] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative
in nature and not intended to be limiting of the invention defined
by the claims. Moreover, individual features of the drawings and
the invention will be more fully apparent and understood in view of
the detailed description.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The apparatus and method of the present invention provides
an environmental parameter balancing apparatus and method of using
the same that is configured to measure and monitor an environmental
parameter such as the temperature of multiple indoor spaces of a
structure, to detect and/or determine that there is a differential
in the environmental parameter between the multiple indoor spaces,
and to operate a fan to transport air between the multiple indoor
spaces in order to equalize the differential between the multiple
indoor spaces. The environmental parameter balancing apparatus may
be designed for any type of structure, including but not limited to
residential structures (e.g., homes, garages, etc.), commercial
structures, and/or industrial structures. In addition, the indoor
spaces within such structures may be rooms, entire levels such as
floors, and any other type of indoor spaces as known to one of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0017] The environmental parameter balancing apparatus may be
installed as a supplemental system, either separate from or
interconnected to, the structure's heating, ventilation, and
cooling ("HVAC") system. Supplemental ventilation system, as used
herein, is defined as a ventilation system that may operate
independently from a structure's HVAC system. It is also understood
that the environmental parameter balancing apparatus may also be an
integral part of a structure's HVAC system without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0018] An exemplary embodiment of the environmental parameter
balancing apparatus is shown in FIGS. 1-3 as 10. For illustration
purposes only, and not limitation, the exemplary embodiment of
environmental parameter balancing apparatus 10 (hereinafter
"balancing apparatus 10") is shown configured for a three-level
structure such as a home having three floors of conditioned space:
a basement 1, a ground level floor 2, and an upper level floor 3.
Balancing apparatus 10 may be configured for structures having more
than three levels, including unconditioned space such as an attic.
Balancing apparatus 10 may include a plenum 20 running between
floors of a multi-level home and having one or more register
openings 22 at each level of the home, a fan unit 24 installed such
that it is in communication with plenum 20 and each register
opening 22, a sensor 32 located at each level, and a controller 30
in communication with each of sensors 32 and fan unit 24. Sensors
32 are configured to measure an environmental parameter, including
but not limited to temperature, humidity, pressure, combinations
thereof, and/or any other environmental parameter as known to one
of ordinary skill in the art, at each indoor space or level of the
structure.
[0019] Controller 30 is configured to monitor sensors 32 in order
to detect and/or determine whether there is a difference (a
differential) between the environmental parameter measured on each
level of the structure. For example, whether the temperature of
basement 1 is greater than or less than the temperature of upper
level 3. If controller 30 determines that a differential exists
between the environmental parameters of two or more levels,
controller 30 is configured to operate fan unit 24 in response to
this differential in order to equalize the environmental parameter
between the two or more levels such that the environmental
parameter of the two or more levels is equalized or balanced
(brought into equilibrium). For example, basement 1 is the same
temperature as upper level 3.
[0020] The exemplary embodiment of balancing apparatus 10 will be
describe with reference to a balancing apparatus configured to
balance temperature between the multi-levels of the structure.
However, it is understood that other environmental parameters may
be measured, monitored, and equalized by the balancing apparatus 10
of the present invention without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention. As such, sensors 32 comprise first
temperature sensor 32c, second temperature sensor 32b, and third
temperature sensor 32a disposed at the basement level 1, middle
level 2, and upper level 3 of the structure, respectively, and
configured to measure the temperature at each of these levels
independently. First, second, and third temperature sensors 32c,
32b, and 32a, respectively, are connected to controller 30 via
electrical wires 36 as known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
It is understood that sesnors 32 and controller 30 may communicate
with each other using wireless (e.g., WIFI, BLUETOOTH, etc.)
technology. In an exemplary embodiment, temperature sensors 32 may
comprise solid state thermister technology as manufactured by
ANDIGILOG. Individual sensor components may be mounted to a custom
manufactured circuit board (not shown) as manufactured by EQUATHERM
with terminal screws (not shown) for lead connectors. Both the
controller assembly and sensor assembly may be fabricated in any
variety of methods such as in a custom manufactured plastic
injection molded packages.
[0021] In an alternative embodiment, sensors 32 may comprise two or
more sensors that are configured to monitor multiple environmental
parameters, including but not limited to temperature and humidity,
temperature and pressure, humidity and pressure, etc., as known to
one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present invention. Sensors 32 (e.g., temperature
and humidity sensors) may be connected to controller 30 such that
balancing apparatus 10 may operate fan unit 24 and/or other
equipment such as dampers in response to the measured and monitored
data received by both sensors 32 to balance or equalize the
differentials in one or more of these parameters between the
levels.
[0022] Plenum 20 in this exemplary embodiment is made optionally
from a standard 12''.times.31/4'' duct, which fits between two
vertical studs of a standard 2.times.4 stud wall. Plenum 20 and any
other ductwork may be made of any commonly used materials in the
art such as sheet metal, plastic, insulation, composite materials,
etc. For example, plenum 20 and any other ductwork of the present
invention may be made from conventional sheet metal ductwork,
flexible ductwork, or combinations thereof as known to one of
ordinary skill in the art. In this exemplary embodiment, plenum 20
comprises rectangular, sheet metal ductwork that forms a continuous
vertical travel between basement fan unit 24c, middle level fan
unit 24b, and upper level fan unit 24a. Plenum 20 may be fabricated
from off-the-shelf components, custom made, or combinations thereof
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. In addition, plenum 20 may be fabricated at the job site
by HVAC installers just prior to the installation.
[0023] At each level of the structure, plenum 20 may comprise a
register opening 22 (e.g., upper level opening 22c, middle level
opening 22b, and basement opening 22c). Plenum 20 may be
constructed such that the register openings are integral to the
ductwork or that the register openings may be cut into the ductwork
during or after installation. Register openings 22 may be located
anywhere on each floor such as, for example, near the ceiling or
near the floor. As shown in FIG. 1, in this exemplary embodiment,
register openings 22 are positioned low on the wall, near the
floor.
[0024] At each of its ends, plenum 20 may be configured to include
or connect to an L-shaped end cap 28. Each L-shaped end cap 28
(e.g., upper level L-Shaped end cap 28a and basement L-Shaped end
cap 28c) may include a register opening 22 (e.g., upper level
register outlet 22a and basement register opening 22c,
respectively) and a fan unit 24 (e.g., upper level fan unit 24a and
basement fan unit 24c, respectively) installed within register
opening 22 (e.g., upper level register opening 22a and basement
register opening 22c, respectively) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
L-Shaped end cap 28 is configured to mate with terminal ends of
plenum 20. For example, L-Shaped end cap 28a connects with plenum
20 such that upper level opening 22a is disposed at upper level 3
of the structure, placing plenum 20 in communication with upper
level 3, and L-Shaped end cap 28c connects with plenum 20 such that
basement opening 22c is disposed at basement level 1, placing
plenum 20 in communication with basement 1.
[0025] In addition, a T-Shaped unit 26 may be positioned along
plenum 20 at any middle floor (e.g., middle level 2) as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3. It is understood that more than one T-Shaped unit 26
may be used, particularly, if the structure includes more than
three floors that are in communication with balancing apparatus 10.
This T-Shaped unit permits a portion of the air to flow passed
middle level 2 and thus between basement level 1 and upper level 3.
T-Shaped unit 26 may include a register opening 22b and a fan 24b
installed within opening 22b. Both, L-shaped end caps 28a and 28c
and T-Shaped unit 26 may be separate components that are connected
to plenum 20, or they may be constructed with plenum 20 as a single
or integral unit. Register openings 22a, 22b, and 22c may be
configured to extend through a vertical wall (e.g., drywall) and be
substantially flush with this wall of the home. Alternatively,
register openings 22a, 22b, and 22c, plenum 20, L-Shaped end caps
28a and 28c, and/or T-Shaped unit 26 may be configured such that
one or more of register openings 22a, 22b, and 22c may extend
through the respective floors of the structure such that the
openings are flush with the floor.
[0026] Balancing apparatus 10 may include one or more fan units 24,
and such fan units may be positioned in a variety of positions
within apparatus 10. As set forth above, upper level fan unit 24a
may be installed within upper level register opening 22a, middle
level fan unit 24b may be installed within middle level register
opening 22b, and basement fan unit 24c may be installed within
basement register opening 22c. Fan units 24a, 24b, and 24c serve as
the primary air mover of the apparatus. Fan unit 24 may be
configured to be interchangeable such that fan unit 24 may be
inserted into either T-shaped unit 28 or L-shaped unit 26. In other
words, fan units 24a, 24b, and 24c may comprise the same dimensions
and be the exact same type of fan unit. In one exemplary
embodiment, fan units 24a, 24b, and 24c are rectangular-shaped, 6
inch fan units manufactured by JMC Thermal Solutions, wherein each
unit includes two bi-directional fans.
[0027] In an alternative embodiment, T-shaped units 28a and 28c and
L-shaped unit 26 are constructed such that fan units 24 may be
fabricated directly into them to form an integral unit. In an
alternative embodiment, fan unit 24 may optionally have a central
divider (not shown) positioned with the fan unit such that it
separates the two fans in order to prevent one fan, when blowing
air out of plenum 20, from drawing air through the adjacent fan
opening into plenum 20. A manufactured louver (not shown) covers
the fan assembly for aesthetics as known to one of ordinary skill
in the art.
[0028] Controller 30 may be any conventional as known to one of
ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention. For example, a simple controller
with an LED display and an on/off button may be used. Or, a
controller having features, such as On/Off, LCD display of
temperature differential settings, unit lock out, and timer, may be
used. The apparatus may also include a more advanced controller,
wherein the controller includes a LCD display and/or touch screen.
The LCD display and/or touch screen may be used to display, enter,
and manipulate a variety of parameters such as time, date,
temperature, or humidity data. The controller may display usage for
review, outdoor temperature, fan unit On/Off, humidity settings,
air quality settings, vent attic function settings, and/or house
exhaust settings and features. Any of the controllers may be
connected to a network interface for home automation. Balancing
apparatus 10 may be connected to a desktop, laptop, LAN, WAN, WLAN,
Internet, etc. to enable control, data collection, and
analysis.
[0029] In one exemplary embodiment, controller 30 may be a digital,
micro-controller such as one manufactured by EQUATHERM, Inc. In
another exemplary embodiment, controller 30 may comprise a HITACHI
micro-controller chip mounted to a custom circuit board. Also,
controller 30 may comprise a LCD screen for system status and user
input buttons mounted to the circuit board for inputting control
instructions and parameters. In another exemplary embodiment, the
entire assembly may be housed in a custom plastic injection molded
package.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, controller 30 is connected to sensors
32a, 32b, and 32c and fans units 24a, 24b, and 24c. In addition,
controller 30 is configured such that the fan units may be
controlled and operated by signals received from controller 30. For
example, an attached electrical junction box 42 may enclose relays
(not shown) used to switch supplied 110V AC current to fan units
24a, 24b, 24c. Relay control may be provided by 5 volt, TTL
signaling from controller 30.
[0031] In one exemplary embodiment, controller 30 is configured or
operable to continuously sample the air temperature of each of the
three levels (e.g, upper level 3, middle level 2, and basement
level 1) via sensors 32a, 32b, and 32c. When controller 30 detects
or determines a differential or imbalance in the measured
temperature between the different levels, it responds to such
temperature differential by operating one or more of fan units 24a,
24b, and/or 24c to move air between the levels of the structure in
order to equalize the temperature between the levels. Once
controller 30 detects or determines that the differential between
the temperatures of the different levels is equalized or in
equilibrium (in balance), the controller stops the operation of fan
units 24a, 24b, 24c. This equalization process yields a more
uniformly comfortable home, with the added benefit of reduced
heating and cooling costs. Balancing apparatus 10 may also be wired
to the thermostat, furnace, and/or air conditioner ("HVAC") of the
structure so that the system knows when the HVAC system is running
and what mode it is in, either the heating mode or cooling mode.
The apparatus of the present invention may share a common
controller, temperature sensors, fan(s), and/or ductwork (e.g, a
plenum) with the structure's HVAC system or it may have independent
controller, temperature sensors, fan(s), and/or ductwork (e.g, a
plenum).
[0032] The three floor apparatus described above will be used an
example. In summer, upper level 3 of the home is typically warmer
than middle level 2 and/or basement 1. The temperature balancing
apparatus's controller 30 would detect this differential in
temperature between upper level 3 and the lower levels (e.g, middle
level 2 and basement 1) via sensors 32a, 32b, and 32c, determine
that the HVAC system is in cooling mode, and then respond by
operating the upper fan unit 24a to exhaust air from plenum 20 at
register opening 22a into the warmer upper level 3 and middle fan
unit 24b to draw air into plenum 20 at register opening 22b from
the cooler middle level 2. This would effectively move the cooler
air from the lower level(s) (e.g, middle level 2 and/or basement 1)
to the upper level 3 until the temperatures between the upper level
and the lower level(s) are equalized or balanced. Once equalized,
balancing apparatus 10 would shut off fan unit 24a and 24b and
continue to monitor the temperatures of the different levels for
future balancing. In this example, it is assumed that the
temperatures of basement 1 and middle level 2 are in a state of
equilibrium (equalized/balanced); therefore, basement fan 24c is
currently off. It is, however, possible that a differential exists
between all three floors, in which case all three fans could run
simultaneously, as coordinated by controller 30. Balancing
apparatus 10 may also include 2-speed fans that can be operated at
different speeds depending upon the temperature differential
between the levels.
[0033] In the winter, all the heat from the HVAC system may rise to
the upper floors of the structure and thus leave the lower levels
cool and uncomfortable. Again, balancing apparatus 10 via
controller 30 and sensors 32a, 32b, and 32c detect this temperature
imbalance and move air between the levels of the structure in order
to equalize or balance the temperatures between the floors. For
example, balancing apparatus 10 will continuously measure and
monitor the temperatures of basement level 1, middle level 2, and
upper level 3 via sensors 32c, 32b, and 32a, respectively, and
controller 30. Assuming, for this example, controller 30 detects a
temperature imbalance between upper level 3 and middle level 2 such
that the temperature of upper level 3 is greater than middle level
2, controller 30 would determine that the HVAC system is in the
heating mode and then switch the fans 24 direction of operation in
order to move warm air from the warmer level to the cooler level.
In other words, controller 30 would operate fan 24a to draw the
warmer air into plenum 20 from upper level 3 and operate fan 24b to
exhaust this warmer air from plenum 20 into the cooler middle level
2. Controller 30 will continue to move this warmer air from upper
level 3 to middle level 2 until it detects that the temperatures of
the two levels are in equilibrium, at which point, controller 30
will shut off the fans. As can be seen, the operation of balancing
apparatus 10, during heating season, is opposite of what is
performed, during cooling season, in order to exhaust warm air and
not cold air into a level during the heating season.
[0034] When moving air between levels in this manner, a natural
pressure differential will occur between the levels. This pressure
may be relieved in order to permit efficient air movement by the
balancing apparatus' fan units 24. In this exemplary embodiment,
balancing apparatus 10 works under the premise that the natural
open spaces of the structure itself (e.g, hallways &
stairwells) will serve as a return air plenum for balancing
apparatus 10. This design will allow air to be moved in one
direction by temperature balancing apparatus 10, and in the
opposite direction, by natural flow through these common spaces.
With this approach, placement of balancing apparatus 10 must be
considered to ensure efficient operation of the apparatus. For
large structures without adequate open circulation spaces, a second
temperature balancing apparatus 10 may be installed at the opposite
end of the structure to serve as the return plenum (not shown).
Controller 30, as a single controller, may still manage both
systems, with one temperature balancing apparatus moving air
upward, and the second temperature balancing apparatus moving air
downward, effectively serving as a powered return air system or
just a return air duct.
[0035] Balancing apparatus 10 the present invention may also
include fresh air intake and home exhaust capabilities. The plenum
may be connected via lateral ducts to either an outside air intake
that places the plenum in communication with ambient air and
permits balancing apparatus 10 to draw ambient (outside) air into
plenum 20. This air intake may be located in a crawl space and/or
along a side wall of a crawl space, basement, or any middle or
upper levels. In addition, this ambient air intake may comprise the
windows of the structure. In such a configuration and method, the
windows of the structure on the levels wherein ambient air is
desired to be drawn into apparatus 10 are opened to permit ambient
air to enter via openings 22 into plenum 20. This method introduces
fresh, warm or cool air into the apparatus to aid in balancing the
temperatures between the floors. Alternatively, plenum 20 may run
vertically up into an attic and include an opening in communication
with the attic space, wherein the air is forced to exhaust into the
attic itself or through roof vents, which may pressurize the attic.
In still yet another exemplary embodiment, plenum 20 may also be
configured to continue to run vertically up through the attic and
through the roof to the outside, wherein the apparatus may vent to
the outside. The apparatus may alternatively be configured to
simultaneously vent to both the attic and the outside.
[0036] Balancing apparatus 10 may also, optionally, include an air
cleaner (not shown) connected to plenum 20. The cleaner may be any
conventional air cleaner as known to one of ordinary skill in the
art such as electrostatic or filter air cleaner. It may operate
when balancing apparatus 10 operates, or it may be programmed to
operate on a timer or on a periodic time schedule. In addition,
balancing apparatus 10 may optionally include a humidifier and/or
dehumidifier (not shown), which is connected to the apparatus. The
humidity and temperature of a space make up the "comfort zone" as
defined in ASHRE. Sensors 32 of the present invention may monitor
both parameters and the apparatus may turn on fans 24, the
humidifier, dehumidifier, or any combination of the three when
controller 30 detects a temperature imbalance or a variation from
the set humidity.
[0037] Balancing apparatus 10 may also include a smoke detector
(not shown) connected to controller 30 and positioned within plenum
20 such that if the detector detects smoke it may shut down the
balancing apparatus 10 via stopping operation of fans 24 to prevent
the distribution of smoke and fumes during a fire throughout the
structure.
[0038] FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the indoor
environmental parameter balancing apparatus 100 interconnected with
a structure's new or existing HVAC system. As with the first
exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, environmental balancing
apparatus 100 will be described for illustration purposes only, and
not limitation, as an environmental parameter balancing apparatus
configured to balance temperature between different levels of a
structure. However, it should be understood that it could be
configured to measure, monitor, and balance other environmental
parameters such as humidity, pressure, air quality, etc., between
levels, indoor spaces, or rooms of a variety of structures. The
HVAC system may comprise an air return plenum 120 connected to a
furnace 150 and a supply plenum 190 also connected to furnace 150
as shown in FIG. 4. Return plenum 120 may include a plurality of
inlets 122 such as one inlet on each level of the structure (e.g,
upper inlet 122a, middle level inlet 122b, and basement inlet
122c). HVAC system may also include lateral ducts 194 (e.g, upper
lateral duct 194a, middle lateral duct 194b, and basement lateral
duct 194c) in communication with a plurality of outlets 192 (e.g,
upper level outlets 192a, middle level outlets 192b, and basement
outlets 192c) disposed in each room of each level of the structure
and with supply duct 190 as found with many conventional HVAC
systems.
[0039] Temperature balancing apparatus 100 comprises connecting
return plenum 120 to supply plenum 190 with a bypass duct 180,
which provides a flow path for the air to bypass furnace 150.
Bypass duct 180 may include dampers 182 positioned at both ends of
the bypass duct and a single direction fan 124 positioned between
the two bypass ducts and in communication with bypass duct 180.
However, the fan 124 may also be bi-directional without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, balancing
apparatus 100 may include a damper 174 after each return inlet 122
when traveling from inlet 122 a toward furnace 150. For example,
balancing apparatus 100 may include a first damper 174a disposed
within return plenum 120 between upper level inlet 122a and middle
level inlet 122b, a second damper 174b disposed within return
plenum 120 between middle level inlet 122b and basement inlet 122c,
and a third damper 174c disposed within return plenum 120 between
basement inlet 122b and furnace 150.
[0040] In addition, supply plenum 190 may include a first supply
damper 172 disposed within it between furnace 150 and bypass duct
180. Also, lateral ducts 194a, 194b, and 194c all include dampers
170a, 170b, and 170c, respectively, disposed within the ducts
before each supply outlet 192a, 192b, and 192c, respectively. Such
dampers permit balancing apparatus 100 to close off any of the
supply outlets 192. All the dampers 170, 172, 174, and 182 are
connected to a controller 130. In one exemplary embodiment,
controller 130 is a micro-controller as described above in the
first exemplary embodiment. Balancing apparatus 100 also includes
an upper level sensor 132a disposed on upper level 3, a middle
level sensor 132b disposed on middle level 2, and basement sensor
132c disposed on basement level 1. The sensors are connected to
controller 130 using electrical control wire 133.
[0041] Sensors 132 continuously measure the temperature of each
level, and controller 130 continuously receives and monitors this
data in its CPU (not shown). When controller 130 detects or
determines that an imbalance in the temperatures between the levels
exists, it opens bypass duct 180 via opening dampers 182 and opens
and closes the appropriate dampers 170 to balance the temperature
between the floors. For example, if basement 1 is cool and middle
floor 2 is hot, balancing apparatus 100 will close middle level
inlet 122b via the damper 174b, close basement supply outlets 192c
via corresponding dampers 170c, open middle level outlets 192b via
corresponding dampers 170b, open the bypass duct 180 via opening
dampers 182 to bypass furnace 150, and turn on fan 124. This will
draw cool air from the basement via inlet 122c, transport the air
to the middle level supply outlets 192b, and exhaust this cool air
from the lateral duct 194b into middle level 2 via supply outlets
192b. Balancing apparatus 100 will continue moving air from
basement 1 to middle level 2 until controller 130 monitors that the
two levels are at an equilibrium, i.e, the temperatures are in
balance or equalized. This example only described balancing between
to floors but it is understood that the apparatus may balance
temperature differentials between multiple floors. It is also
understood that balancing apparatus 100 may be configured to
provide balancing of other environmental parameters besides
temperature such as humidity, pressure, air quality, etc. Balancing
apparatus 100 may also provide balancing for any number of levels
of a structure and/or types of structures.
[0042] In an alternative exemplary embodiment of the balancing
apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 4, the balancing apparatus is exactly
the same as shown if FIG. 4, except that it does not include bypass
duct 180, fan unit 124, and bypass dampers 182. In this exemplary
embodiment, the balancing apparatus uses the fan unit of furnace
150. When furnace 150 is not operating, temperature sensors 132
continuously measure the temperature of each level of the
structure. Controller 130 monitors these temperature readings, and
upon detection of a temperature differential between the levels,
controller 130 will operate central furnace fan (not shown) and
open and close the appropriate dampers 170, 172, and/or 174 in
order to move air between the levels of the structure until the
sensors detect that the temperatures between the levels are
balanced.
[0043] FIG. 5 shows still another alternative embodiment of the
temperature balancing apparatus 200. In this embodiment, balancing
apparatus 200 comprises a vertical plenum 320, lateral ducts 330a,
330b, and 330c, distribution units 326a, 326b, 326c connecting
lateral ducts 330a, 330b, and 330c to plenum 320, register openings
322a, 322b, and 322c disposed within lateral ducts 330a, 330b, and
330c, respectively, and fans 324a, 324b, and 324c located within
respective distribution units 326a, 326b, and 326c, controller 340
connected via conductor 346 to each of fans 324a, 324b, and 324c,
sensors 332a, 332b, and 332c located on each respective level of
the structure and connected via conductor 336 to controller 340. In
this embodiment, lateral ducts 330a, 330b, and 330c may be flexible
ductwork (e.g, 3 inch flexible duct) that may be fed through both
the upper floor 4 of upper level 3 and middle floor 5 of middle
level 2. The flexible duct may be run through wall, ceiling, or
floor cavities, making it great for retrofitting a home. This
flexible duct may be run to each level or to each indoor space
(e.g, room). Again, as set forth above in the other exemplary
embodiments, balancing apparatus 200 may measure and monitor the
temperatures on the different levels, and upon controller 340
detecting a differential in temperature between the levels, it will
operate one or more of fans 324a, 324b, and/or 324c to balance or
equalize the temperature between these levels. Once the controller
detects that the temperature between the floors is equalized, it
will stop the operation of the fans and continue monitoring the
temperatures of the levels. The apparatus of this exemplary
embodiment works substantially the same as the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1.
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