U.S. patent application number 15/696461 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-21 for method and apparatus for passively controlling airflow.
This patent application is currently assigned to American Aldes Ventilation Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Dennis R. Dietz, John Robert Harrell, Dwight Ray Shackelford. Invention is credited to Dennis R. Dietz, John Robert Harrell, Dwight Ray Shackelford.
Application Number | 20170363310 15/696461 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50188185 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170363310 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dietz; Dennis R. ; et
al. |
December 21, 2017 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PASSIVELY CONTROLLING AIRFLOW
Abstract
A system and method for providing a substantially constant
volume exhaust or ventilation air terminal system is shown for
controlling exhaust and/or return airflow rates in a system having
a central fan or ventilator. The system and method permits
zone-by-zone or area-by-area airflow regulation or control in
non-demand areas in response to a demand or call for ventilation in
demand areas. In one embodiment, the system employs at least one
constant airflow controller or regulator situated in a damper. In
one embodiment, a terminal houses a plurality of sub-ducts each
having an airflow regulator. At least one of the sub-ducts has a
damper. When the damper is open, a maximum airflow through the
terminal is a sum of maximum airflow permitted by the
regulators.
Inventors: |
Dietz; Dennis R.;
(Bradenton, FL) ; Harrell; John Robert;
(Bradenton, FL) ; Shackelford; Dwight Ray;
(Sarasota, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dietz; Dennis R.
Harrell; John Robert
Shackelford; Dwight Ray |
Bradenton
Bradenton
Sarasota |
FL
FL
FL |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
American Aldes Ventilation
Corporation
Bradenton
FL
|
Family ID: |
50188185 |
Appl. No.: |
15/696461 |
Filed: |
September 6, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14075514 |
Nov 8, 2013 |
9759442 |
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15696461 |
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12783826 |
May 20, 2010 |
9201428 |
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14075514 |
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11318682 |
Dec 27, 2005 |
7766734 |
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12783826 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/75 20180101;
F24F 11/83 20180101; F24F 2110/50 20180101; F24F 2120/10 20180101;
F24F 11/0001 20130101; F24F 11/30 20180101; G05D 7/0658
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/00 20060101
F24F011/00; F24F 11/047 20060101 F24F011/047; G05D 7/06 20060101
G05D007/06 |
Claims
1. A zone control terminal for use in an air distribution system,
said zone control terminal comprising: a housing having an entry
opening for receiving airflow and an exit opening; a damper
hingeably coupled to said housing and situated between said entry
opening and said exit opening; a motor for driving said damper
between an open position and a closed position; at least one first
airflow regulator that is not situated in series with said damper;
at least one second airflow regulator situated in series with said
damper; wherein said at least one first airflow regulator controls
or permits a predetermined minimum amount of airflow through said
housing when said damper is in said closed position and said at
least one second airflow regulator cooperating with said at least
one first airflow regulator to control or permit a predetermined
maximum amount of airflow through said housing when said damper is
in said open position, said predetermined maximum amount of airflow
through said zone control terminal being a sum of a maximum airflow
rate of said at least one first airflow regulator and a maximum
airflow rate of said at least one second airflow regulator.
2. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 1 wherein said at
least one first airflow regulator is a constant airflow regulator
over a varying range of pressure.
3. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 1 wherein said at
least one second airflow regulator is a constant airflow regulator
over a varying range of pressure.
4. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 2 wherein said at
least one second airflow regulator is also a constant airflow
regulator over a varying range of pressure.
5. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 1 wherein said at
least one second airflow regulator is situated in a duct, said
damper being operatively associated with said duct so that when
said damper is in said closed position, no airflow passes through
said at least one second airflow regulator.
6. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 1 wherein when
said damper is in said closed position, said airflow passes through
said at least one first airflow regulator and does not pass through
said at least one second airflow regulator.
7. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 1 wherein when
said damper is in said open position, said airflow passes through
said at least one first airflow regulator and also passes through
said at least one second airflow regulator to permit said
predetermined maximum amount of airflow through said zone control
terminal.
8. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 1 wherein said
damper and said at least one second airflow regulator are situated
in a common sub-duct or duct member.
9. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 1 wherein said at
least one first airflow regulator is situated in a sub-duct or duct
extension in said housing independent of said damper and said at
least one second airflow regulator.
10. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 8 wherein said
housing comprises a wall having a first aperture and a second
aperture, said at least one first airflow regulator being adapted
to regulate airflow through said first aperture and said at least
one second airflow regulator and said damper being adapted to
regulate airflow through said second aperture.
11. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 10 wherein a
first sub-duct or duct member is coupled to said wall and in
communication with said first aperture and at least one first
airflow regulator is situated in said first sub-duct or duct
member.
12. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 10 wherein a
second sub-duct or duct member is coupled to said wall and in
communication with said second aperture and having at least one of
said damper or said at least one first airflow regulator situated
in said second sub-duct or duct member.
13. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 12 wherein both
said damper and said at least one second airflow regulator are
situated in said second sub-duct or duct member.
14. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 12 wherein said
first sub-duct or duct member is situated adjacent said second
sub-duct or duct member is said housing.
15. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 1 wherein said
zone control terminal further comprises at least one third airflow
regulator situated in said damper.
16. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 1 wherein a
maximum airflow rate of said at least one first airflow regulator
is different than a maximum airflow rate of said at least one
second airflow regulator.
17. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 16 wherein a
maximum airflow rate of said at least one first airflow regulator
is less than a maximum airflow rate of said at least one second
airflow regulator.
18. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 1 wherein each of
said at least one first airflow regulator and said at least one
second airflow regulator comprises a single constant airflow
regulator.
19. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 1 wherein said at
least one first airflow regulator permits a minimum amount of
airflow from an area in a structure.
20. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 19 wherein said
minimum amount of airflow is at least 10 CFM.
21. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 1 wherein a motor
control signal for energizing said motor is generated by at least
one switch.
22. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 21 wherein said
switch responds to at least one of a humidity sensor, manual
control, timed mechanism, occupancy, or other indicators of
presence.
23. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 1 wherein said
damper actuates a damper switch in response to said motor driving
said damper to said open position.
24. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 1 wherein said
damper further comprises a pivot arm coupled to said motor and a
spring mounted on said pivot arm for biasing said damper to said
closed position.
25. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 1 wherein said
housing defines a terminal duct, said zone control terminal further
comprising: a first sub-duct, duct member or duct extension
situated in said terminal duct; a second sub-duct, duct member or
duct extension situated in said terminal duct; said first sub-duct,
duct member or duct extension having said at least one first
airflow regulator therein for regulating airflow through said first
sub-duct, duct member or duct extension; said second sub-duct, duct
member or duct extension having said at least one second airflow
regulator therein for regulating airflow though said second
sub-duct, duct member or duct extension; said damper being
operatively coupled to or associated with said second sub-duct,
duct member or duct extension to cause no airflow or airflow that
is regulated by said at least one second airflow regulator to flow
therethrough.
26. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 1 wherein both of
said at least one first airflow regulator is located in a first
sub-duct, duct member or duct extension and said at least one
second airflow regulator is located in a second sub-duct, duct
member or duct extension, each of said first and second sub-duct,
duct member or duct extensions being located inside said housing so
that said at least one first and second airflow regulators can
control airflow through said housing.
27. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 1 wherein at
least one said at least one first airflow regulator or said at
least one second airflow regulator is located in a sub-duct, duct
member or duct extension mounted inside said housing.
28. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 27 wherein said
housing is generally rectangular and said sub-duct, duct member or
duct extension is generally cylindrical.
29. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 28 wherein said
housing has a wall defining a plurality of apertures, said zone
control terminal comprising a plurality of sub-ducts, duct members
or duct extensions associated with each of said plurality of
apertures.
30. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 29, wherein said
plurality of sub-ducts, duct members or duct extensions comprises
two.
31. The zone control terminal as recited in claim 29, wherein said
plurality of sub-ducts, duct members or duct extensions comprises
more than two.
32. A zone control exhaust terminal comprising: a housing having a
first opening coupled to a duct and a second opening associated
with an area to be ventilated, said housing directing airflow from
said inlet to said outlet along a predetermined path; a damper
hingeably coupled to said housing for controlling airflow between
said area and a fan or ventilator; a motor for driving said damper
from a closed position at which said damper becomes situated in
said predetermined path and an open position at which said damper
permits airflow along said predetermined path in response to a
motor control signal; and an airflow regulator situated in said
predetermined path, said airflow regulator regulating airflow along
said predetermined path at a first rate when said damper is in said
closed position.
33. The zone control exhaust terminal as recited in claim 32
wherein said airflow regulator is dynamic constant airflow
regulator over a varying range of pressure.
34. The zone control exhaust terminal as recited in claim 32
wherein said airflow regulator is integral with said damper.
35. The zone control exhaust terminal as recited in claim 34
wherein said damper is generally planar and pivots about a pivot
axis, said airflow regulator being coupled to said damper such that
it pivots about said pivot axis when said damper is actuated
between said closed position and said open position.
36. The zone control exhaust terminal as recited in claim 34
wherein said damper is generally planar and lies in a first plane
when said damper is in said closed position, said airflow regulator
being coupled to said damper such that it also lies in said first
plane and permits airflow through said damper at said first
rate.
37. The zone control ventilation system as recited in claim 36
wherein said airflow regulator is a passively controlled constant
airflow regulator over a varying pressure ranging between 0.20 and
0.80 inches W.G.
38. The zone control exhaust terminal as recited in claim 32
wherein said airflow regulator is situated in said duct.
39. The zone control exhaust terminal as recited in claim 32
wherein said airflow regulator is situated in said predetermined
path when said damper is in said closed position and removed from
said predetermined path when said motor actuates said damper to
said open position.
40. The zone control exhaust terminal as recited in claim 34
wherein a second airflow regulator is situated in said duct.
41. The zone control exhaust terminal as recited in claim 32
wherein said airflow regulator permits a minimum amount of airflow
from said area.
42. The zone control exhaust terminal as recited in claim 41
wherein said minimum amount of airflow is at least 10 CFM.
43. The zone control exhaust terminal as recited in claim 40
wherein said airflow regulator permits a minimum amount of airflow
from said area through said duct and said second airflow regulator
permits a maximum amount of airflow from said area.
44. The zone control exhaust terminal as recited in claim 43
wherein said minimum amount of airflow is at least 10 CFM and said
maximum amount of airflow is less than 400 CFM.
45. The zone control exhaust terminal as recited in claim 32
wherein said motor control signal is generated by at least one of a
switch.
46. The zone control exhaust terminal as recited in claim 45
wherein said switch responds to at least one of a humidity sensor,
manual control, timed mechanism, occupancy, or other indicators of
presence.
47. The zone control exhaust terminal as recited in claim 32
wherein said system further comprises a damper switch coupled to a
remote fan for causing airflow in said duct, said damper switch
being actuated when said damper is moved to said open position.
48. The zone control exhaust terminal as recited in claim 47
wherein said damper actuates said damper switch in response to said
motor driving said damper to said open position.
49. The zone control exhaust terminal as recited in claim 32
wherein said damper further comprises a pivot arm coupled to said
motor and a spring mounted on said pivot arm for biasing said
damper to said closed position.
50. The zone control exhaust terminal as recited in claim 32
wherein said housing is dimensioned so that it can be mounted
between joists.
51. The zone control exhaust terminal as recited in claim 32
wherein said damper, motor and air regulator may be detachably
secured to said housing for maintenance without disconnecting said
housing from said duct.
52. The zone control exhaust terminal as recited in claim 32
wherein said terminal further comprises a duct extension coupled to
said housing in fluid communication with said first aperture; said
constant airflow regulator being situated in said duct
extension.
53. The zone control exhaust terminal as recited in claim 32
wherein said terminal further comprises: a duct extension coupled
to said housing in fluid communication with said first aperture;
and a second constant airflow regulator situated in said duct
extension.
54. The zone control exhaust terminal as recited in claim 52
wherein said terminal further comprises: a fan switch mounted for
generating a fan signal when said damper is actuated to said open
position.
55. The zone control exhaust terminal as recited in claim 52
wherein said terminal further comprises: a fan switch mounted on
said support; said fan switch being actuated by said damper when
said damper is actuated to said open position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/075,514 filed Nov. 8, 2013, issued as U.S.
Pat. No. 9,759,442, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/783,826 filed May 20, 2010, issued as U.S.
Pat. No. 9,201,428, which is a division of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/318,682 filed Dec. 27, 2005, now issued as U.S. Pat.
No. 7,766,734, to which Applicant claims the benefit of the earlier
filing date.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for
controlling airflow and, more particularly, a method and apparatus
for controlling air distribution in fan assisted central exhaust
and/or return air ventilating systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] Generally, central ventilation fans and ventilators used for
the purpose of removing or exhausting air from areas in a building
or structure, such as bathrooms, utility closets, kitchens in
homes, offices, and other areas, will simultaneously remove air
from fixed inlet terminals connected to the central ventilation fan
whenever the fan is operating. Whether the fan operates
intermittently or continuously, this results in excessive energy
consumption as a result of removing heated and conditioned air from
spaces that may not require ventilation simply because the demand
for ventilation exists in one or more of the areas.
[0004] Previous attempts to limit a central fan or ventilation
system to ventilating only occupied areas by opening and closing
terminal devices, caused fluctuations in duct air pressure, and
ultimately caused a shift in the amount of air removed or delivered
to one or more of the areas or zones. This resulted in excessive
ventilation rates and excessive energy usage in some areas and
under-ventilating other areas, which in turn, caused poor indoor
air quality related problems and a failure to meet minimum building
code requirements in some instances.
[0005] Controlling the central fan speed or revolution per minute
(RPM) to prevent the over or under-ventilation problem in zoned
systems has been difficult, expensive and generally ineffective in
the past. The typical fan control method involved monitoring either
main duct pressure or the number of open zones to determine the
total amount of airflow needed. However, a problem remained in that
controlling the total system airflow does not ensure proper and/or
constant airflow amounts at each zone branched duct.
[0006] Moreover, controlling airflow rates at each zone or branched
duct in a supply air system has been accomplished using variable
air volume (VAV) terminals. These VAV terminals were designed to
vary the airflow rates in response to temperature needs. While VAV
terminals have the capability to control airflow at constant
levels, they typically utilized an electrically or pneumatically
powered control device that monitors duct pressure through a pilot
tube and sends a signal to a separate zone damper. These control
devices required a separate power source, separate parts, and
direct coupling to, among other things, a damper actuator to allow
for responsive zoned airflow control. If the VAV control device
loses power, it will also lose it ability to control airflow.
[0007] What is needed, therefore, is a system and method for
controlling air distribution in both fan assisted central exhaust
systems and/or return air ventilating systems that facilitates
overcoming one or more of the problems of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is therefore an object of one embodiment of the invention
to provide a ventilation terminal system and device with an
integral primary zone controlled damper that regulates airflow in
response to a switch, dehumidistat, light sensor, motion sensor,
CO.sup.2 sensor or the like.
[0009] An object of another embodiment is to provide a ventilation
terminal device and system with a pressure independent flow control
device that is integral to the primary flow control, which in one
embodiment may be a damper.
[0010] Another object of another embodiment of the invention is to
provide a flow control device and system that regulates airflow to
substantially constant levels when exposed to varying duct
pressures.
[0011] Still another object of another embodiment of the invention
is to provide a flow control device and system that is mechanically
removed from an airflow stream when the primary control device is
caused to permit airflow to a predetermined demand level.
[0012] Still another object of another embodiment of the invention
is to provide a control device for situating in an airflow stream
to regulate or control airflow to a substantially constant or
predetermined maximum rate.
[0013] Yet another object of another embodiment is to provide a
system and method having a first control device that controls or
regulates flow to a first substantially constant or predetermined
rate, while another flow control device controls or regulates flow
to a second predetermined level or rate.
[0014] Still another object of another embodiment of the invention
is to provide at least one or a plurality of flow control devices
that require no direct electric or pneumatic power source, but
rather, utilize only system duct pressure to regulate airflow to
first and/or second predetermined levels, respectively.
[0015] Still another object of another embodiment of the invention
is to provide a minimum flow control device that will continue to
operate if a primary flow control device cannot be actuated to
permit increasing airflow or it loses power.
[0016] Still another object of another embodiment of the invention
is to provide a ventilation control assembly and system that can be
easily maintained and/or removed from a terminal housing without
disconnecting the terminal to which the assembly is attached from
any duct or ventilation shaft.
[0017] Still another object of another embodiment of the invention
is to provide a system that is small enough to be mounted between
floors, and/or ceiling assemblies, such as assemblies constructed
of nominal 10'' joists on 16'' centers.
[0018] Another object of another embodiment of the invention is to
provide an assembly that utilizes a damper drive-motor powered by
120 volt, 24 volt, 12 volt, or 220 volt AC or other suitable
electrical voltage supply.
[0019] Yet another object of another embodiment of the invention is
to provide a device that reduces or eliminates the need for routine
maintenance of the type that is required by mechanical or
electrical systems of the past.
[0020] Still another object of another embodiment of the invention
is to provide a device that can be easily mounted in a fire or
non-fire rated ceiling or wall assembly.
[0021] Yet another object of another embodiment of the invention is
to provide a device that will reduce the necessary central fan
horsepower requirements and will facilitate saving on energy
consumption by reducing the overall fan or ventilator requirements
in the system.
[0022] In one aspect, an embodiment of the invention comprises a
zone control exhaust terminal comprising a housing having a first
opening coupled to a duct and a second opening associated with an
area to be ventilated, the housing directing airflow from the inlet
to the outlet along a predetermined path and a damper hingeably
coupled to the housing for controlling airflow between the area and
a fan or ventilator, a motor for driving the damper from a closed
position at which the damper becomes situated in the predetermined
path and an open position at which the damper permits airflow along
the predetermined path in response to a motor control signal and an
airflow regulator situated in the predetermined path, the airflow
regulator regulating airflow along the predetermined path when the
damper is in the closed position.
[0023] In another aspect, another embodiment of the invention
comprises a zone control ventilation system for use in a building
having a plurality of areas to be ventilated, the system comprising
at least one fan unit for generating airflow, a plurality of ducts
coupled to at least one fan unit; a plurality of zone control
exhaust terminals coupled to each of the plurality of ducts,
respectively, and operatively associated with each of the plurality
of areas each of the plurality of zone control exhaust terminals
comprising a housing having an inlet coupled to a duct and an
outlet associated with at least one of the plurality of areas to be
ventilated, a damper pivotally coupled to the housing, a motor for
driving the damper between a closed position and an open position
at which the damper permits airflow between at least one fan unit
and at least one plurality of areas and into at least one of the
plurality of areas to be ventilated in response to a motor control
signal, and an airflow regulator situated in an airflow path, the
airflow regulator for regulating an airflow rate along the airflow
path between the room and at least one fan unit.
[0024] In another aspect, another embodiment of the invention
comprises a method for maintaining a substantially constant airflow
in a ventilation system having a plurality of ducts, the method
comprising the steps of passively regulating airflow at a first
rate through the plurality of ducts and causing airflow through at
least one of the plurality of ducts at a second rate in response to
a demand signal as the airflow through the other of the plurality
of ducts continues to flow at the first rate.
[0025] In yet another aspect, another embodiment of the invention
comprises a method for controlling airflow through a plurality of
ducts coupled to a ventilator, comprising the steps of permitting
airflow from the ventilator through at least one of the plurality
of ducts at a substantially constant rate and permitting airflow
through at least one of the plurality of ducts to an area at a
demand rate that is greater than the substantially constant rate in
response to a demand signal.
[0026] In still another aspect, another embodiment of the invention
comprises a method for providing zone-by-zone airflow regulation
for regulating airflow to substantially constant levels, comprising
the steps of controlling airflow substantially constant through a
plurality of terminals associated with areas where no ventilation
airflow is demanded at a first rate and controlling airflow through
said terminal at a second rate, which is higher than said first
rate in areas where ventilation airflow is demanded in response to
an airflow demand at a demand rate.
[0027] In yet another aspect, another embodiment of the invention
is to provide a method for regulating airflow to a plurality of
zones of a building having a fan, comprising the steps of situating
a primary regulator in operative relationship with each of said
plurality of zones to regulate airflow between each of said
plurality of zones and said fan and situating at least one constant
airflow regulator in operative relationship with each of said
primary regulators in order to regulate airflow between each of
said plurality of zones and said fan such that when said primary
regulator permits a demand airflow between one of said plurality of
zones and said fan, said at least one constant airflow regulators
control or regulate airflow such that airflow to at least the other
of said plurality of zones is substantially constant.
[0028] In still another aspect, another embodiment of the invention
is to provide a method for regulating airflow to a substantially
constant level in each of a plurality of zones in a structure, said
structure comprising an airflow generator and at least one conduit
for providing fluid communication between each of said plurality of
zones and said airflow generator and said method comprising the
steps of causing airflow to a demand level in any of said plurality
of zones where airflow to said demand level is demanded and
regulating airflow to a substantially constant level in the other
of said plurality of zones where airflow to a demand level is not
demanded.
[0029] In yet another aspect, another embodiment of the invention
comprises a system for regulating airflow in a structure having a
plurality of zones and said system comprising an airflow generator
and a plurality of terminals associated with each of said plurality
of zones, respectively a conduit for coupling said airflow
generator to each of said plurality of terminals a plurality of
primary regulators coupled to said plurality of terminals,
respectively, for causing airflow to a demand level in one of said
plurality of zones in response to a demand and a plurality of first
constant airflow regulators situated between each of said plurality
of zones, respectively, and said airflow generator to regulate
airflow between said airflow generator and those other plurality of
zones where demand airflow is not demanded to a first predetermined
level.
[0030] In another aspect, another embodiment comprises a damper
assembly for use in a ventilation system having an airflow
generator, a terminal associated with an area to be ventilated, and
a duct for coupling the airflow generator to the terminal, the
damper assembly comprising: a support, a damper pivotally coupled
to one support, a motor mounted on the support for driving said
damper between a closed position and an open position and the
damper assembly being detachably secured and removable from the
system without dismantling or disconnecting either the duct or the
terminal.
[0031] In yet another aspect, another embodiment of the invention
comprises a zone control terminal for use in an air distribution
system, the zone control terminal comprising a housing having an
entry opening for receiving airflow and an exit opening, a damper
hingeably coupled to the housing and situated between the entry
opening and the exit opening, a motor for driving the damper
between an open position and a closed position, at least one first
airflow regulator that is not situated in series with the damper,
at least one second airflow regulator situated in series with the
damper, wherein the at least one first airflow regulator controls
or permits a predetermined minimum amount of airflow through the
housing when the damper is in the closed position and the at least
one second airflow regulator cooperating with the at least one
first airflow regulator to control or permit a predetermined
maximum amount of airflow through the housing when the damper is in
the open position, the predetermined maximum amount of airflow
through the zone control terminal being a sum of a maximum airflow
rate of the at least one first airflow regulator and a maximum
airflow rate of the at least one second airflow regulator.
[0032] In still another aspect, another embodiment of the invention
comprises a system for regulating airflow is a structure having a
plurality of zones, the system comprising a plurality of terminals
associated with each of the plurality of zones, respectively, at
least one conduit for coupling an airflow generator to each of the
plurality of terminals, each of the plurality of terminals
comprising a housing having an entry opening for receiving airflow
and an exit opening, a damper hingeably coupled to the housing and
situated between the entry opening and the exit opening, a motor
for driving the damper between an open position and a closed
position, the motor being responsive to an airflow demand, at least
one first airflow regulator situated in each of the plurality of
terminals, at least one second airflow regulator situated in series
with the damper, wherein the at least one first airflow regulator
controls or permits a first predetermined amount of airflow and the
damper and at least one second airflow regulator cooperating with
the at least one first airflow regulator to control or permit a
second predetermined amount of airflow through the housing when the
damper is in the open position, the second predetermined amount of
airflow through the plurality of terminals, the second
predetermined amount of airflow being a sum of a maximum airflow
rate of the at least one first airflow regulator and a maximum
airflow rate of the at least one second airflow regulator.
[0033] In another aspect, another embodiment of the invention
comprises a zone control system for use in a structure having a
plurality of zones, the zone control system comprising a plurality
of terminals associated with each of the plurality of zones,
respectively, the plurality of terminals being adapted to receive
airflow from an airflow generator, each of the plurality of
terminals comprising a housing having an entry opening for
receiving airflow and an exit opening, a damper hingeably coupled
to the housing and situated between the entry opening and the exit
opening, a motor for driving the damper between an open position
and a closed position, the motor being responsive to a demand, at
least one first airflow regulator situated in parallel with the
damper, at least one second airflow regulator situated in series
with the damper, wherein when the damper is in the closed position
the at least one first airflow regulator permits airflow to a first
predetermined level and when the damper is in the open position,
the at least one first airflow regulator cooperates with the at
least one second airflow regulator to permit airflow to a second
predetermined level.
[0034] These are illustrative objects. Other objects and advantages
of the invention will be apparent from the following description,
the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the
invention, illustrating the use of a fan or ventilator in
combination with a central shaft in combination with one or more
terminals associated with each area or zone to be ventilated;
[0036] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view of another embodiment of the
invention showing a system utilizing a ventilator in combination
with one or more terminals;
[0037] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view of a variable fan ventilation
or exhaust system in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention;
[0038] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an embodiment illustrating,
among other things, a housing, the ventilation duct, and a
plurality of constant air controllers or regulators;
[0039] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary and sectional view illustrating
various features of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 and also
illustrating a damper having an aperture for receiving an airflow
controller or regulator and also showing the damper in phantom
after the airflow controller or regulator has been received in the
aperture and the damper has been actuated by the drive motor to an
open position;
[0040] FIG. 6 is an assembled view of the embodiments illustrated
in FIGS. 4 and 5;
[0041] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate one embodiment of the invention and
also illustrates a plurality of airflow versus pressure difference
characteristic curves relative to the airflow in each of the ducts
illustrated;
[0042] FIGS. 8A-8B are views of another embodiment of the invention
illustrating a airflow controller or regulator situated in the
damper and associated curves, but with no airflow controller or
regulator situated in any of the ducts;
[0043] FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate another embodiment of the invention,
illustrating a system having a plurality of solid dampers, each of
which comprise an associated constant airflow controller or
regulator situated in a duct associated with each damper;
[0044] FIGS. 10A-10B show various characteristic curves of a prior
art constant airflow regulator and a prior art bulb-type controller
or regulator (FIG. 10A) and a vain-type controller or regulator
(FIG. 10B);
[0045] FIG. 11 illustrates the use of a terminal of the type shown
in FIGS. 4 and 5 mounted in a central pressurized shaft and further
illustrating an open duct associated with the housing of the
terminal open to the pressure in the central shaft;
[0046] FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate another embodiment of the invention
where various combinations of features of a primary, secondary, and
tertiary control or regulators may be used in various combinations,
with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12A-12B being a representative
example;
[0047] FIGS. 13A-13D illustrate another embodiment showing a
plurality of sub-ducts in a terminal, with a damper associated with
one of the sub-ducts and at least one airflow regulator in each
sub-duct.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a zone control ventilation
system or passive flow control system 10 for use in the building
12, such as a multi-story commercial building (FIG. 1), multi-story
condominium or apartment building (FIG. 2), a residential building
(FIG. 3). The system 10 provides a system, apparatus and method for
providing on-demand airflow at a demand airflow rate and a passive
airflow at a passive airflow rate to a plurality of zones or areas
14 in the manner described later herein.
[0049] The system 10 comprises at least one fan 16 (FIGS. 1 and 3),
or the system 10 may comprise a ventilator 17, such as one or more
of the multi-port ventilator series ("MPV") model series MPV
ventilator provided by American Aides Ventilation Corporation
located at 4521 19th Street Court E. in Sarasota, Fla. It should be
understood that other suitable ventilators or fans may be used and
the invention is not limited by these particular model types.
[0050] The system 10 further comprises a plurality of ducts 18 that
are coupled directly to the at least one fan 16 or ventilator 17,
as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, or coupled to a main ventilation
duct or shaft 20 (FIGS. 1 and 11) that is coupled to either the at
least one fan 16 or ventilator 17. The plurality of ducts 18 are
each coupled to at least one or a plurality of zone control exhaust
terminals 22, at least one of which is operatively associated with
each of the areas 14 to be ventilated. Although the embodiments
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 show a single zone control exhaust
terminal 22 associated with each of the areas 14, it should be
understood that more than one of the plurality of zone control
exhaust terminals 22 may be associated with each of the areas 14.
Although not shown, not every area or zone 14 in the building,
structure, residence or building 12 must have one or more of the
plurality of zone control exhaust terminals 22, although in a
preferred embodiment at least one of the plurality of zone control
exhaust terminals 22 is associated with each area 14.
[0051] Also, while the illustration shown in FIG. 2 shows a
multi-port ventilator 17 coupled directly to each of the plurality
of zone control exhaust terminals 22 via ducts 18, the zone control
exhaust terminals 22 may be coupled directly to the main
ventilation shaft 20 or to artery ducts, such as ducts 18 (FIG. 1),
that extend from the main ventilation shaft 20. Alternatively, as
illustrated in FIG. 11, the terminal 22 may be situated interior of
the shaft, with an open duct extension or collar 30, which in one
embodiment is at least 22 inches. Note that the duct extension or
collar 30 has an end 30a coupled to the terminal 22 and an end 30b
that is open to the interior area 20c of shaft 20. It should be
understood that the interior area 20c of shaft 20 has an interior
pressure created or provided by the at least one fan 16 or
ventilator 17.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, various details of one of the
plurality of zone control exhaust terminals 22 will now be
described. It should be understood that each of the plurality of
zone exhaust terminals 22 comprise substantially the same parts,
although they do not have to be identical to each other as will
become apparent later herein. Each of the zone control exhaust
terminals 22 comprises a box-shaped housing 24 having a plurality
of flanges 26 and 28. The flanges 26 and 28 provide means for
mounting the housing 24 to a structure, such as between adjacent
10'' joists or trusses on 16'' or 22'' centers in a ceiling or roof
of the building 12 or between adjacent studs (not shown) in a wall
29 (FIG. 1) of the building 12, or to a wall 23 (FIG. 11) of shaft
20.
[0053] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6, the housing 24 is generally
rectangular and comprises the duct extension or collar 30 for
coupling the housing 24 to duct 18 and for communicating with an
opening 32 into an area 34 defined by the housing 24. The duct
collar 30 is conventionally coupled to the duct 18 as illustrated
in FIG. 6. As mentioned earlier, however, terminal 22 could be
mounted to shaft 20 and the end 30b of duct collar 30 could be open
to the interior area 20c of central shaft 20. The housing 24
further comprises a grille or cover 36 for covering a second
opening 38 of the housing 24. The second opening 38 is associated
or in communication with the area or zone 14.
[0054] The system 10 further comprises an air restrictor or damper
assembly 40 which will now be described relative to FIG. 5. The
assembly 40 comprises a generally U-shaped member or support 42
having an L-shaped bracket 44 welded or secured thereto. The
apertures 46 and 48 typically support and receive a drive shaft 50
which is coupled to and pivotally driven by a motor 52 that is
operatively coupled to a switch 54 as shown. The switch 54 may be a
wall switch situated on, for example, the wall, such as a wall 29
in FIG. 1, associated with the area 14. The switch 54 may be a
manual wall switch actuated by a user, or the motor 52 may be
coupled and respond to at least one of a motion sensor, manual
control, timer mechanism, light sensor, occupancy sensor, CO.sup.2
sensor or other indicators or sensors of presence when a user
enters or exits one of the areas 14.
[0055] The generally U-shaped member or support 42 is received in
the area 34 (FIG. 4) of housing 24 and secured between housing
walls 24a and 24b with a plurality of screws 56 as shown. Note that
the assembly 40 further comprises a primary flow control, which in
the illustration is a damper 58 that is secured by a weld, screws
or other suitable means to the drive shaft 50 of motor 52. The
damper 58 is pivotally driven by the motor 52 in response to a user
actuating the switch 54, for example, from an off position to an on
position. It should be understood that the motor 52 is operatively
coupled to a power source, an AC power source (not shown) in one
embodiment, such as a 12V, 24V, 120V or 220V AC, but a DC power
source may also be used. When the switch 54 is actuated by a user
to the on position, the motor 52 becomes energized and pivotally
drives the damper 58 from the closed position to the open position
illustrated in phantom in FIG. 5.
[0056] It should be noted that the damper 58 is operatively
associated with and situated adjacent to an opening 32 (FIG. 4) in
the surface 24c of housing 24. A first side 58a of damper 58 may
comprise a foam or other sealing material secured thereto by an
adhesive for sealing the damper against the surface 24c of housing
24 when the damper 58 is in the closed position illustrated in FIG.
6. Note that the assembly 40 comprises a spring or plurality of
springs 70 that act upon a joining portion 42b of the generally
U-shaped member or support 42 and on the planar member or surface
58b of damper 58 to urge or bias the damper 58 in the direction of
arrow A in FIG. 5 so that the damper 58 is biased in the closed
position illustrated in FIG. 6. The motor 52 retains the damper 58
in the open position during any demand period, which is the period
in time that the motor 52 is being activated.
[0057] In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 9A-9B, the
assembly 40 may further comprise a switch 62 that is mounted on a
flat area or ledge 42c of generally U-shaped bracket 42 as
illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The switch 62 is operatively coupled
to the at least one exhaust fan 16 or ventilator 17 such that when
the damper 58 is actuated or driven from the closed position
illustrated in FIG. 6 to the open position (shown in phantom in
FIG. 5), a first side 58a of damper 58 actuates the lever or switch
62 coupled to the power source (not shown). When the switch 62 is
triggered, the exhaust fan 16 or ventilator 17 becomes energized in
response, thereby causing an increase of airflow in the ducts 18 or
shaft 20. When the damper 58 returns to the closed position, for
example, when the user activates switch 54 to the off position, the
damper 58 in the embodiment shown FIGS. 9A and 9B is driven or
actuated to the closed position to close the opening 32 and release
the switch 62 to cause at least one fan 16 or ventilator 17 to turn
off.
[0058] One feature and advantage of this design illustrated in
FIGS. 4-5 is that it is easy to perform maintenance on or remove
the assembly 40 after it is installed, although it is not believed
that much maintenance will be required.
[0059] Returning to FIGS. 9A-9B, an embodiment is illustrated where
the ventilator 17 or at least one fan 16 is only on when the user
actuates the switch 54 to the on position. In contrast, the
embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7B and FIGS. 8A-8B, described
later herein, does not utilize switch 62 to activate at least one
fan 16 or ventilator 17. In these embodiments, at least one fan 16
or ventilator 17 provide a constant airflow in the ducts 18, 19 or
shaft 20. However, when a damper 58 in the system 10 is opened in
these illustrative embodiments, at least one fan 16 or ventilator
17 responds to a decrease in duct system resistance or demand for
increased airflow and automatically causes an increase in fan or
ventilator speed, thereby causing a resultant increase in the
airflow in the shaft 20 and ducts 18 in response and in a manner
conventionally known.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the assembly 40 further comprises at
least one or a plurality of airflow regulators 71 and 73 (FIG. 6)
and/or 72 and 74 (FIGS. 1-5). In one embodiment, the airflow
regulators 71 and 73 are integral constant dynamic airflow
regulators, such as the constant airflow regulators CAR I and CAR
II available from American Aides Ventilation Corporation, 4537
Northgate Court, Sarasota, Fla. 34234-2124. As illustrated in FIGS.
4 and 5, note that the damper 58 comprises an aperture or opening
59 defined by the interior area as shown. The diameter of the
interior wall 58d in damper 58 is dimensioned to receive the
airflow regulator 72 as shown. As illustrated, bulb-type constant
airflow regulators, such as those regulators 71 and 73 illustrated
in FIG. 6, may be used and these are also available from American
Aides Ventilation Corporation.
[0061] It should be understood that the constant airflow regulators
72 and 74 may comprise different specifications in a preferred
embodiment and they both provide constant airflow regulation. For
example, the constant airflow regulators 72 and 74 provide constant
airflow regulation by operation of the vane 72a (FIG. 4), which
acts to at least partially close the opening 59 (FIG. 5) in a
manner conventionally known. In contrast, the constant airflow
regulators 71 and 73 (FIG. 6) provide constant airflow regulation
by the inflating action of the constant airflow regulator bulb 71a
and 73a, respectively, and in a manner that is conventionally
known. As illustrated in FIG. 6, note that the bulbs 71a and 73a
are generally hour-glass shaped. As a static pressure increases in
the ducts 18, the static pressure around the bulbs 71a and 73a
increases, thereby causing the bulbs 71a and 73a to inflate and
thereby decreasing the area around the bulbs 71a and 73a. At
substantially the same time, as the static pressure around the
bulbs 71a and 73a increases, an air velocity also increases thereby
resulting in constant airflow. The constant airflow regulators 71,
72, 73 and 74 thereby provide a generally or substantially constant
airflow regardless of pressure differences in the system 10. FIGS.
10A and 10B graphically illustrate the operative characteristics of
the airflow regulators 71, 72, 73 and 74. It should be understood
that the associated specifications will change depending upon the
specifications selected by the user. The operation of the system 10
will now be described relative to several illustrative examples
shown in FIGS. 7A-9B. For ease of illustration, the embodiment of
FIGS. 7A-7B will be illustrated or used in the embodiment of FIG.
1, FIGS. 8A-8B will be illustrated as used in the embodiment of
FIG. 2, and FIGS. 9A-9B will be illustrated as used in the
embodiment of FIG. 3.
[0062] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7A-9B, the damper 58
provides primary airflow regulation or control. The damper 58 is
used in combination with at least one of either the first or second
regulator 72 or 74 as illustrated in FIGS. 7A-9B. In embodiments
shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, the constant airflow regulator 74 permits a
predetermined amount of airflow and provides substantially constant
airflow regulation to a predetermined or maximum airflow rate. In
contrast, the airflow regulator 72 in the illustration of FIGS.
8A-8B provides substantially constant airflow regulation at a
predetermined amount or a minimum amount of airflow. When the
regulators 72 and 74 are used together as illustrated in FIGS.
7A-7B, they control or regulate airflow to both a minimum and
maximum level, respectively, while the damper 58 controls or
regulates airflow to a primary demand level, such as an airflow
level required to provide increased ventilation to a room in
response to a demand signal from a user.
[0063] Typical airflow versus pressure difference characteristics
are graphically illustrated by the graphs under each terminal 22 in
FIGS. 7A-9B. It should be understood that the minimum amount of
airflow rate and maximum of airflow rate will be dependent upon the
size and specifications of the airflow regulators 71, 72, 73, and
74, respectively, selected. The user's selection of the appropriate
constant airflow regulator 71-74 will depend on the environment or
application in which the system 10 is being used. In one
illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, the minimum airflow
rate may be on the order of at least 10 cubic feet per minute
("CFM") and the maximum amount of airflow rate may be less than or
equal to approximately 400 CFM, but this will be different
depending on the application.
[0064] Returning to FIG. 5, note that the damper 58 is comprised of
a generally circular planar member 58b lying in a first plane P1
when the damper 58 is in the closed position illustrated in FIG. 6.
After the constant airflow regulator 72 is received in the opening
59 defined by wall 58d (FIG. 4) of the planar member 58b, the
constant airflow regulator 72 lies in the first plane P1 or
directly in the airflow path of air flowing into the opening 32
(FIG. 4) of housing 24. When the damper 58 is in the closed
position shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the constant airflow regulator 72
regulates, permits or controls the airflow to the constant rate as
dictated by the specifications for the constant airflow regulator
72 selected by the user. Thus, it should be understood that when
the damper 58 is actuated from the closed position to the open
position (illustrated in phantom in FIG. 5 and in the illustration
of FIGS. 7A-7B and 8A-8B), the airflow regulator 72 is removed from
the airflow path, thereby removing the minimum or constant airflow
regulator from the opening 32 and from the airflow path between the
zone or area 14 and the duct 18.
[0065] It should be understood that one or both of the constant
airflow regulators 72 and 74 may be used in various combinations,
such as the illustrative combinations that will now be described
relative to FIGS. 7A-9B. It should be understood that the
illustrations in FIGS. 7A-9B show the damper assembly 40 (FIG. 4)
and generally U-shaped member or support 42 removed from the
housing 24 for ease of illustration.
[0066] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, the constant airflow
regulator 72 is situated in each damper 58 associated with each of
the zones or areas 14. The constant airflow regulator 74 is
situated in each duct 18 as shown. In the illustration in FIGS.
7A-7B, the fan 16 runs continuously at a first fan speed to provide
constant ventilation airflow at a first rate. As illustrated in
FIG. 7A, as air flows from the zones or areas 14 into the ducts 18,
the air flows both through the constant airflow regulator 72 and
constant airflow regulator 74. As exhaust air from fan 16, for
example, is pulled from each zone or area 14 through the duct 18,
the constant airflow regulator 72 provides constant airflow
regulation to the first predetermined or minimum level. When there
is a call or demand for increased ventilation in a remote area 14,
such as when the user in one area 14 actuates the switch 54 to the
on position as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the damper 58 in the demand
area 14 is driven by motor 52 to the open position. The fan 16
senses the demand and causes increase in speed to a second fan
speed. The dampers 58 in the other remote areas 14 remain closed,
as shown by the two leftmost airflow regulators 72 shown in FIG.
7B. These regulators 72 provide constant airflow control or
regulation to the first predetermined or minimum level dictated by
the specifications of those constant airflow regulators 72. Notice
that the increase in airflow through those constant airflow
regulators 72 causes vanes 72a (FIG. 4) to partially close as shown
in FIG. 7B, thereby controlling or regulating airflow to the
desired rate. Substantially simultaneously, notice in the
right-hand portion of FIG. 7B that the constant airflow regulator
72 in the damper 58 has been actuated to the open position and
removed from the airflow path, thereby permitting increased airflow
into and through the duct 18 from the area 14 as shown. The second
constant airflow regulator 74 controls or regulates airflow to the
second predetermined maximum level, while the constant airflow
regulators 72 associated with the other zones or areas 14 control
or regulate airflow to the first or minimum level.
[0067] Thus, the system 10 in the embodiments in FIGS. 7A-7B
provides means for regulating or controlling airflow to the first
predetermined or minimum flow rate in non-demand areas or zones 14
and between the first predetermined or minimum rate and the second
predetermined or maximum rate during demand periods in demand zones
or areas 14. In other words, the constant airflow regulator 72 in
FIGS. 7A-7B facilitate controlling or regulating airflow to a
substantially constant predetermined or minimum rate through each
of the ducts 18. During ventilation demand periods in those demand
areas 14 where there is a demand for increased ventilation, such as
when a user activates switch 54, the damper 58 has been actuated to
the open position. As illustrated by the rightmost assembly in FIG.
7B, at least one fan 16 or ventilator 17 responds to the pressure
drop and increases fan speed, causing increased airflow at the
increased or demand rate in response thereto. This causes increased
ventilation from the area 14 where increased ventilation is
demanded and through duct 18 and, ultimately, to the exhaust duct
19 associated with the building 12. Substantially simultaneously,
the constant airflow regulator 72 in the two leftmost ducts (when
viewed from left to right in FIG. 7B) regulate and control the
airflow through the ducts 18 and so that airflow continues at
substantially the constant rate up to the minimum airflow rate
which is dictated by the constant airflow regulator 72 selected.
The airflow in the system 10 is graphically illustrated by the
graph under each of the regulators 72 and 74.
[0068] When the damper 58 in FIGS. 7A-7B is closed, the constant
airflow regulators 72 or 74 that have the lowest maximum airflow
specification will limit or regulate the maximum airflow to that
specification. For example, if the constant airflow regulator 72 in
FIG. 7A permits a maximum 10 CFM, while constant airflow regulator
74 permits a maximum airflow of 50 CFM, the airflow will be
regulated to 10 CFM in the illustration shown in FIG. 7A when the
damper 58 is in the closed position. When one of the dampers 58 in
the system 10 is opened, the constant airflow regulator 72, mounted
in the damper, is removed from the airflow path into opening 32
(FIG. 4), thereby permitting airflow at greater than 10 CFM. As the
fan 16 or ventilator 17 cause airflow to increase, the regulator 74
regulates airflow through the duct 18 up to the maximum 50 CFM rate
mentioned earlier. The airflow versus pressure characteristic is
graphically illustrated by the graphs associated with the dampers
58 shown in FIGS. 7A-7B.
[0069] Referring back to FIGS. 9A and 9B, another illustrative
embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the regulator 74 is
situated in the duct 18, but regulator 72 is not in the damper 58.
In this embodiment the damper 58 and wall 58d are solid and only
regulator 74 is used. During normal operation when there is no call
or demand for ventilation or exhaust the dampers 58 are solid,
remain closed and no ventilation through the ducts 18, for example,
is permitted. The fan 16 or ventilator 17 provide airflow or turn
on in response to the user actuating switch 54 which causes motor
52 to drive damper 58 from the closed position to the open
position. When there is a call or demand for exhaust, the user
activates the switch 54 and damper 58 activates switch 62, as
described earlier, to turn on the fan 16 or ventilator 17 to cause
an increased airflow to a demand rate. The airflow in the two
leftmost ducts shown in FIG. 9B are continued to be blocked by
solid damper 58 in this embodiment. The rightmost open damper 58 in
FIG. 9B is open, but regulator 74 controls or regulates airflow to
the second predetermined or maximum rate mentioned earlier. The
graphs associated with the dampers 58 illustrate the airflow versus
pressure difference for this embodiment.
[0070] FIGS. 8A and 8B show another embodiment. In this
illustration, the constant airflow regulator 74 has been removed
from the system 10. The regulators 72 permit minimum flow rate into
the ducts 18 when the dampers 58 are in the closed position. When
one damper 58 is driven by motor 52 to the open position, as
illustrated by the rightmost damper 58 in FIG. 8B, then unregulated
airflow is permitted in the duct 18 associated with the open damper
58. The constant airflow regulators 72 in the other dampers 58
provide airflow control and regulation to the first predetermined
or minimum level, as illustrated by the airflow versus pressure
graphs in FIGS. 8A and 8B.
[0071] Comparing the embodiment of FIGS. 7A and 7B to the
embodiment of FIGS. 8A and 8B, notice that the constant airflow
regulator 72 associated with the rightmost duct 18 shown in FIG. 7B
has been removed from the direct airflow path between the zone or
area 14 into the duct 18, thereby permitting an increased airflow
through the duct 18. The second constant airflow regulator 74 in
FIG. 7B limits the maximum amount of airflow through the duct 18 to
the second predetermined amount or the maximum rate specified by
that constant airflow regulator 74. Substantially simultaneously,
the constant airflow regulator 72 associated with the two leftmost
ducts 18 (as viewed in FIG. 7B) in the areas or zones 14 where
ventilation is not demanded continue to limit the amount of airflow
to the minimum level amount. In this regard, notice that the vanes
72a associated with the two leftmost ducts have closed slightly,
thereby limiting the airflow to the specification of those constant
airflow regulators 72.
[0072] In contrast, the embodiment in FIGS. 8A and 8B does not
utilize the regulators 74. Therefore, air flows unregulated into
and through the duct 18 associated with the damper 58 in the area
or zone 14 where ventilation is demanded. No maximum airflow
control or regulation is provided in the duct 18 associated with
that open damper 58.
[0073] Thus, it should be understood that the system 10 may be
provided with one or more constant airflow regulators 72 and 74 in
various combinations and arrangements with damper 58 that is solid
or that has a regulator 72 mounted therein to regulate or control
airflow to a substantially constant minimum and/or maximum level in
the areas 14. On demand, the damper 58 may be actuated from the
closed to the open position when the user desires to have increased
airflow, such as ventilation airflow, in the zone or area 14, such
as a bathroom.
[0074] It should be understood that the regulators 71-74 and
features of the various embodiments in FIGS. 7A-9B may be mixed or
interchanged and provided in a single system. One illustrative
combination is shown in FIGS. 12A-12B. For example, a system 10 may
have dampers 58 with regulators 71 or 72, with or without
regulators 73 and 74. Some dampers 58 may be provided with the
solid planar member 58b and without an opening 59 similar to the
dampers in FIG. 9B, while other dampers 58 and regulators 72 and 74
may be provided as in the illustrations shown in FIGS. 7A-8B.
[0075] As mentioned earlier, it should be understood that while the
system 10 and method have been shown utilizing the switch 54 that
may be actuated by the user, other means for energizing and
actuating the motor 52 to drive the damper 58 from the closed
position to the open position may be used. For example, the system
10 may utilize any suitable means for providing a motor control
signal for controlling the motor 52, such as the switch 54, a
dehumidistat or occupancy sensor that senses when an occupant has
entered or left a room, a timer, a CO.sup.2 sensor, or any
combination of the aforementioned means.
[0076] Advantageously, one feature of the embodiments illustrated
is that it provides ventilation airflow regulation or control from
the zones or areas 14 through at least one or a plurality of the
ducts 18 to a maximum airflow rate or less or between minimum and
maximum airflow rates. Note that the step of permitting airflow
from the fan 16 or ventilator 17 is performed passively utilizing
one or more of the constant airflow regulators 72 or 74.
[0077] Advantageously, the aforementioned embodiments provide a
primary flow controller or regulator in the form of the damper 58
and at least one or a plurality of other flow controllers or
regulators, such as the constant airflow regulators 71 and 72.
These airflow regulators may be used alone or in combination with
another constant airflow regulator 73 or 74.
[0078] As mentioned earlier, one advantage of the embodiment of
FIGS. 4-6 is that maintenance is much improved over prior art
systems because the assembly 40 can be completely removed from the
housing 24 without having to disconnect the housing 24 or terminal
22 from any ducts or shafts. It should also be understood that the
constant airflow regulators 71-74 require little or no routine
maintenance, unlike the electrical and mechanical systems of the
past.
[0079] The housing 24 does not have to be disconnected from the
duct 18 if it is necessary to make any repairs or maintenance. The
flow control device, such as regulators 72 and 74, require no
direct electrical or pneumatic power source, and can regulate and
control the airflow by utilizing only system duct pressure. Thus,
even if there is no power to switch 54 or motor 52, the regulators
72 and/or 74 will continue to regulate airflow.
[0080] Another feature of one embodiment is the small size of the
terminal 22, which has dimensions of 10''.times.10''.times.8''. The
terminal 22 is capable of being mounted between floor, and ceiling
assemblies, such as those constructed of standard joists on 16''
centers.
[0081] Because the system 10 is capable of regulating and
controlling airflow in the various zones or areas 14 on an as
needed basis, the overall capacity requirements of the central fan
16 and/or ventilator 17 can be reduced because the system 10 is
capable of providing constant airflow in non-demand areas 14 and
airflow at a demand rate in those areas where increased airflow or
ventilation is demanded. This enables a smaller fan 16 or
ventilator to be utilized in the system 10.
[0082] The system 10 advantageously provides a flow control device
that regulates airflow to constant levels when exposed to varying
duct pressure.
[0083] Referring now to FIGS. 13A-130, another embodiment of the
invention is shown. In these embodiments, like parts are identified
with the same part number except that an apostrophe ("'") has been
added to the part numbers in FIGS. 13A-13D.
[0084] The embodiment of FIGS. 13A-13D provides a zone control
system 100 for use in air distribution systems, exhaust or
ventilation systems and for use in buildings 12, such as
multi-story commercial buildings (FIG. 1), multi-story condominiums
or apartment buildings (FIG. 2), a residential building (FIG. 3) or
the like. The system 100 provides a system, apparatus and method
for providing on-demand airflow at a demand airflow rate in the
manner described herein. As with the prior embodiments, the system
100 of this embodiment may comprise or utilize the at least one fan
16' or may comprise the ventilator 17', such as the one or more of
the multi-port ventilator series (MPV) mentioned earlier
herein.
[0085] Referring now to FIGS. 13A-13D, in this embodiment a zone
control terminal 102 is adapted for use in an air distribution
system of the type mentioned earlier herein relative to the other
embodiments. For example, the zone control terminal 102 is adapted
for use in or connected to an existing duct 104, which is shown in
phantom in FIG. 13A as a generally rectangular conventional duct.
Note that the zone control terminal 102 is generally rectangular
and comprises a housing 103 having a first wall 106, a generally
opposing second wall 108, a third wall 110 and a fourth wall or
cover 112 as illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13D. The housing 103 defines
a housing area 103a. As is shown, the walls 106-112 cooperate to
define the generally rectangular housing 103 and housing area 103a.
In the illustration being described, the fourth wall 112 is
pivotally secured to the first walls 106 and second wall with, for
example, rivets or screws. The fourth wall 112 defines an access
cover that pivots between an open position shown in FIGS. 13A and
13D to a closed position (not shown). The fourth wall or access
cover 112 may comprise a latch (not shown) or may be secured into
the closed position by suitable fasteners, such as sheet metal
screws. In the illustration being described, the fourth wall or
access cover 112, when in the open position illustrated in FIG.
13A, provides access to the components of the zone control terminal
102. Note that the wall or cover 112 is pivotably coupled between
the walls 106 and 108 and can pivot about the axis PA between the
open position shown in FIG. 13A and the closed position (not
shown).
[0086] As with prior embodiments, the ducts 18' may be coupled to
at least one or a plurality of zone control terminals 102, at least
one of which is operatively associated with each of the areas 14'
to be ventilated. As with prior embodiments, a single zone control
terminal 102 may be associated with each of the areas 14', but it
should be understood that more than one of the plurality of zone
control terminals 102 may be associated with each of the areas 14'.
Also, and as mentioned earlier herein, not every zone or area 14'
in the building, structure or residence 12' must have one or more
of the plurality of zone control terminals 102, although in a
preferred embodiment at least one of the plurality of control
terminals 102 is associated with each of the areas 14'. In the
illustration shown in FIGS. 13A-13B, note that the zone control
terminal 102 is situated and exists in the existing duct work 104
of the building, structure or residence 12'. The zone control
terminals 102 may be coupled directly to the main ventilator shaft
20' mentioned earlier herein or to artery ducts, such as the ducts
18', that extend from the main ventilation shaft 20'. As with one
or more of the prior embodiments, the zone control terminal 102 may
be situated interior of a ventilation shaft, with an open duct
extension of the type mentioned and described earlier herein
relative to FIG. 11.
[0087] The zone control terminal 102 comprises the first or
upstream end 102a and the second or downstream end 102b. Note that
an inner surface 106a of wall 106, inner surface 110a of wall 110,
inner surface 108a of wall 108 and an inner surface 116a of a
flange or projection 116 cooperates with the wall or access cover
112 to provide a generally closed zone control terminal 102 when
the wall or access cover 112 is in the closed position, but that is
open at the downstream end 102b. An internal wall 114 having a
first side 114a and opposing second side 114b is conventionally
secured, such as by a weld, fasteners (not shown) or adhesive, to
the inner surfaces 106a, 108a and 110a. Note that portions of ends
106b (FIG. 13C), 108b and 110b of walls 106, 108 and 110,
respectively, extend beyond the wall 114 to provide or define a
flange extension 118 that extends beyond the wall 114 to provide or
define a coupling surface that is adapted to be received inside the
duct 104, as illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13D, and conventionally
secured thereto.
[0088] A downward extending support rib or flange 120 (FIGS. 13A
and 13B) is conventionally fixed to walls 106 and 108 and situated
at the end 102b and provides a support for supporting the wall or
access cover 112 when it is in the closed position. Although not
shown, each of the walls 106, 108 and 110 and the flange 118 may be
generally L-shaped in cross section and have portion (not shown)
that extends laterally sideways (as viewed in FIG. 13A) from a top
edge 108c, respectively, either interiorly or exteriorly laterally
to provide additional support or a seat for the wall or access
cover 112.
[0089] In the illustration being described, a first cut out 114a
(FIG. 13B) and a second cut out 114b define a first aperture 126
and a second aperture 128, respectively. The first and second
apertures 126 and 128 are generally circular and are adapted,
dimensioned and sized to receive generally cylindrical sub-ducts or
duct extensions 130 and 132, respectively. Note in FIG. 13A that
the sub-ducts or duct extensions 130 and 132 are shown in
fragmentary view so that the internal components thereof may be
more easily seen and understood. The sub-ducts or duct extensions
130 and 132 comprise a radial flange 130a and 132a integrally
formed in a generally elongated cylindrical portion 130b, 132b,
respectively, as best illustrated in FIG. 13C. After the elongated
cylindrical portions 130b, 132b of the sub-ducts or duct extensions
130 and 132 are received in the apertures 126 and 128,
respectively, the flanges 130a and 132a engage and seat against the
wall 114 as illustrated in FIG. 13C. At least one or a plurality of
conventional fasteners 136 may be used to secure the sub-ducts or
duct extensions flanges 130a and 132a to the wall 114. Other means
for fastening, such as a weld, adhesive or the like may also be
used. After mounting, note that the sub-ducts or duct extensions
130 and 132 extend generally parallel and inside the zone control
terminal 102.
[0090] Advantageously, the embodiment being described shows the
housing 103 that defines a duct that houses a plurality of ducts,
namely, the sub-ducts or duct extensions 130 and 132. As mentioned
later herein, the sub-ducts or duct extensions 130 and 132 could be
the same size, shape or dimension, but as shown, it should be
understood that they could be adapted to be different sizes, areas,
shapes or dimensions. For example, they could be different lengths,
diameter, size or the like.
[0091] In the illustration being described, the generally elongated
cylindrical portions 130b and 132b of sub-ducts or duct extensions
130 and 132 each house and comprise at least one or a plurality of
air regulators, such as a constant airflow regulator of the type
mentioned earlier herein. In this regard, note that the sub-ducts
or duct extensions 130 and 132 comprises at least one constant
airflow regulators 140 and 146, respectively, which operate
substantially as described earlier herein relative to the constant
airflow regulators of the embodiments previously described.
[0092] In the illustration being described, the sub-duct or duct
extension 130 also comprises at least one damper 142 comprises a
securing bracket 142a (FIG. 13C) that couples a drive shaft 54a' of
the drive motor 52' to the damper 142 which is under the control of
the switch 54' and actuates the damper 142 between the closed
position illustrated in FIG. 13A to the open position illustrated
in FIG. 13D. The function and operation of the damper 142 will be
described later herein.
[0093] Note that the sub-duct or duct extension 130 also comprises
the at least one second airflow regulator 146. The operation and
function of the sub-duct or duct extension 130 and the damper 142
and at least one second airflow regulator 146 is similar to that
described earlier herein relative to the illustrative example shown
in FIG. 9B. When the damper 142 is actuated by the motor 52' from
the closed position (FIG. 13A) to the open position (FIG. 13D),
airflow is free to pass through the first sub-duct or duct
extension 130, with the airflow being regulated by the at least one
second airflow regulator 146. Thus, it should be understood that
the damper 142 and at least one second airflow regulator 146 are in
series and cooperate to provide a CFM to pressure difference
similar to that shown in FIG. 9B.
[0094] The sub-duct or duct extension 132 also comprises at least
one first airflow regulator 140 and functions to control a minimum
and maximum amount of airflow through the zone control terminal
102, even when the damper 142 is in the closed position shown in
FIG. 13A. In contrast, note that when the damper 142 is in the open
position shown in FIG. 13D, air is also permitted to flow through
the sub-duct or duct extension 130 with the maximum airflow rate or
CFM through the sub-duct or duct extension 130 being dictated or
controlled by the at least one second airflow regulator 146. Thus,
the at least one first airflow regulator 140 controls or permits a
predetermined or minimum amount of airflow through the zone control
terminal 102 when the damper 142 is in the closed position. The at
least one second airflow regulator 146 cooperates with the at least
one first airflow regulator 140 to control or permit airflow
through the zone control terminal 102 when the damper 142 is in the
open position (FIG. 13D), the at least one first and second airflow
regulators 140 and 146 cooperate to allow a predetermined maximum
amount of airflow through the zone control terminal 102. Thus, it
should be understood that the predetermined maximum amount of
airflow through the zone control terminal 102 is, therefore, a sum
of a maximum airflow rate of the at least first airflow regulator
140 and the at least one second airflow regulator 146. The
preceding is summarized for ease of understanding in the following
Table I:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I Damper 142 Predetermined Minimum
Predetermined Maximum Position Airflow Rate Airflow Rate Damper
minimum airflow rate through maximum airflow rate through 142 in
zone control terminal 102 and zone control terminal 102 and Closed
duct 104 equal to the duct 104 equal to the Position minimum
airflow rate of the maximum airflow rate of the at least one first
airflow at least one first airflow regulator 140 regulator 140
Damper minimum airflow rate through maximum airflow rate through
142 in zone control terminal 102 and zone control terminal 102 and
Open duct 104 equals the sum of the duct 104 equals the sum of the
Position minimum airflows of the at maximum airflows of the at
least one first airflow least one first airflow regulator 140 and
the regulator 140 and the minimum airflow rate of the maximum
airflow rate of the at least one second airflow at least one second
airflow regulator 146 regulator 146
[0095] Thus, it should be understood that the at least one second
airflow regulator 146 is always in series with the damper 142 and
in parallel with the at least one first airflow regulator 140 when
the damper 142 is open, and the maximum airflow rate permitted to
flow through the zone control terminal 102 is the maximum airflow
rate of the sum of the at least one first airflow regulator 140 and
the at least one second airflow regulator 146. For example, if each
of the at least one first and second airflow regulators 140 and 146
had specifications of permitting airflow between 10-175 CFM, then
when the damper 142 is in the closed position illustrated in FIG.
13A, the maximum airflow through the zone control terminal 102 is
controlled by the at least one first airflow regulator 140 and
becomes 175 CFM. However, if the damper 142 has been actuated to
the open position in response to a need in a particular zone or
area 14', then the maximum airflow through the zone control
terminal 102 becomes 350 CFM (the maximum airflow of the at least
one first airflow regulator 140 of 175 CFM added to the maximum
airflow of 175 CFM of the at least one second airflow regulator
146). In contrast, note that in the prior embodiments described
herein, the airflow regulators were situated in series, and in one
embodiment the minimum airflow regulator was actually situated in
the damper 142. The maximum airflow rate in such embodiments was
limited to the highest maximum airflow rate of the airflow
regulators in the series.
[0096] Advantageously, the airflow regulators 140, 146 may have the
same specifications, but more typically, they have different
minimum and maximum airflow rate specifications may be utilized in
this embodiment. This may be advantageous for customizing or
adapting the zone control terminal 102 to particular environments
or structures. For example, in an environment or room (e.g., an
auditorium in a building) that is normally unused, but suddenly
becomes filled with people, it may be desired to provide a high
maximum airflow rate that permits a large airflow through the zone
control terminal 102.
[0097] It should also be understood that one or more features of
the embodiments described earlier herein may be utilized with the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 13A-13D. For example, at least one third
airflow regulator may be placed in the damper 142 as illustrated
similar to the embodiment shown and described relative to FIG. 6.
It should also be understood that one or more other airflow
regulators may be situated in the wall 114 or in other sub-ducts or
duct extensions (not shown) that are mounted either in or to the
wall 114 in a similar manner as the sub-ducts or duct extensions
130 and 132. In other words, the wall 114 may be utilized to
support more sub-ducts or duct extensions than the two sub-ducts or
duct extensions 130, 132 illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13D. When the
damper 142 is actuated to the open position, the damper 142 may
actuate a damper switch as described earlier herein.
[0098] It should also be understood that the sub-ducts or duct
extensions 130, 132 can take other shapes and forms and can be the
same or different sizes. In the illustration shown in FIGS.
13A-13D, the first sub-duct or duct extension 130 is larger in
length and diameter than the second sub-duct or duct extension 132.
The bigger diameter permits the at least one second airflow
regulator 146 to be larger than the at least one first airflow
regulator 140. Alternatively, the sub-ducts or duct extensions may
be of the same size, or again, of different sizes. In the
illustration being described, the at least one first airflow
regulator 140 is smaller and has a lower maximum airflow rate than
the at least one second airflow regulator 146.
[0099] Referring back to FIG. 13D, note that the sub-duct or duct
extension 130 comprises a first foam seal 156 and a second foam
seal 158, both of which are conventional adhered in opposed
relation to an interior surface or wall 130a of the sub-duct or
duct extension 130. Note that when the damper 142 is in the closed
position, a first surface 142a (FIG. 13C) of the damper 142 engages
the first foam seal 156 (FIG. 13B) and the generally opposing
second surface 142b (FIG. 13A) engages the second foam seal 158 as
illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13D. It should be understood that the
first and second foam seals 156 and 158 are slightly longitudinally
offset from each other along the longitudinal axis of the sub-duct
or duct extension 130 to enable the damper 142 to move between the
open and closed positions.
[0100] During use, the damper 142 may be normally closed (FIG.
13A), in which case the first airflow regulator 140 controls
airflow through the zone control terminal 102. A corresponding
airflow graph is shown in FIG. 13A. For example, if the at least
one or a plurality of first airflow regulators 140 have
specifications of regulating airflow between 10 and 175 CFM. When
there is a call for additional airflow resulting from the switch
54' as described earlier herein, the switch 54' causes the motor
52' to be energized and actuate the damper 142 from the closed
position illustrated in FIG. 13A to the open position illustrated
in FIG. 13D. Once in the open position, the at least one second
airflow regulator 146 becomes active. The resulting airflow through
the zone control terminal 102 is illustrated in the CFM to pressure
difference graph shown in FIG. 13D and will be the sum of the
airflow permitted through the at least one first airflow regulator
140 and the at least one second airflow regulator 146 as mentioned
and described earlier herein relative to the Table I.
[0101] Advantageously, the system and method of the embodiment of
FIGS. 13A-13D permit an increased amount of maximum airflow when
desired. Features of the previous embodiments may be used in at
least one or both of the sub-ducts or duct extensions 130 and 132.
For example, although not shown, the sub-duct or duct extension 132
may also comprise a damper in series with the airflow regulator 140
and may also comprise one or more of the other features of the
embodiments described earlier herein.
[0102] As mentioned earlier, it should be understood that the zone
control terminal 102 could be provided with more sub-ducts or duct
extensions if desired and those sub-ducts or duct extensions may
comprise airflow regulators and dampers as described herein
relative to the embodiment of FIGS. 13A-13D or as described
relative to the prior embodiments. For example, the additional
sub-ducts or duct extensions (not shown) may comprise at least one
or a plurality of constant airflow regulators situated in series
and used with or without a damper.
[0103] While the system, apparatus and method herein described
constitute preferred embodiments of this invention, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited to this precise
system, apparatus and method, and that changes may be made therein
without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined
in the appended claims.
* * * * *