U.S. patent application number 11/308031 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-06 for fresh air intake system.
Invention is credited to Steven McLeod.
Application Number | 20070207722 11/308031 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38472018 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070207722 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McLeod; Steven |
September 6, 2007 |
Fresh Air Intake System
Abstract
For use in residential buildings, a device to draw in outside
air and have it mix with the air inside the building to improve
indoor air-quality through dilution and building pressurization.
Pressurizing a building even slightly inhibits air infiltration of
pollutants such as pollen, mold spores, and seasonal allergens from
entering penetrations ie, poor door and window seals, chimney,
bathroom, dryer and stove exhaust ducts from entering the
building.
Inventors: |
McLeod; Steven; (Raleigh,
NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBERG & LIEBERMAN, LLC
2141 WISCONSIN AVE, N.W.
SUITE C-2
WASHINGTON
DC
20007
US
|
Family ID: |
38472018 |
Appl. No.: |
11/308031 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
454/229 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/0001 20130101;
F24F 2011/0002 20130101; F24F 8/22 20210101; F24F 2011/0004
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/229 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/02 20060101
F24F011/02 |
Claims
1. A fresh air intake system for a structure, for moving air from
the outside to the inside of the structure, comprising: an exterior
grill; a pre filter in communication with said exterior grill; a
electrostatic filter cloth in communication with said pre filter; a
wire mesh in communication with said electrostatic filter cloth; a
frame in communication with said wire mesh; a high efficiency
particulate arrestance filter in communication with said frame; a
square to round adaptor in communication with said high efficiency
particulate arrestance filter; a first collar in communication with
said square to round adaptor; a damper in communication with said
first collar; a backflow valve in communication with said damper; a
hard duct in communication with said backflow valve; a lamp in
communication with said hard duct; and a second collar in
communication with said hard duct.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said exterior grill is made of
aluminum.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein said pre filter is made of carbon
and polyester.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein said damper controls the amount
of air that is taken in.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein said hard duct is galvanized
metal.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein said lamp is a germicidal
ultraviolet lamp.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein said second collar attaches to
the structure's heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein said square to round adaptor and
said second collar are covered with an insulation jacket.
9. The device of claim 1, further comprising a manometer in
communication with the exterior grill.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein said manometer is configured to
create an alert when there is more than 10 Pascals of difference in
pressure between the outside and inside of the structure.
11. A fresh air intake system, comprising: an air flow system,
recycling air within a closed environment; a fresh air intake in
communication with said air flow system; a first manometer in
communication with and determining the air pressure in said air
flow system; and a second manometer in communication with and
determining air pressure in exterior of said fresh air intake.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is an air intake system for use within
residential buildings in conjunction with the existing air duct
system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Today residential homes are equipped with heating,
ventilation and air conditioning units (HVAC units) that condition
the air within the home tailored to the user's needs. Air is drawn
from within the house into the HVAC unit where it is then heated or
cooled and through the air ducts delivered back to the house. Using
and re-using the air within the home becomes a problem when
entities such as pollen, mold spores and other seasonal allergens
are introduced into the air. Re-using the air only re-circulates
these entities.
[0003] Moreover, homes that have recently been constructed
typically have a "new home smell" which is essentially chemical
pollutants in the air. There is a need to remove the chemical
pollutants.
[0004] Additionally pressurizing a building even slightly inhibits
air infiltration of pollutants such as pollen, mold spores, and
seasonal allergens from entering penetrations areas, i.e. poor door
and window seals, chimney, bathroom, dryer and stove exhaust ducts.
Very similar to vacuum packaging, pressurizing a building creates
suction or a seal. This suction can be noticed when in a
pressurized house by opening a door; the door will pull itself
shut. Or opening a window will create a whistling sound. This is
caused by the difference in pressure between the inside of the
building and the outside, when a window or door is opened, the
higher pressure will escape to the lower pressure area much like
when the air is let out of a balloon.
[0005] There is a need for a system that avoids re-circulating air
within a home. Further, there is a need for a system that prevents
air infiltration of pollutants.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,712 B1 issued to Lyons et al. on Nov.
26, 2002 shows a vent cover assembly. Unlike the present invention
Lyons' invention is merely a means for ventilation and is not
intended for use with a building's HVAC unit.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,327 B1 issued to Hachman et al. on Nov.
6, 2001 shows a vandal resistant fresh air filter housing. Unlike
the present invention Hachman's invention is for use with a motor
vehicle and is directed towards providing fresh air with out
compromising the security of the vehicle.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,901,135 issued to Nilsson et al. on Aug. 26,
1975 shows a device for distributing ventilating air. Unlike the
present invention Nilsson's invention is not intended for use with
a buildings' HVAC unit.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3,722,539 issued to Wilmes on Apr. 17, 1973
shows a fresh air vent. Unlike the present invention Wilmes'
invention is merely a ventilation device and is not intended for
use with a buildings' HVAC unit.
[0010] Thus, a need has been established for a device that can
introduce fresh air into the home to be circulated. Additionally
there is a need for a device that will pressurize a building to
inhibit air pollutants such as pollen and other allergens from
entering the building, thus keeping the air within the building
cleaner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention is intended for use in residential
buildings to draw in outside air and have it mix with the air
inside the building to improve indoor air-quality through dilution
and building pressurization. Pressurizing a building even slightly
inhibits air infiltration of pollutants such as pollen, mold
spores, and seasonal allergens from entering penetrations ie, poor
door and window seals, chimney, bathroom, dryer and stove exhaust
ducts from entering the building.
[0012] By adding a six-inch duct from the inlet side of the central
air duct to the fresh air intake, filtered outside air can be
introduced while air pressurizing and ventilating the building.
[0013] The present invention can introduce up to 100 CFM of outside
air providing for 72,000 to 144,000 cubic feet of air into the home
or indoor environment per day. This approach allows for
pressurization of the home or indoor environment which eliminates
the entry of fine particles, gasses and odors whenever the
buildings' HVAC unit fan is running.
[0014] The introduction of 50 CFM of outside air (3000 ft..sup.3
per hour) has no negative effect on the performance of the HVAC
system as it represents approximately 3 to 5% of total air volume
going through the HVAC unit. To increase the air ventilation and
pressurization, a larger connecting air duct or an induct booster
fan can be installed.
[0015] The present invention can be adjusted to provide desired air
changes to dilute pollutants and boaters and maintain high oxygen
content in the air. The amount of fresh air ventilation can be
regulated by dampers located on the fresh air intake system.
[0016] The present invention connects an external filter return
grill to the return side of the central air heating and cooling
system by an air duct and specialized housing/connectors. When the
central air is on it will draw-in filtered outside air, which
improves air quality through filtration, serialization, dilution,
and pressurization.
[0017] The present invention is configured to enhance its
efficiency and sterilization properties. A pre-filter which is made
of polyester and carbon is used to arrest a 85% of the particles
.gtoreq.5 micron and absorb gasses, such as ozone and auto exhaust,
and chemicals from landscape fertilizers and pesticides. The second
filter is a reusable electrostatic filter. It has anti-microbial
properties combined with low airflow resistance and high particle
capture ability. An optional third filter, which is a high
efficiency filter or High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA)
and traps 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns or larger is
available.
[0018] Next the volume of the air is regulated by a manual or
mechanized damper. Simply closing an opening the damper will
control the amount of fresh air being introduced. The damper is
followed by a one-way valve that prevents house air from going
outside when the fan is not operational.
[0019] After the one-way valve there is a germicidal ultraviolet
lamp. The lamps stay cleaner longer due to the air filters, this
helps maintain the lamps' intensity. The 6'' round galvanized duct
which houses the lamps also assist in the lamps intensity by the
reflectance properties of the galvanized sheet metal duct. Also the
lamps are placed parallel to the air flow which increases dwell or
exposure time to the ultraviolet light increasing its effectiveness
and longevity.
[0020] When the central air is in operation it will draw/suck in
outside air through the present invention. Once the filtered
outside air enters the return box it mixes with the return air from
the house. The mixed air (house and filter outside air) is then
heated or cooled and dehumidified as usual prior to distribution
through the existing air ducts.
[0021] The present invention has one exterior filter return grill
that is installed through the buildings wall or foundation. The
size of the present invention is tailored to fit into standard
preexisting foundation vents.
[0022] These together with other objects of the invention, along
with the various features of novelty, which characterize the
invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed
to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the
specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to
the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is
illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The invention will be better understood and objects other
than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration
is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such
description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
[0024] FIG. 1 is an environmental view of the filter components of
the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 2 is an environmental view of the duct components of
the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 3 is an environmental view of the present invention in
communication with a building and its HVAC unit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] FIG. 1 shows the filter components of the present invention
in order of assembly. Exterior aluminum grill (10) is the outer
most component. The fresh air flow is directed into the exterior
aluminum grill (10) between the numerous vented slats (15)
horizontally placed in the exterior aluminum grill (10). Just
behind the exterior aluminum grill (10) is the carbon pre filter
(20) which is made of polyester and carbon is used to arrest a 85%
of the particles .gtoreq.5 micron and absorb gasses, such as ozone
and auto exhaust, and chemicals from landscape fertilizers and
pesticides. Next is the electrostatic filter cloth (30). The
electrostatic filter cloth (30) is reusable and has anti-microbial
properties combined with low airflow resistance and high particle
capture ability. A wire mesh (40) is then place behind the
electrostatic filter cloth (30) to secure the carbon pre filter
(20) and the electrostatic filter cloth (30) in place. A metal
aluminum frame (50) secures the metal mesh (40) in place. A HEPA
filter (60) is located just beyond the metal aluminum frame (50).
The High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) filter (60) is an
optional filter and can only improve the thoroughness of the
filtration process. Located just past the metal aluminum frame (50)
the HEPA filter (60) blocks 99.97% of particles 0.3 and larger. All
of the aforementioned components are all housed in the square to
round adaptor (70) and the exterior aluminum grill (10) is secured
to it via conventional screws (not shown). Optionally, the square
to round adapter (70) has a gasket adhered to its inner side walls
to create an air tight seal between the HEPA filter (60) and the
square to round adapter (70), thereby controlling filter air
bypass. A round collar (80) is then fitted to the back side of the
square to round adaptor (70). To control the amount of air flow
that will enter the building a damper (90) is attached to the end
of the collar (80). The damper (90) may be manually adjusted or a
mechanized damper (90) may be installed for easier control.
[0028] To prevent the inside air from going out, a backflow valve
(100) is installed as shown in FIG. 2. The backflow valve (100) is
then connected to a galvanized hard duct (110) that will direct the
air flow to the buildings' HVAC unit. Within the galvanized hard
duct (110) is the germicidal ultraviolet lamp (120) that will
essentially sterilize the air that passes by. The germicidal
ultraviolet lamp (120) is positioned parallel to the direction of
the air flow to increase the time of exposure. Once the galvanized
hard duct (110) reaches the HVAC unit's return box (140) and second
collar (130) is attached to allow the galvanized hard duct (110) to
attach to the return box (140). The FAIS housing is then covered
with an insulation jacket (150) as well as other associated hard
duct. Once the air has reached the return box (140), the air is
then heated or cooled buy the HVAC unit and is the distributed
throughout the building.
[0029] FIG. 3 shows the full diagram of the present invention (150)
while attached to the buildings' HVAC unit (160) and the duct
system (170) that will distribute the air throughout the building
(180).
[0030] It is important to recognize that the present invention
works if the proper relationship between pressure inside the home
and outside the home is maintained. Ideally, the difference in
pressure between the outside and inside of the home should be 1-10
Pascals. If the difference in pressure is greater than 10 Pascals,
then either the outside air will enter the home too quickly or the
outside air will not enter the home fast enough. Adverse effects
from being greater than 10 Pascals would be not enough air pulled
by the present invention into the home, or too much air being
pulled from the outside into the home. If not enough air enters the
home, the present invention will not achieve its goal of
pressurization and desired airflow; however, the other features of
the present invention will be unaffected. If too much air enters
the home, then the temperature and humidity level of the air
entering the home will shift the temperature and humidity in the
home.
[0031] A conventional detection means for determining when more
than a 10 Pascal difference in pressure between the inside and the
outside of the home is contemplated as part of the present
invention. When more than a 10 Pascal difference is reached, any
conventional means of alerting the user can be employed, from
sounding audible or visual alarms, to making alerting telephone
calls, to even auto correcting the pressure problem by any
conventional mechanical means of increasing or decreasing fan speed
or opening or closing the damper (90) to achieve the 1 to 10 Pascal
desired range.
[0032] Manometers are used to detect the pressure changes. and the
pressure differential will be displayed. There are many variables
which affect the pressure differential in a house: building
envelope leakage, temperature, wind. Providing and maintaining more
incoming air than exhaust air will maintain the pressure
differentials. At this stage of the development the FAIS is used to
counter-act the exhausting air and provide the home with an
inexpensive means for drawing fresh, filtered, conditioned air into
the home. If the manometer were installed, and the home were tight
enough, this unit could be a possible means for delivering the
necessary amount of air to pressurize the house.
[0033] It is also desirable to ensure that unconditioned air flow
into the home remains approximately 10 percent or less of the air
handler's air moving capacity. This is because too much
unconditioned air entering the home will incur the disadvantages
aforementioned; that is, too much unconditioned air entering the
home. For example, for with an air handling unit with 1000 cubic
feet per minute air handling capacity, you would not want to exceed
100 cubic feet per minute of unconditioned air.
[0034] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and
all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings
and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed
by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as
illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further,
since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to
those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention
to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and
accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be
resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *