U.S. patent application number 14/095460 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-29 for damper to control fluid flow and associated methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Airgonomix, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Airgonomix, LLC. Invention is credited to John C. Farrar, Brendan T. Fitzgerald, Sean J. Fitzgerald, David L. Huie, Matthew S. Ikemeier, Robert F. Keimer, Allen N. Williams.
Application Number | 20140148088 14/095460 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41214028 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140148088 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fitzgerald; Sean J. ; et
al. |
May 29, 2014 |
DAMPER TO CONTROL FLUID FLOW AND ASSOCIATED METHODS
Abstract
A damper for controlling fluid flow may include a main body, a
stator that includes a plurality of stator blades, and a rotor
moveably connected to the stator and including a plurality of rotor
blades. The damper may also include a rotation mechanism mounted to
the main body to move the rotor between an opened position and a
closed position. The shape of each of the plurality of stator
blades and rotor blades may combine to form a shape such that the
velocity of the fluid is increased thereby reducing or eliminating
back pressure when the rotor is in the opened position.
Inventors: |
Fitzgerald; Sean J.;
(Indialantic, FL) ; Farrar; John C.; (Indialantic,
FL) ; Keimer; Robert F.; (Melbourne Beach, FL)
; Huie; David L.; (Merritt Island, FL) ; Williams;
Allen N.; (Palm Bay, FL) ; Ikemeier; Matthew S.;
(Melbourne, FL) ; Fitzgerald; Brendan T.;
(Indialantic, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Airgonomix, LLC |
Indialantic |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Airgonomix, LLC
Indialantic
FL
|
Family ID: |
41214028 |
Appl. No.: |
14/095460 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12431219 |
Apr 28, 2009 |
8636567 |
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14095460 |
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61048607 |
Apr 29, 2008 |
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61048622 |
Apr 29, 2008 |
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61161221 |
Mar 18, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
454/258 ;
454/333 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16K 1/24 20130101; F24F
11/30 20180101; F24F 2110/10 20180101; F24F 11/74 20180101; F24F
2120/10 20180101; Y10T 137/87458 20150401; F24F 13/12 20130101;
Y10T 137/87442 20150401; F24F 13/10 20130101; F24F 13/105
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/258 ;
454/333 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/00 20060101
F24F011/00; F24F 13/10 20060101 F24F013/10 |
Claims
1. A damper for controlling fluid flow comprising: a main body; a
stator carried by the main body and including a plurality of stator
blades, each of the plurality of stator blades having a
substantially flat bottom; and a rotor moveably connected to the
stator and carried by the main body, the rotor including a
plurality of rotor blades, each of the plurality of rotor blades
having a substantially flat bottom; a rotation mechanism mounted to
the main body and connected to a portion of the rotor to move the
rotor between an opened position and a closed position; wherein the
shape of each of the plurality of stator blades and each of the
plurality of rotor blades combine to form a converging-diverging
nozzle when the rotor is in the opened position; wherein the opened
position is defined as the substantially flat bottom of each of the
plurality of stator blades being aligned with the substantially
flat bottom of each of the plurality of rotor blades to allow fluid
to flow through the main body; wherein the stator and the rotor are
carried by the main body so that fluid flows through the main body
substantially perpendicular to the substantially flat bottoms of
each of plurality of rotor blades and each of the plurality of
stator blades so that fluid flows through the converging-diverging
nozzle formed by alignment of the substantially flat bottoms of
each of the plurality of stator blades and each of the plurality of
rotor blades when the rotor is in the opened position; wherein the
closed position is defined as each of the plurality of stator
blades being offset from each of the plurality of rotor blades to
restrict the flow of fluid through the main body.
2. The damper according to claim 1 wherein the stator is integrally
formed with the main body.
3. The damper according to claim 1 wherein the main body has a
substantially cylindrical shape; wherein the stator has a
substantially cylindrical shape; and wherein each of the plurality
of stator blades extends from a medial portion thereof to an inner
peripheral portion of the main body.
4. The damper according to claim 1 wherein the rotor has a
substantially cylindrical shape and comprises a peripheral body
portion; and wherein each of the plurality of rotor blades extends
from a medial portion thereof to an inner portion of the peripheral
body portion thereof.
5. The damper according to claim 1 wherein the main body has a
first side defined as an entrance side and a second side opposite
the first side defined as an exit side; wherein the stator is
positioned adjacent the entrance side and the rotor is positioned
adjacent the exit side; and wherein fluid is directed into the
entrance side of the main body, through the stator and rotor and
out of the exit side of the main body.
6. The damper according to claim 1 wherein the rotor is in
communication with a controller and wherein the rotor is moveable
between the opened position and the closed position responsive to a
signal received by the controller.
7. The damper according to claim 6 wherein the signal received by
the controller to control the position of the rotor is based on at
least one of temperature in a room, fluid flow in a room, occupancy
level of a room, and time of day.
8. The damper according to claim 1 wherein some of the fluid passes
through the main body when the rotor is in the closed position.
9. The damper according to claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of
rotor blades and each of the plurality of stator blades comprise a
triangular shape; and wherein the triangular shape of each of the
plurality of rotor blades and stator blades is defined by the
substantially flat bottom that extends to a pointed top.
10. The damper according to claim 1 wherein each of the plurality
of rotor blades and each of the plurality of stator blades have
shape defined by a flat bottom that extends upwardly to a narrower
top having an arcuate shape.
11. The damper according to claim 1 wherein the rotor is spaced
apart from the stator when the fluid flow travels through the main
body to form a fluid bearing.
12. The damper according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of stator
blades and plurality of rotor blades are spaced between about 2 and
10 degrees apart.
13. A method of using a damper to control a flow of fluid, the
damper comprising a main body having a substantially cylindrical
shape, a first side defined as an entrance side and a second side
opposite the first side and defined as an exit side, a stator
having a substantially cylindrical shape carried by the main body
and integrally formed therewith, the stator including a plurality
of stator blades, and a rotor having a substantially cylindrical
shape that is moveably connected to the stator and carried by the
main body, the rotor including a plurality of rotor blades, and a
rotation mechanism mounted to the main body and connected to a
portion of the rotor to move the rotor between an opened position
and a closed position, the method comprising: moving the rotor from
the opened position to the closed position responsive to a signal
received by a controller in communication with the rotor to
restrict fluid flow through the damper; and moving the rotor from
the closed position to the opened position responsive to a signal
received by the controller to allow fluid flow through the damper;
wherein the opened position of the rotor is defined as a
substantially flat bottom of each of the plurality of stator blades
being aligned with a substantially flat bottom of each of the
plurality of rotor blades to allow fluid to flow through the main
body; wherein the stator and the rotor are carried by the main body
so that fluid flows through the main body substantially
perpendicular to the substantially flat bottoms of each of
plurality of rotor blades and each of the plurality of stator
blades so that fluid flows through a channel formed by alignment of
the substantially flat bottoms of each of the plurality of stator
blades and each of the plurality of rotor blades when the rotor is
in the opened position; wherein the closed position is defined as
each of the plurality of stator blades being offset from each of
the plurality of rotor blades to restrict the flow of fluid through
the main body. wherein the plurality of rotor blades and the
plurality of stator blades are spaced between about 2 and 10
degrees apart.
14. The method according to claim 13 wherein the stator is
integrally formed with the main body.
15. The method according to claim 13 wherein the rotor is in
communication with a controller; and further comprising moving the
rotor between opened position and the closed position responsive to
a signal received by the controller.
16. The method according to claim 15 wherein the signal received by
the controller to control the position of the rotor is based on at
least one of: temperature in a room, fluid flow in a room,
occupancy level of a room and time of day.
17. The method according to claim 13 wherein some of the fluid
passes through the main body when the rotor is in the closed
position.
18. The method according to claim 13 wherein each of the plurality
of rotor blades and each of the plurality of stator blades comprise
a triangular shape; and wherein the triangular shape of each of the
plurality of rotor blades and stator blades is defined by the
substantially flat bottom that extends to a pointed top.
19. The method according to claim 13 wherein each of the plurality
of rotor blades and each of the plurality of stator blades have
shape defined by a flat bottom that extends upwardly to a narrower
top having an arcuate shape.
20. The method according to claim 13 wherein the rotor is spaced
apart from the stator when fluid flow travels through the main body
to form a fluid bearing.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/431,219 filed on Apr. 28, 2009 and titled
Damper To Control Fluid Flow And Associated Methods which, in turn,
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/048,607 filed on Apr. 29, 2008, and titled Intelligent HVAC
System, and of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/048,622 filed on Apr. 29, 2008, and titled HVAC Damper Device,
and of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/161,221
filed on Mar. 18, 2009, and titled Actuator for HVAC Damper Device
and Associated Methods, the entire contents of each of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of dampers for
controlling fluid flow and, more specifically, to the field of
dampers that are operational to manually or automatically control
fluid flow, as associated methods.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Of the three major utility systems available in most
buildings, specifically, lighting, plumbing, and heating,
ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), HVAC is the only system
that is often not controlled at the individual or room level. For
example, there are typically light switches in every room, not one
master light switch that controls all of the lights in the
building. Similarly, water faucets are typically controlled by
individual users. In other words, users do not have to cause the
water to run everywhere in the building when they want water in one
location. Most traditional HVAC systems, however, have one
thermostat that controls many rooms (these multiple rooms combine
to form a single HVAC "zone"). Thus, one user often sets the
thermostat to a temperature that every other occupant in the same
HVAC zone has to accept.
[0004] In contrast, some modern HVAC systems allow for the control
of temperature in individual rooms, offices or workspaces (each of
which may be termed a "microzone"). This is generically
accomplished by (1) providing a way to both monitor the actual
temperature in each microzone and set the desired temperature for
the microzone; (2) providing a way to control the flow of air into
the microzone, often through the use of dampers that open or close
to allow or prevent air flow; and (3) controlling the HVAC system
so that it turns on or off as needed to provide either hot or cold
air. It should be noted that modern HVAC systems are often
installed as `add-ons` to traditional HVAC systems in order to
reduce incremental costs.
[0005] Many problems exist, however, with modern HVAC systems. For
example, one issue that arises with existing HVAC systems is that
an inherent conflict arises when multiple users control a single
HVAC system. More particularly, if a user in one microzone wants
the system to operate in heating mode, and another user wants the
system to operate in cooling mode, a conflict arises between the
users. Another issue that arises is that many traditional HVAC
systems were not designed to allow for individual control by
multiple users. These systems can inadvertently be harmed due to
the choices made by individual users of modern HVAC systems. For
example, if the vents are closed in a significant percentage of the
microzones, the traditional HVAC system may suffer from significant
back pressure, and not be able to push enough air over the heating
or cooling elements to prevent damage to the system.
[0006] Yet another issue that arises with modern HVAC systems is
that they are typically installed for one of two primary
reasons--increased user comfort, or reduced energy costs. These two
user goals are often in direct conflict. For example, to increase
comfort, the system may need to be on more frequently than it
otherwise would, and may need to rapidly alternate between heating
and cooling modes, which reduces efficiency. In contrast, if
optimized to reduce energy costs, the modern HVAC system may not
respond rapidly to individual user requests, significantly
decreasing individual comfort compared to traditional HVAC
systems.
[0007] It is often desirable to be able to prevent air from flowing
through an HVAC duct. In fact, in modern HVAC systems it is often
desirable for users in each room that is serviced by the HVAC
system to have independent control over the flow of air into the
room. This is accomplished through the insertion of a mechanical
device commonly called a "damper" in the HVAC duct.
[0008] A damper is a mechanical device that can be moved between an
opened position (allowing the flow of the air through the HVAC
duct) to a closed position (preventing the flow of the air through
the duct). Some dampers also allow intermediate positions, i.e.,
partially open. This may allow a limited amount of airflow through
the duct. In each case, existing dampers can be controlled directly
or remotely, in either a manual or automated fashion.
[0009] The majority of dampers currently in use fall into one of
the following general categories: butterfly valves, louvers or
inflatable bladders. Butterfly valves are typically flat plates
that are the same size and shape as the duct. The plate may be
mounted on an axle that allows it to rotate around its center. When
the plate is rotated so that it is aligned perpendicular to the
flow of air, the damper is closed so that no air can pass. When the
plate is rotated so it is parallel with the air stream, the damper
is open and air flows past the plate with minimal resistance.
Dampers that use a louver design have multiple plates that,
together, are the same size and shape as the duct and each of which
rotates around a separate axle in the center of the individual
louver. To open or close the damper, the louvers are rotated around
their individual axles. Dampers that use an inflatable bladder
design contain flexible membranes that can be filled with air, or
some other fluid, to expand the bladder so that it blocks the flow
of air through the duct. The membrane can then be opened to release
the trapped air or other fluid, thereby reducing the size of the
membrane and allowing the air in the HVAC duct to flow past the
damper.
[0010] A louver type of HVAC damper is illustrated, for example, in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,211 to Stone et al. An HVAC damper blade system
is illustrated, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,524 to
Cunningham, Jr. A vane type of damper is illustrated, for example,
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,378 to Zelczer. Each of these HVAC damper
designs, as well as the other damper designs described above,
suffers from various shortcomings. For example, the above
referenced damper designs may suffer due to power requirements. It
is often desirable to have dampers that can operate for long
periods of time (multiple years) based on battery power. Damper
designs such as butterfly valves and louvers that open in a plane
that is parallel to the flow of air, and close in a plane that is
perpendicular to the flow of air require significant amounts of
energy to be moved between the opened and closed positions as they
must overcome significant forces associated with moving air.
Additionally, bladders that inflate to block the air path, and then
deflate to open the air path, require significant energy to
inflate, especially in larger ducts.
[0011] Another problem that arises with such damper designs is
noise generation. When opening or closing such dampers in either
commercial or residential HVAC applications, it may be desirable to
have the damper move between the opened and the closed positions in
as quiet a manner as possible to avoid disturbing the building
occupants. Implementations of the three above referenced damper
designs may suffer from `whistling` noises when being moved between
the opened position and the closed position. This may be due to air
flowing through a partially open damper during the period of time
that it takes each of these three basic designs to open or
close.
[0012] Yet another issue that arises with some of the above
referenced damper designs may be excessive back pressure. Many
dampers, even in the opened position, partially restrict the flow
of air through the duct. If these dampers are installed in multiple
ducts in the same HVAC system, the flow of air through the entire
system can be affected, even when all dampers are open. This
restriction can cause the flow of air to be limited to a level that
is below the design level. When this occurs, compressor coils can
freeze, and heating elements can overheat, causing major system
malfunctions.
[0013] Still another issue that arises with the above referenced
damper designs may be a space issues. Many HVAC systems are
installed in tight spaces, such as, for example, drop ceilings,
that do not have the physical space for large dampers. For example,
a butterfly valve for a 14 inch duct must be 14 inches high in the
open position. These space requirements often force installers to
install dampers far upstream of the diffuser in order to
accommodate space needs. Upstream installations of such dampers may
be difficult, time consuming and costly.
[0014] Many dampers that are used in the HVAC industry must be
manually opened and closed. This leads to inherent inefficiencies
of the HVAC system. In other words, dampers that must be manually
moved between opened and closed positions must rely on some
intervention and, accordingly, cannot rapidly and automatically
respond to changes in room temperature. To account for this, some
dampers have motors or similar devices to enable movement between
the opened and closed positions. But, these motors typically
require the use of AC power, greatly increasing the cost of
installation.
[0015] With the above in mind, it is clear that improvements to
HVAC dampering systems are required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] With the foregoing in mind, it is therefore an object of the
present invention to provide a damper to control fluid flow that
greatly reduces, or eliminates, backpressure. It is also an object
of the present invention to provide a damper that is readily
installable, and that may be used with any size diameter fluid
delivery system. It is further an object of the present invention
to provide a damper that is selectively moveable between opened and
closed positions responsive to a signal to control fluid flow. It
is still further an object of the present invention to provide a
damper that may be automated to move between the opened and closed
positions. It is also an object of the present invention to provide
a damper that has low power requirements to be moved between the
opened and closed positions. It is further an object of the present
invention to provide a damper that allows a user to remotely move
the damper between opened and closed positions without having to
access the damper.
[0017] The invention described herein also advantageously allows a
user to specify the factors that are important with respect to
control of the HVAC system according to the present invention, and
then modify variables in the system's software control algorithm to
cause the system to perform in a manner that optimizes these
factors. This is advantageously achieved through the implementation
of `smart` algorithms that adapt the control logic of the system
based on user inputs.
[0018] These and other objects, features and advantages according
to the present invention are provided by a damper for controlling
fluid flow that includes a main body and a stator carried by the
main body. The stator may include a plurality of stator blades.
Each of the plurality of stator blades may have a substantially
flat bottom. The damper, according to embodiments of the present
invention, may also include a rotor moveably connected to the
stator and carried by the main body. The rotor may include a
plurality of rotor blades. Each of the plurality of rotor blades
may have a substantially flat bottom. The damper, according to
embodiments of the present invention, may also include a rotation
mechanism mounted to the main body and connected to a portion of
the rotor to move the rotor between an opened position and a closed
position.
[0019] The shape of each of the plurality of stator blades and each
of the plurality of rotor blades combine to form a
converging-diverging nozzle when the rotor is in the opened
position. The opened position of the rotor may be defined as the
substantially flat bottom of each of the plurality of stator blades
being aligned with the substantially flat bottom of each of the
plurality of rotor blades to allow fluid to flow through the main
body. The stator and the rotor may be carried by the main body so
that fluid flows through the main body substantially perpendicular
to the substantially flat bottoms of each of plurality of rotor
blades and each of the plurality of stator blades so that fluid
flows through the converging-diverging nozzle formed by alignment
of the substantially flat bottoms of each of the plurality of
stator blades and each of the plurality of rotor blades when the
rotor is in the opened position. The closed position of the rotor
may be defined as each of the plurality of stator blades being
offset from each of the plurality of rotor blades to restrict the
flow of fluid through the main body.
[0020] The stator may be integrally formed with the main body. The
main body may have a substantially cylindrical shape, and the
stator may have a substantially cylindrical shape. Each of the
plurality of stator blades may extend from a medial portion thereof
to an inner peripheral portion of the main body. The rotor may have
a substantially cylindrical shape and may include a peripheral body
portion. Each of the plurality of rotor blades may extend from a
medial portion thereof to an inner portion of the peripheral body
portion thereof.
[0021] The main body may have a first side defined as an entrance
side and a second side opposite the first side defined as an exit
side. The stator may be positioned adjacent the entrance side and
the rotor may be positioned adjacent the exit side. The fluid may
be directed into the entrance side of the main body, through the
stator and rotor and out of the exit side of the main body.
[0022] The rotor may be in communication with a controller so that
the rotor is moveable between the opened position and the closed
position responsive to a signal received by the controller. The
signal received by the controller to control the position of the
rotor may be based on temperature in a room, fluid flow in a room
and/or time of day, or any other number of factors. In some
embodiments of the damper according to the present invention, some
of the fluid passes through the main body even when the rotor is in
the closed position. Each of the plurality of rotor blades and each
of the plurality of stator blades may have a triangular shape. The
triangular shape may be defined by the substantially flat bottom
that extends to a pointed top. In alternate embodiments of the
damper, each of the plurality of rotor blades and each of the
plurality of stator blades may have a shape defined by a flat
bottom that extends upwardly to a narrower top having an arcuate
shape.
[0023] The rotor may be spaced apart from the stator when the fluid
flow travels through the main body to form a fluid bearing.
Further, the plurality of stator blades and rotor blades may be
spaced between about 2 and 10 degrees apart.
[0024] A method aspect of the present invention is for using a
damper to control a flow of fluid. The method may include moving
the rotor from the opened position to the closed position
responsive to a signal received by the controller in communication
with the rotor to restrict fluid flow through the damper. The
method may also include moving the rotor from the closed position
to the opened position responsive to a signal received by the
controller to allow fluid flow through the damper.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a commercial building having
an HVAC system according to the present invention installed
therein.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a damper of an HVAC
system according to the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the damper illustrated in
FIG. 2 having a longer main body.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the damper illustrated in
FIG. 2 having a shorter main body.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a side prospective view of the damper illustrated
in FIG. 2 being connected to ductwork of an HVAC system using a
reducer.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a partial side perspective view of the damper
illustrated in FIG. 2 being connected between a diffuser and duct
work of an HVAC system and showing a power source and controller
connected to an actuator thereof.
[0031] FIG. 7 is an exploded partial side perspective view of the
damper illustrated in FIG. 2 being connected between ducts using a
reducer.
[0032] FIG. 8A is a front elevation view of a damper according to
the present invention having a rectangular shape.
[0033] FIG. 8B is a side elevation view of the damper illustrated
in FIG. 8A.
[0034] FIGS. 9A-9C are schematic views of a rotor of a damper
according to the present invention being moved between the opened
position (FIG. 9A), a semi-closed position (FIG. 9B) and a closed
position (FIG. 9C).
[0035] FIGS. 10A-10B are partial sectional views of the damper
illustrated in FIG. 2 taken through line 10-10 and showing an
actuator moving the rotor between the open position (FIG. 10A) and
the closed position (FIG. 10B).
[0036] FIGS. 11A-11B are schematic views of remote control units
for moving the rotor of the damper between the open and closed
positions according to the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 11C is a side elevation view of the remote control
units illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11B.
[0038] FIG. 12A is an exploded perspective view of a damper
according to the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 12B is a sectional view of the damper illustrated in
FIG. 2 and taken through line 12-12.
[0040] FIGS. 13-17 are flow charts illustrating operation of the
HVAC system according to the present invention.
[0041] FIGS. 18-21 are schematic views of alternate embodiments of
the stator blades and the rotor blades of the damper according to
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0042] The present invention will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0043] Referring now generally to FIGS. 1-21, an HVAC system 20
according to the present invention is now described in greater
detail. More specifically, the HVAC system 20 as described herein
addresses the problems described above through the use of a
distributed command and control system that allows occupants of
individual microzones to set a desired temperature for their space
or microzone and have that temperature be automatically maintained
by the system.
[0044] As will be described in greater detail below, the HVAC
system 20 according to the present invention can broadly be
described as having three components: (1) a damper 30, (2) an
individual control unit or personal thermostat 70; and (3) a system
controller 90. The vent unit, or damper 30, may be an
electromechanical device that is easily installed in any desired
vent/diffuser or within ductwork 22 of an HVAC system 20. The vent
unit/damper 30 may be battery powered and preferably includes a
wireless radio link and digital control logic. The vent unit can be
remotely controlled by the personal thermostat 70 or system
controller 90, via the wireless radio link so that it is open or
closed (fully or partially) in order to control the flow of air
into the microzone when the HVAC system 20 is turned on.
[0045] The damper 30 according to the present invention has several
uses. More specifically, those skilled in the art will appreciate
that the damper 30 according to the present invention is not
limited to uses in the HVAC industry. Instead, the damper 30
according to the present invention may have several uses associated
with controlling fluid flow through a fluid delivery system. In
other words, the damper 30 according to the present invention may
be used in several industries. For example, the damper 30 may be
used to control water flow in water and wastewater treatment
systems, power generation systems and other systems where water is
passed through pipes. The damper 30 according to the present
invention may also be used to control the flow of gases such as,
for example, in a natural gas delivery system, chemical plants and
other systems used to deliver gaseous material. Another example
where the damper 30 according to the present invention may be used
include oil refineries, water storage tanks, damns, irrigation
systems, and any other fluid delivery system as understood by those
skilled in the art. These systems are meant to be exemplary, and
not meant to limit the scope of the invention, as understood by
those skilled in the art.
[0046] As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11C, the personal
thermostat 70 advantageously monitors the ambient temperature in
the microzone in which it is positioned and can allow a user to set
a desired temperature in an individual microzone. The individual
thermostat 70 may, for example, be provided by an individual remote
control. As illustrated in FIG. 11A, the individual thermostat 70
may be battery powered 72 or may be plugged into a remote power
source using, for example, an alternating current (AC) adapter 74.
The individual thermostat 70 illustrated in FIG. 11B may include an
internal power source, such as a battery 72 as well as the ability
to connect to an external power source 74. In this version of the
personal thermostat 70, however, using an external power source
advantageously bypasses the internal power source 72 to thereby
enhance the life of the internal power source 72. Those skilled in
the art will appreciate that the internal power source, i.e.,
battery 72, may, for example, be rechargeable. This advantageously
minimizes waste and enhances resource conservation.
[0047] The personal thermostat 70 may advantageously be fixed in
place or portable. As illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the
personal thermostat 70 may include a plurality of function buttons
to be operated by the user. The function buttons may, for example,
include a power button 78 and a mode selection button 80. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that although the illustrated
embodiments show two buttons, the invention contemplates using more
or less than two buttons, and is not intended to be limited to the
use of buttons to access and use the various functions available to
a user on the personal thermostat 70 according to the present
invention.
[0048] For example, it is contemplated that the personal thermostat
will include a display screen 76. The display screen 76 may, for
example, be provided by a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen. An
LCD screen advantageously provides a bright viewing surface for a
user. The display screen 76 may also be a touch screen to thereby
advantageously incorporate control features of the personal
thermostat, i.e., touch screen buttons to manually move the damper
30 between an opened position and a closed position, or mode button
to switch the system between a manual mode, an automatic mode, or a
semi-automatic mode, or a temperature control button to set a
desired temperature in the microzone within which the personal
thermostat 70 is positioned, or other buttons for other purposes,
as understood by those skilled in the art.
[0049] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the personal
thermostat 70 includes a temperature sensor 86 carried by a housing
88 and in communication with a controller 82. The temperature
sensor 86 advantageously monitors the temperature. The personal
thermostat 70 may also include a transceiver 84 carried by the
housing 88 and in communication with the controller 82.
Accordingly, the temperature sensor 86 may transmit a command to
the controller 82 which, in turn, may send a command to the
transceiver 84 to transmit a signal to the damper 30 to move the
rotor 40 of the damper between the opened and closed position. The
command, as used above, may include information that may be
necessary to operate the controller. In other words, and as will be
discussed in much greater detail below, the rotor 40 of the damper
30 may be moveable between the opened and the closed positions
responsive to a signal received from the personal thermostat
70.
[0050] As will be discussed in greater detail below, at least one
algorithm may be used by the controller to operate any part of the
HVAC system. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a
desired temperature set by a user will not always be able to be
accommodated. As such, the algorithm to be used may incorporate a
weighting system to accommodate certain microzones. Further, the
algorithm may be used to advantageously manage a balance between
temperature control for user comfort and temperature control for
energy conservation. The algorithm may, for example, be a software
program that may be stored on a computer readable medium, or may be
saved on a computer memory to be accessed and/or downloaded via a
global communications network.
[0051] The transceiver 84 may be used to communicate with other
components of the HVAC system in addition to the damper 30.
Further, the transceiver may, for example, be provided by a
wireless radio link or other communication method, as understood by
those skilled in the art. In the preferred embodiment, the personal
thermostat 70 includes a wireless radio link, digital control logic
and a temperature sensor.
[0052] The personal thermostat 70 may also advantageously include a
motion sensor 90 or other type of occupancy sensor to enable the
device to determine if the microzone is occupied at any given time.
The motion sensor 90 is illustratively positioned in communication
with the controller 82 and advantageously enhances energy
efficiency of the HVAC system. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the personal thermostat 70 may be programmed to a
predetermined temperature upon a detection of no occupancy in a
particular microzone.
[0053] This detection may be premised on several factors. For
example, the determination that a microzone is not occupied may be
made based on the motion sensor not sensing motion for a
predetermined amount of time. This may also be determined by
measuring the amount of time since at least one of the control
features, i.e., the touch screen LCD display 76 or one of the power
or mode buttons 78, 80, have been engaged. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate that such a determination may be customizable so
that a user of the personal thermostat 70 may advantageously set
their own predetermined time before the personal thermostat sends a
signal to change the temperature in the microzone to the
predetermined temperature.
[0054] The present invention also contemplates that a personal
computer or other existing electronic device may be modified to
perform the functions of the personal thermostat 70. Regardless of
the medium of the personal thermostat 70, the purpose of the
personal thermostat is to gather inputs relating to actual
temperature, desired temperature and other characteristics of the
microzone (e.g. occupancy, etc.) and either directly control the
damper 30 to open or close based on the various data points.
Alternately, the personal thermostat 70 may relay the data to a
system controller 100 so that the system controller can function as
described below.
[0055] The system controller 100 may include software that runs on
a computer or other digital control device. The system controller
100 interfaces with dampers, personal thermostats and the existing
HVAC system. The system controller 100 may communicate with
personal thermostats to collect and process data related to actual
temperature, desired temperature, occupancy and possibly other
metrics in each microzone in the system. Using software
programmable command and control algorithms, the system controller
opens and closes individual dampers and turns the HVAC system on
and off (in either heating, cooling or `fan-only` mode) to control
the temperature in each microzone. The system controller also has
provisions for multiple user inputs and settings related to the
installation, setup and system monitoring/maintenance of the
intelligent HVAC system.
[0056] The system controller 100 may also interface with the
building's existing energy management system (EMS) to control
and/or monitor additional functions such as the amount of outside
(fresh) air being circulated through the building based on the
actual occupancy level of each microzone, the temperature of the
air being provided by the HVAC system and the status of bypass
ducts and dampers that are part of the existing HVAC system. The
system controller 100 may include software that runs on a
computer/server 120 or other digital control device. The system
controller 100 may interface with vent units/dampers 30, personal
thermostats 70 and the existing HVAC system to collect and process
data related to actual temperature, desired temperature, occupancy
and possibly other metrics in each microzone. Using software
programmable command and control algorithms, the system controller
100 may open and close individual vent units, i.e., a rotor 36 of a
damper 30, and may also turn the HVAC system 20 on and off (in
either heating, cooling or `fan-only` mode) to control the
temperature in each microzone. The system controller 100 may also
have provisions for multiple user inputs and settings related to
the installation, setup and system monitoring/maintenance of the
HVAC system. The system may also allow for reporting capabilities
and may also have the ability to interface with utilities
information to adjust temperatures during peak load times. This
advantageously may provide a user with lower rates associated with
powering the system.
[0057] The HVAC system of the present invention also contemplates
interfacing the system controller 100 with the building's existing
energy management system (EMS) to control and/or monitor additional
functions such as the amount of outside (fresh) air being
circulated through the building based on the actual occupancy level
of each microzone, the temperature of the air being provided by the
HVAC system 20 and the status of bypass ducts and dampers that are
part of the existing HVAC system.
[0058] The system controller 100 may include a wireless transceiver
connected thereto to wirelessly communicate with personal
thermostats 70 and dampers 30 positioned in each microzone.
Further, the system controller 100 can also communicate with the
existing HVAC system to allow for control of the HVAC system, i.e.,
allow the HVAC system to be turned on and off and to allow for the
system controller to control individual dampers 30 in each of the
microzones. More specifically, the HVAC system 20 may include a
master thermostat controller 102 in communication with the system
controller 100 so that the HVAC system may be controlled by the
system controller. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that
any type of wired or wireless communication link may be established
between the system controller 100, the master thermostat 102,
and/or the personal thermostats 70. Preferable wireless
communications links may, for example, include wireless radio links
such as, for example, Zigbee (802.15.4), Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
and cellular (2G, 3G, 4G, etc.) or any other similar radio
frequency link, as understood by those skilled in the art.
[0059] The system controller 100 may advantageously be placed on
site at the structure where the dampers 30 and HVAC system exist.
Alternately, however, the system controller may also be positioned
off site and/or remotely operated via a global communications
network, i.e., the Internet. This advantageously allows an
administrator at another location, for example, to readily control
the HVAC system 20 and to also monitor usage of the HVAC system.
This may be advantageous when data points from a first location may
be needed for comparison to data points at a different
location.
[0060] Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 2-5, a damper 30
for use in an HVAC system 20 according to the present invention is
now described in greater detail. The damper 30 for the HVAC system
20 according to the present invention illustratively includes a
main body 32, and a stator 34 carried by the main body. More
specifically, the stator 34 is preferably integrally formed with
the main body 32. The stator 34 also illustratively includes a
plurality of blades 38. Each of the plurality of blades 38
preferably has a substantially triangular shape. The main body 32,
the stator 34, and the blades of the stator 38 are preferably
integrally formed as a monolithic unit. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate that the main body 32, stator 34 and blades of the
stator 38 may be injection molded, but the present invention
advantageously contemplates any other form of manufacture. Those
skilled in the art will also appreciate that the main body 32 and
the stator 34 do not necessarily need to be integrally formed. More
specifically, the present invention contemplates that the main body
32 and the stator 34 may be separate items that are readily
connectible. The connection between the main body 32 and the stator
34 may be any connection suitable for maintaining the stator 34 in
place with respect to the main body, as understood by those skilled
in the art.
[0061] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sidewalls of the main
body 32 of the damper 30 may have varying widths. The version of
the damper 30 illustrated in FIG. 3 is advantageous during the
installation process as it may be easier to connect the ends of the
main body 32 of the damper to the ductwork 22 of the HVAC system.
The version of the damper 30 illustrated in FIG. 4, however, is
also advantageous as it requires less material to be constructed
and, as such, is more environmentally friendly. Those skilled in
the art will appreciate that the main body 32 of the damper 30 may
have any number of widths and still accomplish the goals, features
and objectives of the present invention. The main body 32, stator
34 and rotor 36 of the damper 30 may be made of a composite
material, for example, or any other similar material having high
strength, high durability and lightweight properties. It is
preferable, however, that the main body 32, stator 34 and rotor 36
of the damper 30 be made of a low friction material so that when
the rotor rotatably moves adjacent the stator, less friction is
encountered, thereby necessitating less power to move the rotor
between the opened position and the closed position.
[0062] The damper 30 may also include a rotor 36 that is movably
connected to the stator 34. The rotor 36 is preferably mounted on a
fixed axle that is concentric with the stator 34. The rotor 36 is
thus able to spin around the fixed axle. More specifically, the
rotor 36 is preferably rotatably connected to the stator 34 using a
connector pin 46. The connection between the rotor 36 and the
stator 34 using the connector pin 46 is illustrated, for example,
in FIG. 12A. When the rotor 36 is movably connected to the stator
34, it is illustratively carried by the main body 32 of the damper
30.
[0063] Although use of a connector pin 46 is illustrated in FIG.
12A, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any other
connection may be made between the stator 34 and the rotor 36. More
particularly, medial portions of the stator 34 and the rotor 36 may
be connected using snap connections that use bearings to allow for
rotation therebetween. Those skilled in the art will also
appreciate that the connection between the stator 34 and the rotor
36 may be positioned anywhere along the stator and rotor. In other
words, the connection between the stator 34 and the rotor 36 is not
limited to the medial portions thereof. Instead, the connection
between the stator 34 and the rotor 36 may, for example, be
adjacent to the outer peripheral portions thereof. Accordingly, the
damper 30 according to the present invention advantageously
contemplates any connection between the stator 34 and the rotor 36.
When the rotor 36 is movably connected to the stator 34, it is
illustratively carried by the main body 32 of the damper 30.
[0064] The rotor 36 also includes a plurality of blades 40, each of
which preferably have a triangular shape. As mentioned above,
however, the rotor blades 40 may also have other shapes such as,
for example, an arcuate shape, e.g., semi-circular, parabolic, etc.
A medial portion of the rotor 36 may have a connector pin receiving
passageway for receiving the connector pin 46 to rotatably connect
the rotor to the stator 34. The rotor 36 may include a peripheral
body portion 48 forming a sidewall thereof. The main body 32, the
stator 34 and the rotor 36 are preferably cylindrically shaped, but
can be a variety of other geometric shapes. Accordingly, the
peripheral body portion 48 forms the outer sidewall of the
cylindrically shaped rotor 36. The diameter of the peripheral body
portion 48 of the rotor 36 is illustratively slightly smaller than
the diameter of an inner peripheral portion of the cylindrically
shaped main body 32. Accordingly, the rotor 36 may rotate adjacent
to the stator 34 when positioned to be carried by the main body
32.
[0065] Similar to the rotor 36, the stator 34 also includes a
connector pin receiving passageway formed through a medial portion
thereof. The blades 38 of the stator 34 illustratively extend from
the medial portion of the stator adjacent the connector pin
receiving passageway to an inner peripheral portion of the main
body 32. Similarly, the blades 40 of the rotor 36 extend outwardly
from a medial portion of the rotor adjacent the connector pin
receiving passageway to the inner portion of the peripheral body
portion 48 of the rotor.
[0066] When the rotor 36 is rotatably connected to the stator 34,
the base 42 of each of the blades 38 of the stator are preferably
positioned to face the base 44 of each of the blades 40 of the
rotor 36. The rotor 36 is movable between an opened position and a
closed position and, more specifically, the rotor is rotatably
movable between the open position and the closed position. The open
position of the rotor is defined as the base 42 of each of the
blades 38 of the stator 34 being aligned with the base 44 of each
of the blades 40 of the rotor 36. The closed position of the rotor
36 is defined as the base 42 of each of the blades 38 of the stator
34 being offset from the base 44 of each of the blades 40 of the
rotor. Both the stator 34 and the rotor 36 may include several
blades 38, 40 positioned to extend from the medial portions thereof
outwardly. The blades 38, 40 may be spaced between about 2 degrees
and 10 degrees apart. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that
this spacing is not meant to be limiting, and that the present
invention contemplates that the stator blades 38 and the rotor
blades 40 may have any desired spacing.
[0067] The present invention contemplates the use of stator blades
38 and rotor blades 40 that have many other shapes. For example,
and with reference to FIGS. 18-21, the stator blades 38 and the
rotor blades 40 may have a substantially arcuate shape. With
reference, for example, to FIG. 18, the arcuate shape of the stator
blades 38 and the rotor blades 40 may have an arcuate end, i.e., a
semi-circular end, and be somewhat elongated. With reference, for
example, to FIG. 19, the arcuate shape of the stator blades 38 and
the rotor blades 40 may be provided by a semi-circular shaped
blade. With further reference, for example, to FIG. 20, the shape
of the stator blades 38 and the rotor blades 40 may be provided
having an arcuate bottom portion. With still further reference, for
example, to FIG. 21, the shape of the stator blades 38 and the
rotor blades 40 may be provided by a parabolic shaped blade.
[0068] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the stator
blades 38 and the rotor blades 40 may have any other shaped blade
that allows the damper 30 of the present invention to be installed
into the HVAC system 20 and significantly limit backpressure when
the rotor 36 is in the opened position, and also allows for a
significant amount of the airflow to still travel through the main
body 30 when the rotor is in the opened position. More
particularly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
installation of the damper 30 according to the present invention
will inherently block a portion of the passageway through which
airflow passes in the HVAC system 20. The damper 30 according to
the present invention, however, advantageously provides slight, or
no, loss of fluid flow through the main body thereof when the rotor
36 is in the opened position. As will be discussed in greater
detail below, the combination of the stator blades 38 and the rotor
blades 40 form an advantageous converging-diverging nozzle
design.
[0069] Although a stator 34 and a rotor 36 are depicted in the
appended drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
the damper 30 may be formed using any structure that allows for the
use of blades to control the flow of fluid. For example, the stator
34 may be considered a first bladed assembly supported by an axis
that includes a plurality of blades. Similarly, the rotor 36 may be
considered a second bladed assembly moveable relative to the first
bladed assembly and supported by a support axis. The second bladed
assembly may include a plurality of blades and may be moveable
between an opened position and a closed position. Accordingly,
although the damper 30 of the present invention includes the use of
a stator 34 and a rotor 36 to control fluid flow, those skilled in
the art will appreciate that any bladed assemblies may be used to
achieve the goals, features, objectives and advantages of the
present invention.
[0070] The main body 32 of the damper 30 illustratively includes
two open sides. The first side is defined as an entrance side 50 of
the damper 30 and the second side, opposite the first side, is
defined as an exit side 52 of the damper. The entrance side 30 and
exit side 32 refers to the entrance of airflow into and the exit of
airflow out of the damper 30. The stator 34 is preferably
positioned adjacent to the entrance side 50 of the damper 30 and
the rotor 36 is rotatably connected to the stator adjacent the exit
side 52 of the damper. Accordingly, when the damper 30 is
installed, airflow through the main body 32 is directed into the
entrance side 50, through the stator 34 and the rotor 36 and out
through the exit side 52 of the damper.
[0071] When airflow is directed through the main body 32 of the
damper 30 as described above, the rotor 36 may be spaced apart from
the stator 34 to form an air bearing. More specifically, the
connector pin 46 that rotatably connects the rotor 36 to the stator
34 is advantageously low in friction and allows the rotor to move
laterally normal to the plane of rotation of the rotor. The space
between the rotor 36 and the stator 34 when the airflow is moving
through the main body 32 of the damper 30 is slight, but allows the
rotor to move with very little effort, thereby necessitating very
little power to open or close the damper 30.
[0072] The configuration of the stator 34 and the rotor 36 also
advantageously greatly reduces particle buildup on the stator
blades 38 and the rotor blades 40, as well as throughout the main
body 32 of the damper 30 according to the present invention. More
particularly, when the rotor 36 is in the opened position, dust or
other particles that may have built up on the stator blades 38 and
the rotor blades 40 may advantageously be blown away, thereby
making the damper 30 of the present invention a self cleaning
damper. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the self
cleaning damper 30 according to the present invention
advantageously enhances air quality in the system and also
decreases maintenance issues that may arise due to dust, or other
contaminant, build up within the system.
[0073] As illustrated, for example, in FIG. 6, and as will be
described in greater detail below, the HVAC system also includes an
actuator 54 carried by the main body 32 of the damper 30. The
actuator 54 includes a pair of opposing electromagnets 56 that may
be selectively energized by a power source 58 in communication with
the actuator. The power source 58 may, for example, be a battery,
but those skilled in the art will appreciate that the actuator 54
may be hard wired to an electrical system within the structure
where the HVAC system 20 is installed. The power source 58 is
preferred, however, to be a battery. The damper 30 design according
to the present invention above advantageously allows for use of a
battery as the power source 58 while simultaneously providing a
system that uses a decreased amount of energy to energize the
electromagnets 56 and allow for the actuator 54 to selectively move
the rotor 36 between the opened position and the closed position.
Additional details regarding the actuator 54 and the use of
electromagnets 56 to move the rotor 36 between the opened position
and the closed position are provided below.
[0074] As perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 5, the damper 30 of the
present invention may advantageously be connected to the ductwork
22 of an existing HVAC system 20. At its perimeter, mechanical
attachment points are provided that allow the damper 30 to be
easily and quickly connected to an existing HVAC duct via screws,
rivets or other mechanical means. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that in some instances ductwork 22 having various
diameters may be installed in an existing HVAC system. HVAC systems
may, for example, include flexible ductwork 22 ranging in size from
6 inches to 14 inches, with the majority being between 8 inches and
12 inches. In such a case, the damper 30 may be connected to a
reducer 24 so that the damper may be readily connected to the
ductwork 22. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the damper 30 may engage the
ductwork 22 so that both the entrance side 50 and the exit side 52
thereof may engage the ductwork.
[0075] As illustrated in FIG. 7, a connector 26 may be used to
connect the damper 30 to the ductwork 22. The connector 26 may be
provided by a compressible gasket, a clamp or a zip tie, or even
tape, for example. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that
any connector 26 suitable for connecting the damper 30 to the
ductwork 22 so that a substantially airtight seal is formed between
the damper and the ductwork may be used. An airtight connection is
preferable to minimize and/or eliminate air loss at the connection
point between the damper 30 and the ductwork 22. More specifically,
the ductwork 22 is preferably positioned to surround both the
entrance side 50 and the exit side 52 of the damper 30. This
advantageously simplifies installation of the damper 30 and also
minimizes, or eliminates, any airflow loss through the ductwork 22
when the damper is installed.
[0076] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the damper 30 may also be
connected between the ductwork 22 of an HVAC system 20 and a
diffuser 28. This configuration also advantageously allows for
simplified installation of the damper 30. When the damper 30 is
installed adjacent to a diffuser 28 of an HVAC system 20, the
entrance side 50 of the damper preferably engages the ductwork 22
and the exit side 52 of the damper preferably engages a portion of
the diffuser.
[0077] Referring now additionally to FIGS. 8A and 8B, another
configuration of the damper 30 according to the present invention
is now described in greater detail. The damper 30 illustrated in
FIGS. 8A and 8B has a substantially rectangular shape, and may be
adapted to engage a vent 60 of an HVAC system 20. When the damper
30 is positioned to engage a vent 60 of the HVAC system 20, the
rotor 36, i.e., the exit side 52 of the damper, is preferably
positioned adjacent the vent 60. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the damper 30 may be incorporated into the vent 60.
Accordingly, such installation is also simplified as it only
requires replacing an existing vent with a vent 60 that has the
damper 30 according to the present invention incorporated
therein.
[0078] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the damper 30
according to the present invention may have any shape and still
accomplish the goals, features and objectives of the present
invention. More specifically, the damper 30 according to the
present invention, having blades 38, 40 associated therewith that
allow for a converging-diverging effect to thereby allow for a
significant amount of fluid to pass through the main body 32
thereof, while simultaneously providing minimal, if any, back
pressure, may have any shape, i.e., cylindrical, rectangular,
polygonal, arcuate, triangular, etc., as understood by those
skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art will recognize that
the CD nozzle concept disclosed herein can be implemented in other
types of damper designs including, louvers, for example, and other
types of damper designs. The subject invention is not limited to
the rotary damper described herein, but rather it can be applied in
a variety of configurations and design implementations.
[0079] Referring now additionally to FIGS. 9A-9C, various positions
of the rotor 36 of the damper 30 according to the present invention
are now described in greater detail. FIG. 9A depicts the rotor 36
being positioned in the opened position. The bases 44 of the
triangular shaped blades 38, 40 of both the rotor 36 and the stator
34 are illustratively aligned with one another. As discussed above,
the medial portion of the main body 32 is preferably formed in a
circular pattern, with a `hub and spoke` design, i.e., the hub
being provided by the connector pin receiving passageway and the
spokes being provided by the blades 38, 40 of both the stator 34
and the rotor 36. When viewed from the end of the spoke, each of
the spokes, i.e., blades 38, 40 in the design is shaped in a manner
to optimize the flow of air past the blade.
[0080] This arrangement advantageously provides a
converging-diverging arrangement through which airflow passes over
the rotor 40 and stator 38. In other words, as the airflow passes
through the main body 32 of the damper 30, it passes over the
triangular shape of the blades 38, 40 of both the rotor 36 and
stator 34, which are aligned in the opened position, to
advantageously allow the volume of air flowing through the damper
to be maintained. This advantageously greatly decreases, and
usually eliminates, backpressure in the HVAC system 20. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that eliminating back pressure
in the HVAC system 20 advantageously allows for better system
performance.
[0081] When the rotor 36 is open, the blades 38, 40 of the stator
34 and rotor combine to form a converging-diverging (CD) nozzle.
When the CD nozzle is formed, it allows the fluid to flow smoothly
through the damper 30 and, in fact, may accelerate the fluid as it
passes through the damper in order to eliminate any increase in
pressure upstream of the damper. This elimination of back pressure
is a unique design feature that enables the damper 30 according to
the present invention to avoid system level problems caused by
partially blocking fluid delivery systems, e.g., pipes, HVAC ducts,
or any other fluid delivery system as understood by those skilled
in the art. The CD nozzle design also has the benefit of providing
quiet operation as the fluid flowing through the damper 30 when the
rotor 36 is in the open position often has primarily laminar flow
characteristics, causing it to be very quiet compared to the
primarily turbulent fluid flow over many other damper designs. In
addition, the short range of travel required for the rotor 36 to
travel between the open position and the closed position allows the
rotor to transition quickly before turbulent fluid flow conditions
can occur causing noise, or other problems, during the transition
period.
[0082] In one implementation of the damper 30, the rotor 36 may be
driven by a mechanical device such as a rotational solenoid or
servo motor that turns the rotor through a predetermined angle that
causes the rotor blades 40 to either align or be offset from the
stator blades 42, thereby opening or closing the damper.
Alternately, the rotor blades 42 can be shaped to allow them to be
turned by air flowing through the damper 30 and the rotor 36 can be
latched in the open or closed position through the use of a linear
solenoid or similar device. In yet another implementation, energy
may be captured from the moving airstream in the HVAC duct using
devices such as turbines, and stored in electrical, chemical,
mechanical or other form. This stored energy may then released
as/when need to open or close the damper. Finally, combinations of
the above implementations may be used in a single
implementation.
[0083] FIG. 9B depicts the rotor 36 of the damper 30 being moved to
the closed position. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that
it is preferable that when the rotor 36 is positioned in the closed
position, the bases 42, 44 of the blades 38, 40 of both the stator
36 and the rotor 38 are offset from one another so that a space is
present between the blades of the stator and rotor to allow some
portion of the air volume to pass therethrough. More specifically,
it is preferable that some airflow passes through the main body 32
of the damper 30 when the rotor 36 is in the closed position. More
specifically, in a preferred embodiment, about less than 25% of the
airflow volume may pass through the main body 32 of the damper 30
when the rotor 36 is in the closed position. Those skilled in the
art will appreciate that some airflow may be allowed to pass
through the main body 32 of the damper 30 when the rotor 36 is in
the closed position, and that 25% is used for exemplary purposes
only. This advantageously greatly decreases back pressure on the
HVAC system 20. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
arrangement illustrated in FIG. 9B also advantageously maintains
airflow through the damper 30 to eliminate condensation, meet fresh
air requirements, and minimize dust particle entrapment.
[0084] As also discussed above, the illustrated shape of the stator
blades 38 and the rotor blades 40 advantageously allow the damper
30 of the present invention to be self cleaning, or self flushing,
due to increased fluid flow velocity over the blade surfaces when
transitioning to the open position, as well as increased fluid flow
velocity over the blade surfaces when the rotor 36 is maintained in
the open position. Other components of the damper 30, i.e., the
inner diameter spindle forming the pin receiving passageway, are
also `self cleaning due to rotational wiping action between the pin
receiving passageway formed in the stator 34 and the pin receiving
passageway formed in the rotor 36.
[0085] As illustrated in FIG. 9C, there are instances when it is
preferable that airflow volume is completely prevented from passing
through the damper 30. In such a case, the blades 38, 40 of the
stator 34 and the rotor 36 may be positioned in such a manner as to
Block airflow volume from passing through the main body 32 of the
damper.
[0086] Referring now additionally to FIG. 6, control aspects of the
damper 30 according to the present invention are now described in
greater detail. More specifically, the actuator 54 carried by the
main body 32 of the damper 30 and being positioned to connect with
the rotor 36 is illustratively positioned in communication with a
controller 62 and a power source 58. The controller 62 may be
provided by a printed circuit board, for example, but those skilled
in the art will appreciate that any similar controller suitable for
processing a signal and energizing the electromagnets 56 of the
actuator 54 to move the rotor 36 between opened and closed
positions is suitable.
[0087] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the controller 62
and a power source 58 are carried by a clamp 64 adjacent a ceiling
66 of a structure, in close proximity to a diffuser 28 of the HVAC
system 20. In a commercial application, the ceiling 66 is generally
provided by a typical acoustical tile ceiling including a grid
system and a plurality of acoustical tiles. As such, the controller
62 and power source 58 may be carried by the clamp 64 or bracket,
for example, and carried adjacent the grid system of the acoustical
tile ceiling. This advantageously allows the damper 30 to be
readily installed without major visibility of any of the components
of the HVAC system 20 according to the present invention.
[0088] The system illustrated in FIG. 6 depicts the controller 62
and power source 58 being carried by a clamp 64 or bracket adjacent
the diffuser 28 in the ceiling 66. The HVAC system 20 according to
the present invention contemplates that the controller 62 and power
source 58 may have alternate locations as well. For example, the
controller 62 and power source 58 may also be carried by the main
body 32 of the damper 30 adjacent the actuator 54. Further, the
controller 62 and the power source 58 may be positioned above the
ceiling 66, but spaced apart from the damper 30. The controller 62
may also be configured from a centralized power distribution source
such as, for example, a panel transformer, or outlet. The
controller 62 may further be mounted as a part of the vent assembly
of the HVAC system 20 with or without a collocated power source. In
other words, power may, for example, be provided from a battery or
from a central power source serving many controllers.
[0089] The controller 62 includes a transceiver (not shown)
connected thereto and positioned in communication with both the
power source 58 and the actuator 54. The power source 58 is also
positioned in communication with the actuator 54 to energize the
electromagnets 56 to move the actuator, thereby causing the rotor
36 to be selectively moved between the opened and closed positions.
The transceiver is adapted to receive a signal from the personal
thermostat 70, or from the system controller 100, to cause the
rotor 36 to be moved between the opened and closed positions. A
temperature sensor 31 may be carried by an internal portion of the
damper 30 to measure the temperature of the airflow through the
damper. The temperature sensor 31 is positioned in communication
with the controller 62 and may be positioned either upstream or
downstream of the stator 34 and the rotor 36.
[0090] The low power requirements to move the rotor 36 between the
opened and closed positions, allow for the power source 58 to be
provided by a battery, for example. The battery may advantageously
have a long life as very little power is needed to energize each of
the electromagnets 56 to cause the rotor 36 to be moved between the
opened and the closed positions. Alternately, however, the power
source 58 may be provided by direct access to the structure's
electrical system. Some users may find such a configuration to be
preferable, depending on the type of structure where the HVAC
system 20 will be installed. Accordingly, and as illustrated, the
power source 58 may advantageously include a combination of a
battery power source, and wiring to be connected to an electrical
system of the structure so that a user may selectively customize
the power source.
[0091] Referring now additionally to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the
actuator 54 for moving the rotor 36 of the damper 30 according to
the present invention is now described in greater detail. The
actuator 54 may include a pair of opposing electromagnets 56. The
electromagnets 56 may, for example, be provided by windings, but
those skilled in the art will appreciate that the electromagnets 56
may be provided by any other form of electromagnet as well. The
electromagnets 56 may be carried by an actuator tube 69 and, more
particularly, at opposing ends of the actuator tube 69. The
actuator may also include an actuator bar 68 having opposing ends.
The opposing ends of the actuator bar preferably include metallic
material that may be attracted to the opposing electromagnets 56
when the electromagnets are energized. A rotor connection member 67
may be connected to a medial portion of the actuator bar 69. The
rotor connection member 67 may be connected between the actuator
bar 68 and the rotor 36.
[0092] With reference to FIG. 10B, a first one of the
electromagnets 56A is illustratively energized, thereby attracting
the actuator bar 68 towards the electromagnet carried by an
actuator tube 69. Accordingly, when the actuator bar 68 is
attracted toward the first energized electromagnet 56A, the rotor
connection member 67 also moves towards the energized
electromagnet, thereby moving the rotor 36 connected thereto to the
opened position. Referring now to FIG. 10B, the second
electromagnet 56B is energized, causing the actuator bar 68 to move
toward it, bringing with it the rotor connection member 67. As the
rotor connection member 67 moves toward the energized electromagnet
56B illustrated in FIG. 10B, the rotor 36 is illustratively moved
to the closed position.
[0093] The present invention contemplates the use of a simple, low
cost universal adaptor to provide flexibility to connect the damper
30 to multiple sizes of flexible HVAC duct without the need for a
variety of conicals or reducers. To implement this aspect of the
invention, the ends of the damper 30 may be removable. The sides
may be screwed on may be snapped on to secure them in place.
[0094] In either case, when the sides are attached to the damper
30, the sides form an airtight seal. When viewed from inside the
duct, the removeably ends each have multiple indentions that may be
aligned in concentric circles. These indentations allow an
installer to readily "punch out" a circular area of the removeably
lid that is the proper size to accommodate the flexible HVAC duct.
Once the appropriately sized circle has been removed, it is
necessary to create a connection flange in order to attach the
flexible HVAC duct to the damper 30. The connection flange may be
created from a separate piece of flexible material that is provided
with the universal adaptor. The flexible material may be formed
into a circle and it may also have a built in connector clip that
allows it to connect securely to the removable end.
[0095] The flexible material may be separated at one of several
perforations in order to create a strip of proper length for the
size of the hole that has been created in the removable end. For
example, for an 8 inch hole, the length of the strip required would
be approximately 8.pi.. The material may be formed into a circle
and may be connected to the removable end by attaching the
connector to the removable end at the circumference of the circle
that has been punched out. If desired, glue, tape or another
adhesive mechanism may be used to strengthen the bond between the
removable end and the newly formed connection flange. In one
implementation of the universal adaptor, the connector may be
replaced with any number of other attachment mechanisms. In another
implementation, connection flanges of various sizes may be molded
to the removable end and the installer may punch out the correct
size hole and removes any flanges that are not required.
[0096] A method aspect of the present invention is for using the
damper 30. The method includes moving the rotor 36 from an open
position to a closed position responsive to a signal received by a
controller 62 in communication with the rotor to minimize air flow
through the damper 30. The method also includes moving the rotor 36
from the closed position to the opened position responsive to a
signal received by a controller 62 to maximize air flow through the
damper 30.
[0097] Another method aspect of the present invention is for
installing a damper 30 into an existing HVAC system. The method may
include cutting ductwork 22 in an existing HVAC system and
positioning the damper 30 so that the ductwork forms an airtight
seal with the entrance side 50 and the exit side 52 of the damper
50.
[0098] An algorithm for controlling the HVAC system 20 according to
the present invention is now described in greater detail. The
algorithm for controlling the use of the HVAC system according to
the present invention uses a variety of programmable guidelines to
control the system. These include: [0099] 1. The application of
control algorithms to resolve back pressure issues by monitoring
back pressure and `dumping` air into low priority microzones or
unused spaces. [0100] 2. The utilization of user inputs to optimize
the system for selected performance metrics such as energy savings,
cost reduction or increased user comfort. [0101] 3. The utilization
of software algorithms to implement the user's optimization
choices. [0102] 4. The use of learning algorithms so the system can
customize itself for individual installations. [0103] 5.
Interfacing with external sources, such as a utility company, to
adjust system performance based on the real time cost of
electricity.
[0104] The prioritization methodology is now described in greater
detail. The HVAC system 20 according to the present invention
preferably uses a methodology for assigning priorities to each
microzone so that algorithms that are much more sophisticated than
existing algorithms (i.e., "majority rules") can be developed and
applied.
[0105] A microzone, as used herein, is a term used to define a
particular zone within the HVAC system 20 according to the present
invention having any number of dampers 30 positioned therein
wherein each of the dampers may be tied together. This allows the
dampers in a microzone to be controlled by a single personal
thermostat 70. This also advantageously allows the dampers 30 in a
particular microzone to be controlled together by the system
controller 100. Microzone priorities can be establish based on room
usage (e.g. an office vs. the janitor's closet), room occupancy
(e.g. the user is present or absent from the room), or room
location (e.g. east side of the building or west side). Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that a large number of different
priority categories can be established. The priority
characteristics of each microzone can be assigned at the time of
system installation or afterwards. They are stored in a database,
and can be changed at any time.
[0106] Software control algorithms according to the present
invention may utilize simple pressure sensors to monitor and
control back pressure in the HVAC system 20 according to the
present invention. When the back pressure reaches an unacceptable
level, the software control algorithm may automatically opens
dampers 30 that would otherwise be closed so as to increase the
flow of air through the system and reduce the back pressure. The
control algorithm may select the dampers 30 to open using microzone
prioritization methodology. For example, if additional dampers 30
need to be opened, the control algorithm may search for microzones
that are unoccupied so as to not inconvenience any users by
providing conditioned air to a microzone where none was needed.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that a large variety of
specific algorithms can be created to apply this invention.
[0107] The HVAC system 20 according to the present invention
advantageously allows user inputs to be used to influence
performance metrics such as cost, comfort or energy savings. For
example, a user could provide inputs to the HVAC system 30 that
causes the system to operate in a manner that allows for enhanced
cost savings at the expense of decreased user comfort. In this
scenario, the intelligent HVAC system might not be turned on until
a large number of microzones required conditioned air. This
advantageously allows the system to run for a minimal period of
time, thereby reducing costs. Conversely, the user may select to
optimize comfort at the expense of cost. In this case, inputs might
be provided to the HVAC system that causes the system to respond
immediately when even one microzone is outside of a desired
temperature range. Those skilled in the art will recognize that
there are a vast number of other performance metrics, in addition
to cost, comfort and energy savings that may be varied in an HVAC
system 20 based on specific user inputs.
[0108] Another example may entail providing inputs to the HVAC
system 20 regarding levels of control. Perhaps all employees in a
company that has an HVAC system 20 according to the present
invention may be allowed to set their desired temperature to any
level. Conversely, perhaps some employees may be limited in the
temperature range they can set, and some employees may have the
temperature in their microzone set by a system administrator. As
noted above, it is preferable to give a customer the ability to
influence the way the system behaves based on user preferences. In
the HVAC system 20 according to the present invention, this may be
achieved through the implementation of algorithms that adapt the
control logic of the system based on user inputs. The following is
a description of one implementation of such an algorithm. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that multiple other algorithms
may be developed and implemented to allow users to optimize various
other metrics associated with the performance of HVAC systems.
[0109] One algorithm that may be developed for an HVAC system 20
according to the present invention may allow a system's user to
optimize the system's performance for either cost reduction or user
comfort. A system that is optimized for comfort might run nearly
constantly in order to meet the demands of a variety of users. For
example, the system might turn on in cooling mode to reduce the
temperature in a first office on the sunny side of the building,
then quickly turn off and turn on again in heating mode to increase
the temperature for the occupant of another office on the shady
side of the building. In such a case, each microzone in the system
may be assigned a priority rating. For example, the priority
ratings may range from 1 to 5. The CEO's office may be assigned a
priority 5, while a storage closet may be assigned a priority 1.
Each microzone may have a desired temperature (the `setpoint`) and
the algorithm according to the present invention may keep track of
the actual temperature in each microzone on a regular basis.
[0110] The smart algorithm may then calculate the difference
between the setpoint and the actual temperature (the `temperature
delta`), and the time period during which this difference has
occurred. The control algorithm may then calculate a `score` for
each microzone by multiplying the priority by the temperature delta
and the time period. The control algorithm may also calculate a
score for the entire system by adding the scores of each microzone.
The owner may then select the system level score at which the
intelligent HVAC system would turn on to correct the temperature
deltas. If the user selected a low score, the system would turn on
when a limited number of micro zones experienced a temperature
delta for a limited period of time.
[0111] This configuration may likely result in a relatively high
utility bill, but the building occupants may experience a high
level of comfort as the system would turn on frequently to correct
small temperature deltas. Conversely, a high system level score
selected by the user would mean that the system did not turn on
until a number of microzones were experiencing significant
temperature deltas for a long period of time. Users would likely
not experience the same level of comfort, but energy bills would
likely be significantly lower as the HVAC system would not run
nearly as frequently.
[0112] The HVAC system 20 according to the present invention may be
able to adapt to its environment in an automated manner to minimize
installation time, cost and effort. An example of this type of
adaptation relates to the back pressure condition described above.
In each installation, the system performance with respect to back
pressure may vary as a result of factors such as the number of
ducts, length of ducts, size of ducts, which ducts are open or
closed, etc. However, for a specific system, the performance may be
generally consistent over time. For example, system "A" may have
back pressure issues when 30% of the ducts are closed, or when
ducts 1, 3, 8, and 10, for example, are closed. Simultaneously,
System B may not have back pressure issues until 45% of the ducts
are closed.
[0113] Referring now more specifically to the flow chart 124
illustrated in FIG. 13, a method for using the HVAC system 20
according to the present invention is now described in greater
detail. From the start (Block 126), back pressure in the HVAC
system is monitored at Block 128. At Block 130, back pressure
readings are transmitted to the system controller 100. At Block
132, it is determined whether the back pressure readings received
by the system controller 100 are within a predetermined range. If
it is determined at Block 132 that the back pressure readings
received by the system controller 100 are not within a
predetermined range, then the necessary dampers 30 to relieve back
pressure within the HVAC system 20 are opened at Block 134.
Thereafter, it is again determined at Block 132 whether or not the
back pressure readings transmitted to the system controller 100 are
within the predetermined range at Block 132. If, however, it is
determined at Block 132 that the back pressure readings received by
the system controller 100 are within the predetermined range, then
operation of the HVAC system 20 according to the present invention
is continued at Block 136. Thereafter, the method is ended at Block
138.
[0114] Referring now additionally to the flow chart 140 illustrated
in FIG. 14, yet another method aspect of the invention is now
described in greater detail. The method aspect illustrated in the
flow chart 140 of FIG. 14 is also directed to use of the HVAC
system 20 and, more specifically, directed to algorithms for use of
the HVAC system. From the start (Block 142), priorities of
microzones are set at Block 144. As described above, these
priorities may be weighted based on various factors, i.e.,
seniority, area in building, etc. At Block 146, the system
controller 100 receives desired temperature settings of each
microzone. At Block 148, the desired temperature settings received
by the system controller 100 are weighted according to the
priorities set at Block 144.
[0115] At Block 150, the system controller may send appropriate
signals to the dampers 30 of the HVAC system to achieve the desired
temperatures of the higher priority microzones. Those skilled in
the art will appreciate that the signals may also be sent to turn
the HVAC system on and off if needed to achieve the desired
temperatures. At Block 152, it is determined whether or not the
desired temperatures in the higher priority microzones have been
reached. If it is determined that the desired temperatures in the
higher priority microzones have not been reached at Block 152, then
appropriate signals are again sent at Block 150 to achieve the
desired temperatures in the higher priority microzones.
[0116] If, however, it is determined at Block 152 that the desired
temperatures in the higher priority microzones have been reached,
then appropriate signals are sent to the dampers 30 and the HVAC
system to achieve the desired temperatures in the lower priority
microzones at Block 154. At Block 156, it is determined whether or
not the higher priority microzones are still being maintained at
their desired temperature. If it is determined at Block 156 that
the higher priority microzones are not being maintained at their
desired temperature, then appropriate signals are sent to the
dampers 30 throughout the HVAC system to achieve the desired
temperatures of the higher priority microzones at Block 150.
[0117] If, however, it is determined at Block 156 that the desired
temperatures within the higher priority microzones are still being
maintained at Block 156, then it is determined at Block 158 whether
or not the desired temperatures of the lower priority microzones
are still being maintained. If it is determined that the desired
temperatures within the lower priority microzones are not being
maintained at Block 158, then the appropriate signals are sent to
the dampers 30 throughout the HVAC system to achieve the desired
temperatures in the lower priority microzones. If, however, it is
determined at Block 158 that the desired temperatures in the lower
priority microzones are being achieved and the desired temperatures
in the higher priority microzones are still being maintained, then
the method is ended at Block 160.
[0118] Referring now additionally to the flow chart 162 of FIG. 15,
still another method aspect of the present invention is now
described in greater detail. More particularly, the method
illustrated in the flow chart 162 of FIG. 15 is directed to a
method of using an algorithm to control the HVAC system 20
according to the present invention. From the start (Block 164), a
system controller 100 receives energy efficient operating
instructions at Block 166. At Block 168, the temperatures are set
within the microzones to be within the energy efficiency range
received in Block 166. At Block 170, the system controller 100
receives desired temperature settings from various microzones.
[0119] At Block 172, it is determined whether the desired
temperatures in the microzones are within the energy efficiency
range set at Block 168. If it is determined that the temperatures
in the microzones are not within the energy efficiency ranges set
at Block 168, then the desired temperatures of the microzones
received at Block 170 are overridden at Block 174. Thereafter, the
signals are again sent to the dampers 30 of the HVAC system 20 to
set the temperatures in the microzones to be within the energy
efficiency range at Block 168. If, however, it is determined that
the temperatures within the microzones are within the energy
efficiency range at Block 172, then the temperatures in the
microzones are set to the desired temperatures according to
priorities at Block 176 and signals are sent the open and/or close
the dampers 30 in the HVAC system accordingly. Thereafter, the
method is ended at Block 178.
[0120] Referring now additionally to the flow chart 180 illustrated
in FIG. 16, another method aspect of the present invention is now
described in greater detail. The method aspect illustrated in the
flow chart 180 of FIG. 16 is directed to using a motion sensor to
operate the HVAC system 20 according to the present invention. From
the start (Block 182), the HVAC system 20 is operated according to
either the prioritization module or the energy efficiency module at
Block 184. At Block 186, the system controller 100 detects and
senses motion in a microzone. At Block 188, it is determined
whether motion has been detected within the microzone during a
predetermined time frame. If it is determined that motion has been
detected within the microzone during the predetermined time frame
at Block 188, then the HVAC system continues to operate at Block
184. If, however, it is determined at Block 188 that motion was not
detected within the predetermined time frame, then the HVAC system
20 according to the present invention is operated in a vacant mode
at Block 190. The vacant mode may, for example, include shutting
the system down completely, or setting each microzone to a higher
temperature to advantageously increase energy efficiency. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that the HVAC system 20 may be
set to any setting as determined by the user when in the vacant
mode. Thereafter, the method is ended at Block 192.
[0121] Referring now additionally to the flow chart 196 illustrated
in FIG. 17, still another method aspect according to the present
invention is now described in greater detail. The method aspect of
the present invention illustrated in the flowchart 196 of FIG. 17
is directed to operating the HVAC system 20 according to the
present invention in a mode to optimize energy cost efficiency.
From the start (Block 198), the HVAC system 20 according to the
present invention is interfaced with an external source at Block
200. The external source may, for example, be an electrical
company, and advantageously allows the HVAC system 20 according to
the present invention to monitor the real time cost of
electricity.
[0122] At Block 202, the HVAC system is operated according to a
selected module. Various modules of operation include comfort
module, energy efficiency module, and other modules as described
above. At Block 204, it is determined whether the HVAC system 20 is
operating at an energy efficient cost savings according to the real
time cost of electricity, as monitored at Block 200. If it is
determined at Block 204 that the HVAC system 20 is operating at an
energy efficient cost savings, then the HVAC system continues to
operate at Block 202. If, however, it is determined at Block 204
that the HVAC system is not operating at an energy cost efficiency,
then the HVAC system is adjusted to operating in an efficient cost
savings mode at Block 206. The method is ended at Block 208.
[0123] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit
of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the
associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention
is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and
that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *