U.S. patent application number 17/008953 was filed with the patent office on 2021-02-18 for devices, systems and methods relating to hvac systems that provide an implicit partition between at least two abutting environments in a defined large open space.
This patent application is currently assigned to Roberts Gordon LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Roberts Gordon LLC. Invention is credited to Charles M. Brown.
Application Number | 20210048835 17/008953 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005196827 |
Filed Date | 2021-02-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210048835 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown; Charles M. |
February 18, 2021 |
DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS RELATING TO HVAC SYSTEMS THAT PROVIDE
AN IMPLICIT PARTITION BETWEEN AT LEAST TWO ABUTTING ENVIRONMENTS IN
A DEFINED LARGE OPEN SPACE
Abstract
Systems, devices and methods, etc., comprising at least two
separate and distinct environmental climate control devices that
both serve the mixed use open space, and which environmental
climate control devices are centrally controlled to provide at
least two different HVAC-controlled zones, for example to
differentiate between the zones according to at least one of
temperature, humidity, pressure or contaminant level.
Inventors: |
Brown; Charles M.;
(Bellevue, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Roberts Gordon LLC |
Buffalo |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Roberts Gordon LLC
Buffalo
NY
|
Family ID: |
1000005196827 |
Appl. No.: |
17/008953 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15677928 |
Aug 15, 2017 |
10768645 |
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17008953 |
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62374940 |
Aug 15, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 2221/50 20130101;
F24F 11/54 20180101; F24F 2110/10 20180101; F24F 11/30 20180101;
F24F 11/46 20180101; G05D 23/1934 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G05D 23/19 20060101
G05D023/19; F24F 11/30 20060101 F24F011/30 |
Claims
1. A heating ventilation cooling (HVAC) system comprising: at least
two separate and distinct environmental climate control devices,
the at least two separate and distinct environmental climate
control devices both serving a single mixed use open space
consisting essentially of a large open space having at least a
first selected temperature zone abutting a second selected
temperature zone; a central uniform control unit operably connected
to the at least two separate and distinct environmental climate
control devices to control combined operation of the separate and
distinct distinct environmental climate control devices, the
central uniform control unit also operably connected to at least a
first temperature sensor located in the first selected temperature
zone and to a second temperature sensor located in the second
selected temperature zone; wherein, the central uniform control
unit is further configured such that, based on a first selected
temperature set point for the first selected temperature zone, a
second selected temperature set point for the second selected
temperature zone, wherein the second selected temperature set point
is different from the first selected temperature set point, and on
information from the first and second temperature sensors, the
central uniform control unit controls combined operation of the at
least two separate and distinct environmental climate control
devices to establish substantially different temperatures between
the first and second selected temperature zones.
2. The heating ventilation cooling (HVAC) system of claim 1 wherein
the at least two separate and distinct environmental climate
control devices comprise at least one radiant heater and at least
one direct fired heater.
3. The heating ventilation cooling (HVAC) system of claim 2 wherein
the central uniform control unit controls equipment staging for the
direct fired heater based on information from a pressure sensor
centrally located in the mixed use open space and operably
connected to the central uniform control unit.
4. The heating ventilation cooling (HVAC) system of claim 1 wherein
the at least two separate and distinct environmental climate
control devices comprise at least one climate control heating
device and at least one climate control cooling device. 5.
(Currently Amended) The heating ventilation cooling (HVAC) system
of claim 1 wherein the at least two separate and distinct
environmental climate control devices comprise at least two climate
control heating devices and at least one climate control cooling
device.
6. The heating ventilation cooling (HVAC) system of claim 1 wherein
the at least two separate and distinct environmental climate
control devices further comprise at least one ventilation device,
and the central uniform control unit controls, via the ventilation
device, ventilation in the mixed use open space to support the
substantially different temperatures between the first and second
selected temperature zones.
7. The heating ventilation cooling (HVAC) system of claim 1 wherein
the system further comprises at least one pressure sensor operably
connected to the central uniform control unit such that the central
uniform control unit selectively controls air pressure in the mixed
use open space to support the substantially different temperatures
between the first and second selected temperature zones.
8. The heating ventilation cooling (HVAC) system of claim 1 wherein
the system further comprises at least one contaminant sensor
operably connected to the central uniform control unit such that
the central uniform control unit selectively controls HVAC in the
mixed use open space based on information provided by the
contaminant sensor.
9. The heating ventilation cooling (HVAC) system of claim 8 wherein
the contaminant comprises at least one of carbon monoxide (CO) or
nitrous oxide (NOX).
10. The heating ventilation cooling (HVAC) system of claim 1
wherein the first selected temperature zone having the first
temperature is configured to be occupied by people and the selected
temperature zone having the second, substantially different
temperature is configured to not be occupied by people.
11. The heating ventilation cooling (HVAC) system of claim 10
wherein the system further comprises at least one occupancy sensor
operably connected to the central uniform control unit.
12. The heating ventilation cooling (HVAC) system of claim 11
wherein the central uniform control unit is configured to adjust
the temperature in the first selected temperature zone when the
occupancy sensor senses people in the first selected temperature
zone.
13. The heating ventilation cooling (HVAC) system of claim 1
wherein the large open space is at least one of a factory, a
warehouse, or a distribution center
14. The heating ventilation cooling (HVAC) system of claim 1
wherein each separate and distinct environmental climate control
device of the HVAC equipment operates in stand-alone mode according
to its stand-alone sequence of operations in the absence of
instructions from the central uniform control unit.
15. The heating ventilation cooling (HVAC) system of claim 1
wherein the central uniform control unit controls the separate and
distinct environmental climate control devices to provide outside
air in quantities greater than needed solely for heating of the
first and second selected temperature zones.
16. The heating ventilation cooling (HVAC) system of claim 1
wherein the central uniform control unit controls equipment staging
for the direct fired heaters based on a centralized pressure
control.
17-37. (canceled)
38. A method comprising manufacturing a heating ventilation cooling
(HVAC) system, the method comprising: in a single mixed use open
space consisting essentially of a large open space, providing at
least two separate and distinct environmental climate control
devices, the two separate and distinct environmental climate
control devices configured to serve the single mixed use open space
to create within the large open space of the single mixed use open
space at least a first selected temperature zone abutting a second
selected temperature zone; operably connecting a central uniform
control unit to control the at least two environmental climate
control devices, the central uniform control unit configured to
control combined operation of the separate and distinct
environmental climate control devices, the central uniform control
unit also operably connected to at least a first temperature sensor
located in the first selected temperature zone and to a second
temperature sensor located in a second selected temperature zone;
wherein, configuring the central uniform control unit such that,
based on a first selected temperature set point for the first
selected temperature zone, a second selected temperature set point
for the second selected temperature zone, which second selected
temperature set point is different from the first selected
temperature set point, and on information from the first and second
temperature sensors, the central uniform control unit controls
combined operation of the at least two separate and distinct
environmental climate control devices to establish substantially
different temperatures between the first and second selected
temperature zones.
39. A method comprising establishing substantially different
temperatures between the first and second selected temperature
zones in the single mixed use open space consisting essentially of
a large open space according to claim 1 using the at least two
separate and distinct environmental climate control devices
according to claim 1.
40. (canceled)
41. A building comprising the heating ventilation cooling (HVAC)
system of claim 1.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of copending U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/374,940, filed Aug. 15,
2016, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) is the
technology of indoor and environmental comfort,
https://en,wikipedia.org/wiki/HVAC (Various references are set
forth herein, including in the Cross-Reference To Related
Applications, that discuss certain systems, apparatus, methods and
other information; all such references are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety and for all their teachings and
disclosures, regardless of where the references may appear in this
application. Citation to a reference herein is not an admission
that such reference constitutes prior art to the current
application.)
[0003] HVAC systems can comprise a plurality of different, distinct
environmental climate control devices, such as two or more of, a) a
radiant heater , which can comprise a burner; at least one heat
exchanger tube, a tube to carry the combustion gasses, and a
reflector to direct the heat that is generated; b) an indirect or
direct fired air heater, which discharge heated air directly or
through ducts within a building or structure; c) an air
conditioner/cooler to condition interior air for recirculation, and
d) a dedicated air conditioning/cooling system (DOAS) for
delivering outdoor air ventilation that handles both the latent and
sensible loads of conditioning the ventilation air (see., e.g.,
https://en,wikipedia.org/wiki/Dedicated outdoor air system; U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 15/406,703, filed Jan. 14,
2017 and entitled HVAC System Comprising Independently Variable
Refrigerant Flow (VRF) And Variable Air Flow (VAF)"). Other HVAC
elements can also be included with, or instead of, the HVAC
elements listed above, such as exhaust fans, ventilators, etc.
[0004] A goal of an HVAC system is to provide thermal comfort and
acceptable indoor air quality. This goal can be particularly
difficult where a large open space such as a warehouse, a shopping
mall, storage facility, a distribution center, a factory or an ice
rink, that has at least two different zones that each has a
different use. For example, where one such area being occupied by
people and the other being unoccupied by people but containing
products benefitting from cooler temperatures, or where two
different zones in a large open space are both occupied but the
people using the zones have different needs, for example an ice
skating rink where the hockey players benefit from colder air while
the watching audience wants to be warmer. Thus, the two
different-use zones require different heating, cooling,
ventilation, humidity, etc., needs within different areas within
that large open space.
[0005] Despite decades of effort to increase the efficiency of, and
reduce the energy demands of HVAC systems, present HVAC systems are
not as efficient as possible and require unnecessary amounts of
energy.
[0006] Thus, there has gone unmet a need for improved methods of
increasing the efficiency and/or energy usage of HVAC systems.
[0007] The present systems and methods, etc., increase the
efficiency of, and reduce the energy demands of, HVAC systems,
and/or provide other advantages.
SUMMARY
[0008] The systems, devices, methods, etc., herein increase the
efficiency of, and reduce the energy demands of, HVAC systems in
situations where a large, multi-use open space benefits from having
two, three or more distinct environmental climate zones separated
by implicit partitions created by the HVAC systems herein, The
systems, devices, methods, etc., herein include at least two
separate and distinct environmental climate control devices (i.e.,
separate environmental climate control devices indicates that such
devices are independently acting; distinct environmental climate
control devices indicates that such devices are different types of
environmental climate control devices, such as infrared heaters
compared to direct/indirect fired heaters compared to cooling
units). Such separate and distinct environmental climate control
devices serve the mixed-use open space, and such devices are
centrally controlled to provide at the least two different
HVAC-controlled zones that abut each other, for example to
differentiate between the zones according to at least one of
temperature, or contaminant level. In some embodiments, the
environmental climate control devices can be of a same type, i.e.,
separate but not distinct, and the at least two HVAC-controlled
zones or environments, can be separated by a reasonable distance
instead of abutting each other.
[0009] The at least two distinct environmental climate control
devices, which run under their own independent control as desired
and/or as manufactured, are under control of a coordinated
controller, which can be effected for example via distributed
controllers or a single controller, which is/are known as a central
uniform control unit. The central uniform control unit is also
operably connected to at one or more sensors or other detection
devices that detect environmental conditions within the different
environmental zones. The detection devices provide feedback,
directly or indirectly, to the central uniform control unit so that
the central uniform control unit can adjust, for example in
real-time or as desired, one, two, three, or more of the HVAC units
to create and/or maintain (i.e., establish) the at least two
abutting environments. Such sensors can be, for example, at least a
first temperature sensor located in the first selected temperature
zone and to a second temperature sensor located in a second
selected temperature zone.
[0010] The central uniform control unit is configured to modify or
regulate the functioning of the environmental climate control
devices to adjust for changes in factors that affect the zones,
including real-time data such as internal (in the zone) temperature
fluctuations, external (e.g., outside the building) temperature
fluctuations, contaminant fluctuations, and/ or pressure
fluctuations. Thus, based on such inputs as well as specific set
points for one or more of a range of parameters and environmental
conditions such as desired temperature, contaminant conditions,
humidity, pressure, etc. for the different environmental zones, the
central uniform control unit controls combined operation of the at
least two distinct environmental climate control devices to
establish the implicit partition between the first and second
selected temperature zones such that the first and second selected
temperature zones respectively have substantially different HVAC
characteristics, such as temperatures, or humidity or contaminant
levels. One example. of such a system is the VIRTUAL WALL.TM. HVAC
system provided by Roberts Gordon LLC.
[0011] Such systems can provide enhanced comfort for users and
improved energy usage, and/or other benefits. For example, they can
achieve one or more of the following advantages: [0012] a.
Integrated system of heating cooling and ventilation equipment.
[0013] b. Optimize energy usage in large open spaces with mixed use
between occupied and unoccupied areas. [0014] c. Energy usage 40%
less BTU requirements as compared to ASHRAE 90.1 2010 baseline
[0015] d. Supplier provided intuitive graphical user interface
showing equipment status in real-time. [0016] e. Provide access to
zone settings allowing user to adjust accordingly. [0017] f. Adjust
set points and control properties for both occupied and unoccupied
modes. [0018] g. Uses open protocol allowing communication over
internet, Intranet and modem cells, without special software.
[0019] h. Flexible trending provides user historical operation data
to review building conditions.
[0020] In one embodiment, the direct fired heaters and radiant
heaters and other heating and/or cooling environmental climate
control devices are used in large areas, for example, a warehouse,
a shopping mall, storage facility, a distribution center, a factory
or an ice rink, that has spaces that are occupied by individuals
and other spaces that are normally unoccupied by individuals. The
direct fired heaters assist in maintaining a selected temperature
for the overall interior environment, while the radiant heaters
create an enveloped heated area within the interior environment
that encourages particular uses within a specific area. The two
separate and distinct heaters (and other heating and/or cooling
environmental climate control devices) are, however, separate and
distinct components that operate apart from each other.
[0021] The present systems, methods, etc., integrate controls that
regulate at least different two heating, ventilation and/or cooling
environmental climate control devices, for example the
above-identified disparate heaters under a uniform control unit in
order to balance the workload to obtain a more efficient heating
system and also save money.
[0022] Other heating and/or cooling environmental climate control
devices such as other heater types, air conditioners, ventilators
and equivalents thereof that normally operate through distinct
operating units can also be used. By capitalizing on an implicit
partition that controls at least two (2) heating and/or cooling
environmental climate control devices centrally to achieve optimal
energy usage in large open spaces that have mixed use between
concentrated areas of people and areas that are not usually
occupied by people then a more efficient environmentally controlled
building is obtained that also saves money.
[0023] Thus, in some aspects, the current systems, methods, etc.,
include heating ventilation cooling (HVAC) systems comprising:
[0024] at least two separate and distinct environmental climate
control devices, the two distinct environmental climate control
devices both serving a mixed use open space having at least a first
selected temperature zone abutting a second selected temperature
zone; [0025] a central uniform control unit operably connected to
the at least two environmental climate control devices to control
combined operation of the distinct environmental climate control
devices, the central uniform control unit also operably connected
to at least a first temperature sensor located in the first
selected temperature zone and to a second temperature sensor
located in a second selected temperature zone; wherein, [0026] the
central uniform control unit can be further configured such that,
based on a first selected temperature set point for the first
selected temperature zone, a second selected temperature set point
for the second selected temperature zone, which second selected
temperature set point can be different from the first selected
temperature set point, and on information from the first and second
temperature sensors, the central uniform control unit controls
combined operation of the at least two distinct environmental
climate control devices to establish substantially different
temperatures between the first and second selected temperature
zones. In some embodiments, such separate zones are divided and
defined by an implicit partition created by the centralized control
of such disparate devices based on information including sensor
data. Such systems provide significantly enhanced energy savings
and in some cases increased user comfort, as well as increased
flexibility in how different zones with the large open space are
utilized.
[0027] In some embodiments, the at least two distinct environmental
climate control devices can comprise at least one radiant heater
and at least one direct or indirect fired heater. The central
uniform control unit can control equipment staging for the direct
fired heater based on information from a pressure sensor centrally
located in the mixed use open space and operably connected to the
central uniform control unit.
[0028] The at least two distinct environmental climate control
devices can comprise at least one climate control heating device
and at least one climate control cooling device. The at least two
distinct environmental climate control devices can comprise at
least two climate control heating devices and at least one climate
control cooling device. The at least two distinct environmental
climate control devices further can comprise at least one
ventilation device, and the central uniform control unit controls,
via the ventilation device, ventilation in the mixed use open space
to support the substantially different temperatures between the
first and second selected temperature zones.
[0029] The system further can comprise at least one pressure sensor
operably connected to the central uniform control unit such that
the central uniform control unit selectively controls air pressure
in the mixed use open space to support the substantially different
temperatures between the first and second selected temperature
zones, and can comprise at least one contaminant sensor operably
connected to the central uniform control unit such that the central
uniform control unit selectively controls HVAC in the mixed use
open space based on information provided by the contaminant sensor.
The contaminant can comprise at least one of carbon monoxide (CO)
or nitrous oxide (NOX).
[0030] The first selected temperature zone having the first
temperature can be configured to be occupied by people and the
selected temperature zone having the second, substantially
different temperature can be configured to not be occupied by
people. The system further can comprise at least one occupancy
sensor operably connected to the central uniform control unit. The
central uniform control unit can be configured to adjust the
temperature in the first selected temperature zone when the
occupancy sensor senses people in the first selected temperature
zone. The large open space can be at least one of a warehouse, a
shopping mall, storage facility, a distribution center, a factory
or an ice rink.
[0031] The central uniform control unit can control the distinct
environmental climate control devices to provide outside air in
quantities greater than needed solely for heating of the first and
second selected temperature zones, and can control equipment
staging for the direct fired heaters based on the centralized
pressure control.
[0032] In further aspects, the systems, etc., herein include
heating ventilation cooling (HVAC) systems comprising: [0033] at
least two separate environmental climate control devices, the at
least two separate environmental climate control devices both
serving a mixed use open space having at least a first selected
HVAC-controlled zone abutting a second selected HVAC-controlled
zone; [0034] a central uniform control unit operably connected to
the at least two environmental climate control devices, the central
uniform control unit operably connected to at least one detection
device providing information about at least one HVAC-conditioned
quality in the mixed use open space; wherein, [0035] the central
uniform control unit can be further configured such that, based on
a first selected HVAC set point for the first selected
HVAC-controlled zone, a second selected HVAC set point for the
second selected HVAC-controlled zone, which second selected HVAC
set point can be different from the first selected HVAC set point,
and on information from detection device, the central uniform
control unit controls combined operation of the at least two
distinct environmental climate control devices to establish
substantially different temperatures between the first and second
selected temperature zones.
[0036] Also included herein are methods comprising manufacturing
and/or using systems and devices as discussed herein, which methods
can include establishing an implicit partition as discussed
herein.
[0037] These and other aspects, features and embodiments are set
forth within this application, including the following Detailed
Description and attached drawings. Unless expressly stated
otherwise, all embodiments, aspects, features, etc., can be mixed
and matched, combined and permuted in any desired manner
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 schematically depicts a building comprising a large,
mixed use open space.
[0039] FIG. 2 depicts schematically a building comprising a large,
mixed use open space wherein the large, mixed use open space is not
a pure rectangle.
[0040] FIG. 3 schematically depicts an exemplary set of operable
connections of various components of the systems herein.
[0041] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary flow chart for one embodiment of
implementing methods associated with the systems, etc., herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] The present systems and methods, etc., provide approaches
able to create a "implicit partition" between adjoining spaces
located within a single large open space, for example a warehouse
that has both occupied and non-occupied zones. The implicit
partition separates two different environmental climates in each of
the spaces via careful, centralized control of HVAC units serving
the large open space.
[0043] Turning to the Figures, FIG. 1 depicts schematically a
building 10 comprising a large, mixed use open space 12, which in
turn comprises a first selected HVAC-controlled zone 14 abutting a
second selected HVAC-controlled zone 16. First selected
HVAC-controlled zone 14 and second selected HVAC-controlled zone 16
are separated by an implicit partition 28.
[0044] FIG. 2 depicts schematically a building 10 comprising a
large, mixed use open space 12. wherein the large, mixed use open
space 12 that is not a pure rectangle as in FIG. 1 but instead
comprises a plurality of pockets 18 such as storage rooms 4 within
the large, open space; such pockets are not separated by physical,
structural walls to define the different spaces but instead are
substantially open along at least one side to the remainder of the
large open space. Large open space 12 comprises a plurality of
environmental climate control devices 20 such as radiant heaters 1,
direct or indirect fired heaters 2, an air conditioner/cooler 3,
which can be a dedicated air conditioning/cooling system (DOAS)
and/or an interior-air conditioner; when acting as a DOAS, it
delivers outdoor air ventilation that handles both the latent and
sensible loads of conditioning the ventilation air. FIG. 2 also
depicts schematically temperature sensors 22 and pressure sensor
24, which provide feedback data and information to the various
environmental climate control devices 20 and central uniform
control unit 5.
[0045] Radiant heaters 1 can be, for example, standard or custom
designed ROBERTS GORDON.RTM. Infrared Heating systems, which are
engineered to provide even heat and uniform comfort throughout
relevant occupied spaces. In such radiant heaters 1, infrared
energy passes directly through space (air) in the large open space
to heat objects and occupants below. As warmth is absorbed, energy
re-radiates in the space. Using the implicit partition systems
herein, modulating and zoning capabilities automatically respond to
heat requirements in each area, providing heat only where desired,
which can result in significant energy savings.
[0046] Direct or indirect fired heaters can he, for example,
RAPID.RTM. or Weather-Rite.RTM. direct-fired air management
systems, or the Weather-Rite.RTM. IDF indirect-fired air management
system. Such direct or indirect fired heaters 2 brings in tempered
air during heating periods and non-tempered air during warmer
periods to efficiently establish and maintain a mild, pressurized
condition in the facility. Direct or indirect fired heaters 2,
particularly when coupled with the other elements of the systems
herein, can provide improved indoor air quality and deliver
base-level heating for occupied and unoccupied areas. In some
embodiments, neither the direct-fired/indirect-fired nor radiant
heating unit can handle the heating load on its own during a design
temperature day, and thus in such embodiments it is the controlled
combination by the central uniform control unit of both of these
systems that is particularly helpful.
[0047] Further, direct or indirect fired heaters 2 can provide
pressurization forces that force airborne particulate out, reduces
drafts around openings and improves comfort during colder months.
Direct or indirect fired heaters 2 can also increase operating
efficiency by delivering all desired available heat to the
specified HVAC-controlled zone with the large open space, or to the
large open space as a whole if needed. The combustion in direct or
indirect fired heaters 2 can create natural humidity, which can
enhance comfort and reduces bothersome static electricity that can
negatively impact production processes.
[0048] Air conditioning/cooling system 3 can be an ADDISON.RTM.
dedicated outdoor air system, and can be a flexible, pre-packaged
unit that provide ventilation air for industrial or non-industrial
applications where variable seasonal cooling is desired. Such air
conditioning/cooling system 3 can be configurable with exhaust air
energy recovery to reduce heating/cooling loads associated with
fresh air supply. Air conditioning/cooling system 3 can also
respond to building changes to reduce ventilation rates during low
occupancy periods, and can provide options to deliver optimum
energy efficiency, while meeting ventilation code requirements or
other desired ventilation levels, for example in commercial
spaces.
[0049] Central uniform control unit 5, which can also be referred
to as an implicit partition controller such as the VIRTUAL WALL.TM.
controller offered by Roberts Gordon LLC, controls in combination
each of the environmental climate control devices 20 to establish
the implicit partition as discussed herein. Facilities manager 6
has convenient control over all HVAC systems within the implicit
partition system from a single access point, although multiple
access points are provided. Thus, using the central uniform control
unit 5, users can easily control space conditions by partitioning
large spaces into separate zones.
[0050] FIG. 3 schematically depicts an exemplary set of operable
connections 30 of various components of the systems herein.
Environmental climate control devices 20 include radiant heater 1,
direct or indirect tired heaters 2, and air conditioning/cooling
system 3. Each of such environmental climate control devices 20, in
the embodiment depicted, includes its own independent device
controller 32 as well as operable connection to the central uniform
control unit 5, which as depicted is located in a locally hosted
web-server software package, but can be provided in any suitable
form including for example cloud computing. Also operably connected
to the central uniform control unit 5 are a variety of exemplary
user interfaces such as a tablet/handheld device 34, which can have
a touchscreen interface for parameter adjustments, scheduling,
access individual equipment controller files, which can have a
browser or dedicated app, local intranet computer 36, and an
off-site, internet connected computer 38, which off-site computer
will typically comprise a firewall 40 or other protective devices
and/or software (all other computing devices should likewise have
such protection). Wireless internet access can also be implemented,
if desired, through other systems such as use of a cellular modem
https://en,wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile broadband.
[0051] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary flow chart for one embodiment of
implementing methods associated with the systems, etc., herein. In
FIG. 4, start box 100 provides a large open space having plurality
of distinct HVAC units (environmental climate control devices 20)
and a central controller (central uniform control unit 5).
Installation step 102 confirms that the implicit partition system
components are installed for operation, while in set points step
104 a user provided schedules, temperature set points, humidity set
points, etc. In confirmation step 106, the system if operational
and running according the parameters previously established. In
trend data evaluation step 108, trend data from sensors and the
like are evaluated to determine system changes that may be made to
improve performance.
[0052] Occupied mode 110 and unoccupied mode 112 represent two
possible states that warrant establishing the implicit partition
discussed herein; occupied steps 130-150 demonstrate exemplary
appropriate steps to take when a zone is occupied, while steps
unoccupied steps 114-128 demonstrate exemplary appropriate steps to
take when a zone is unoccupied. Pressure steps 152-158 demonstrate
exemplary appropriate steps to take to achieve desired building
pressure.
[0053] A further example of operation of the systems, methods,
etc., herein can be as follows:
[0054] 1. General: [0055] a. Each distinct environmental climate
control device of the HVAC equipment operates in stand-alone mode
according to its stand-alone sequence of operations in the absence
of, or absence of instructions from, the central uniform control
unit, also known as an implicit partition controller. The central
uniform control unit centrally coordinates one or more, or all of,
inputs from different sensors and/or information sources such as
user-selected set points or feedback information sources. Specific
factors can include local temperature, occupancy, pressure control,
heating set points, cooling set points and miscellaneous exhaust
fans.
[0056] 2. Exemplary Distinct Environmental Climate Control Devices:
[0057] a. Infrared Heating unit (IRH). [0058] i. Control of
building heating. [0059] ii. Radiant heat to be installed where
needed. [0060] b. Outside Air Handling Unit (OAHU) [0061] i.
Control of Building air quality conditions by providing required
make up air and baseline heating for building. The system can
provide the following [0062] 1. Heating [0063] 2. Cooling [0064] 3.
Ventilation [0065] 4. Monitoring of Gases (CO, CO2, NOX, H) [0066]
ii. Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) [0067] 1. Control of Office
Environment [0068] a. Treated Air [0069] b. Heating [0070] c.
Cooling [0071] d. Monitoring of Gases (CO, CO.sub.2, NOX, H) [0072]
c. Direct Fired Heater. [0073] i. discharge heated air through
ducts within a building or structure
[0074] 3. Exemplary Occupied Temperature Zone Component Interaction
and Discussion: [0075] a. OAHU is cycled on and operates according
to the occupancy schedule set in the central uniform control unit
(Implicit partition Controller). [0076] b. IRH maintains space
temperature heating set points according to its occupancy schedule.
[0077] c. Should the IRH be operating at 100% capacity and not be
able to achieve or maintain the space temperature heating set point
after the prescribed adjustable runtime (e.g., 30 minutes adj.),
the discharge air temperature set point of the OAHU is raised in
inverse proportion to the outside air temperature to supplement the
heating capacity of the IRH system. [0078] d. Once the space
temperature heating set point is achieved, the OAHU is returned to
its normal temperature control and the IRH controller modulates the
vacuum pump and cycles the burners to maintain space temperature
heating set points. [0079] e. Building Static Pressure. [0080] i.
Building Pressure is maintained at the higher of: [0081] ii.
Positive Adjustable Pressure (e.g., 0.01'' water column ("wc")
(adj) relative to outside the building. [0082] iii. Regulate
outside Air CFM as measured and defined by Code or process
settings. [0083] iv. OAHU units using variable speed drives (VSDs)
operate their fans at the minimum prescribed speed for the current
mode of operation (e.g., heating, ventilation only, or cooling as
desired). [0084] f. Exhaust Fans Control cycle on according to
selected conditions, such as the following, which can be user
selectable: [0085] i. Continuous run [0086] ii. Upon a rise in
temperature above space temperature cooling set points [0087] iii.
Exceeding air quality conditions according to a specialized gas
sensor (CO, CO.sub.2, NOX, H, etc.)
[0088] 4. Exemplary Unoccupied Temperature Zone Component
Interaction and Discussion: [0089] a. For the unoccupied zone, the
Exhaust Fans (EF's) and Outside Air
[0090] Handling Unit (OAHU) are off. The Infrared Heat (IRH) are
cycle to maintain the space unoccupied setpoint. [0091] b. In
cooling season, if the night time outside air conditions
(temperature or enthalpy, if applicable) are suitable and the
outside air ("OA") temperature is at least 3.degree. F. lower than
the space temperature, the implicit partition controller operates
the OAHU to provide free cooling to pre-cool the space and take
advantage of the OA conditions [0092] c. If desired, the system can
perform a pre-occupancy purge by staging on the exhaust fans and
OAHU prior to the start of occupancy by a user adjustable time
period to ensure sufficient air change. OA limits can be provided
to prevent the purge operation during times when the OA conditions
are unsuitable (excessively cold or hot); this can be configured by
the user
[0093] The discussion now turns to some further discussion of
exemplary HVAC units and elements that can be used within the
systems, methods, etc., herein.
[0094] Generally, and without limitation, radiant heaters provide
radiant heat (as opposed, e.g., to convection-based heat). Common
components of radiant heaters include but are not limited to: a
burner; at least one hot roller, heat treated, steel, or coated
aluminized tube that can be straight, elbowed at for example 45 or
90 degrees, crossed, or tee-shaped; a reflector with or without a
top aperture normally made of aluminum or stainless steel, a
flexible gas line with a shut-off cock, a combustion chamber,
coupling assembly with lock, end vents, and tube adaptor. Exemplary
conventional reflectors for radiant heaters are shown in Trombe,
U.S. Pat. No. 3,310,102. U.S. patent application publication number
2011/0049253, Catteau, et al., provides examples of (a) certain
aspects of how conventional radiant heaters operate, (b) typical
conventional radiant heater component parts, and (c) some
variations of the above-identified reflector shapes. Additional
exemplary disclosures of radiant heaters can be found in U.S. Pat.
No. 7,489,858 to Zank et al.; and, U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,125 to
Eaves.
[0095] Examples of radiant heaters include the CoRayVac.RTM. brand
low intensity radiant heater from Roberts Gordon, which provides
provide infrared heating and uses modulating burners-in-series.
Burners-in series allows for maximum heat coverage in the space,
minimizing building exhaust penetrations. With a range of Btu/h
inputs available, burners can be placed 10 ft-70 ft apart for
uniform heat coverage. Suitable radiant heater controllers include,
for example, the UltraVac.RTM. brand (U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,331)
modulating controller that offers continuous modulation of the
system and constantly adjusts fuel and combustion air, and the
CoRayVac.RTM. modulating controller.
[0096] Generally, and without limitation, direct fired
recirculating industrial air heaters are operable to discharge
heated air through ducts within a building or structure, such as a
warehouse, a shopping mall, storage facility, a distribution
center, a factory or an ice rink or the like. Typically, the amount
of heat added by the direct fired heater in proportion to the
amount of outdoor air being introduced into the building is below a
predetermined maximum temperature rise value. For example, ANSI
Z83.18 2017 specifies one example of the amount of heat added in
proportion to the amount of outdoor air introduced into the direct
fired heater. The standard sets a defined allowable temperature
rise based upon the actual percentage of outdoor air being inducted
into the direct fired heater. The defined temperature rise is
determined by the percentage of outdoor air and a "k" factor
associated with the type of fuel that is used for heating the
building. For example, the k factor for natural gas is 1.04. This
element is intended to limit the potential for excessive
accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) within the building. Exemplary
systems, including exemplary burners, are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,051,464; 3,178,161 and 3,297,259.
[0097] Turning to a discussion of exemplary controllers for
individual HVAC units, such controllers function to maintain the
interior temperature of a building at a particular nominal or set
point temperature. The individual, self-contained control of a HVAC
unit, when such a self-controlled unit is included in the systems
herein (as opposed, for example, to systems wherein all aspects are
controlled by the central uniform control unit) can be accomplished
by the use of thermostats that sense the actual, real-time
temperature in a particular building space. When the temperature
deviates from the set point temperature by a predetermined amount,
the thermostat activates the HVAC unit to bring the building
temperature back to the set point temperature.
[0098] Some thermostats also provide a set-back function which
changes the building interior temperature to a predetermined
set-back temperature during the hours when the building is
unoccupied. These set-back thermostats operate on a time-of-day
clock which enables the user to preprogram the thermostat for
specific start and stop times during the day when the thermostat
will operate with a set-back temperature setting.
[0099] Direct fired heaters and radiant heaters and other heating
and/or cooling environmental climate control devices can be used in
large open-space areas, for example, a warehouse, a shopping mall,
storage facility, a distribution center, a factory or an ice rink.
Such large, mixed-use spaces can have zones that are occupied by
individuals and other spaces that are normally unoccupied by
individuals. In some examples, the direct fired heaters maintain a
selected temperature for the overall interior environment, while
the radiant heaters create an enveloped heated area within the
interior environment that encourages. These two distinct heaters
(and other heating and/or cooling environmental climate control
devices) can be, however, separate and distinct components that
operate apart from each other.
[0100] The present application is further directed to methods of
making the various elements of the systems and apparatus herein,
including making the systems and apparatus themselves from such
elements, as well as to methods of using the same, or otherwise as
desired.
[0101] All terms used herein are used in accordance with their
ordinary meanings unless the context or definition clearly
indicates otherwise. Also unless expressly indicated otherwise, in
the specification the use of "or" includes "and" and vice-versa.
Non-limiting terms are not to be construed as limiting unless
expressly stated, or the context clearly indicates, otherwise (for
example, "including," "having," and "comprising" typically indicate
"including without limitation"). Singular forms, including in the
claims, such as "a," "an," and "the" include the plural reference
unless expressly stated, or the context clearly indicates,
otherwise.
[0102] Unless otherwise stated, adjectives herein such as
"substantially" and "about" that modify a condition or relationship
characteristic of a feature or features of an embodiment, indicate
that the condition or characteristic is defined to within
tolerances that are acceptable for operation of the embodiment for
an application for which it is intended.
[0103] The scope of the present devices, systems and methods, etc.,
includes both means plus function and step plus function concepts.
However, the claims are not to be interpreted as indicating a
"means plus function" relationship unless the word "means" is
specifically recited in a claim, and are to be interpreted as
indicating a "means plus function" relationship where the word
"means" is specifically recited in a claim. Similarly, the claims
are not to be interpreted as indicating a "step plus function"
relationship unless the word "step" is specifically recited in a
claim, and are to be interpreted as indicating a "step plus
function" relationship where the word "step" is specifically
recited in a claim.
[0104] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although
specific embodiments have been discussed herein for purposes of
illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating
from the spirit and scope of the discussion herein. Accordingly,
the systems and methods, etc., include such modifications as well
as all permutations and combinations of the subject matter set
forth herein and are not limited except as by the appended claims
or other claim having adequate support in the discussion and
figures herein.
* * * * *
References