U.S. patent application number 17/096698 was filed with the patent office on 2021-05-13 for systems and method for hvac air flow increase.
The applicant listed for this patent is James P. Atkinson. Invention is credited to James P. Atkinson.
Application Number | 20210140657 17/096698 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005235690 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-13 |
![](/patent/app/20210140657/US20210140657A1-20210513\US20210140657A1-2021051)
United States Patent
Application |
20210140657 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Atkinson; James P. |
May 13, 2021 |
SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR HVAC AIR FLOW INCREASE
Abstract
The method may be a process of increasing the size and placement
of return air ducts to increase the efficiency and airflow of a
heating and cooling system. The process may take into consideration
the current placement and sizes of return air in an existing
building or may take into consideration the size of new
construction for proper size and placement of return air ducts. The
process allows for increased surface area which in turn allows for
increased air intake and increased output.
Inventors: |
Atkinson; James P.; (Hyrum,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Atkinson; James P. |
Hyrum |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005235690 |
Appl. No.: |
17/096698 |
Filed: |
November 12, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62934083 |
Nov 12, 2019 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 7/04 20130101; F24F
8/10 20210101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 7/04 20060101
F24F007/04; F24F 3/16 20060101 F24F003/16 |
Claims
1. A method for increasing airflow in an HVAC system comprising:
selecting a furnace with a preexisting return airflow duct, the
furnace located in a first room; connecting a second return airflow
duct to the furnace, the second return airflow duct passing through
a wall of the first room and into a second room, the second return
airflow duct in communication with a return air inlet grille in the
second room.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of providing
the second return airflow duct with a filter.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of providing
the second return airflow duct with a filter rack, and placing the
filter in the filter rack.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of selecting a furnace
with a preexisting return airflow duct comprises selecting a
furnace with a preexisting return airflow duct on a first side of
the furnace.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of connecting the second
return airflow duct to the furnace comprises connecting the second
return airflow duct on a second side of the furnace, the second
side of the furnace opposite the first side of the furnace.
6. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of raising
the furnace, and wherein the step of connecting the second return
airflow duct to the furnace comprises connecting the second return
airflow duct on a bottom side of the furnace.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of providing
a stand to support the bottom side of the furnace.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of connecting a second
return airflow duct to the furnace comprises connecting the second
return airflow duct to the preexisting return airflow duct.
9. A process of increasing airflow in an HVAC system comprising:
measuring current volume in a return air duct; measuring current
space allowable for the return air duct; and installing a larger
volume return air duct.
10. The process of claim 9, wherein the step of installing a larger
volume return air duct comprises increasing a volume of a
preexisting return air duct.
11. The process of claim 9, wherein the step of installing a larger
volume return air duct comprises attaching a second return airflow
duct to a furnace.
12. The process of claim 11, wherein the furnace is located in a
first room, and wherein the second return airflow duct is in
communication with a return air inlet grille located in a second
room.
13. The process of claim 12, further comprising the step of
attaching a filter to the second return airflow duct.
14. The process of claim 11, wherein the step of attaching a second
return airflow duct to the furnace comprises attaching the second
return airflow duct on a side of the furnace opposite a side of a
preexisting return air duct.
15. The process of claim 9, wherein the step of installing a larger
volume return air duct comprises installing a second return airflow
duct to a rooftop HVAC unit.
16. A process of increasing airflow in an HVAC system comprising:
measuring current volume in a return air duct; measuring current
space allowable for the return air duct; installing a plurality of
return air ducts in a plurality of locations; and increasing volume
of the airflow through the plurality of air ducts.
17. The process of claim 16, wherein the step of installing the
plurality of return air ducts in a plurality of locations comprises
installing a first return air duct in communication with a first
side of a furnace and installing a second return air duct in
communication with a second side of the furnace.
18. The process of claim 17, wherein the second side is opposite
the first side.
19. The process of claim 16, further comprising the step of
installing a filter at each of the plurality of return air
ducts.
20. The process of claim 16, wherein the step of installing a
plurality of return air ducts comprises installing at least one
return air duct to a rooftop HVAC unit.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM AND CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] A claim for priority to the Nov. 12, 2019 filing date of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No 62/934,083 ("the '083
Provisional Application"), titled HVAC AIR FLOW INCREASE is hereby
made pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e). The entire disclosure of
the '083 Provisional Application is hereby incorporated herein
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to a method of increasing
airflow within a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
unit. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a modifying
existing HVAC systems or installing new systems in both residential
and commercial applications with increased airflow.
BACKGROUND
[0003] HVAC systems have been utilized in commercial and
residential properties for decades. Many of the current HVAC
systems include return air flow ducts that allow a system to have
air from the interior of the building be pulled into the system and
then heated or cooled depending on the desire of the building
inhabitant. Many current systems may utilize multiple points to
position return air ducts in a building to enhance the performance
of the HVAC system and increase air flow within the building as
well. The increased airflow allows for a more efficient system that
cuts down on heating and cooling costs.
[0004] In many buildings return air ducts are positioned one on
each floor and the sizes of the return air ducts vary. Additionally
most heating and cooling systems have a filter positioned within
the system that is at a 90.degree. or even 180.degree. degrees from
where the air enters the duct to when the air is filtered in the
system and either heated or cooled.
[0005] Current systems fail to take advantage of increased surface
area for return air ducts to allow for increased airflow and a more
efficient system. The following description provides the ability to
overcome the shortcomings of current systems and devices.
SUMMARY
[0006] A process is intended for increasing efficiency of HVAC
systems by providing increased surface area for return air ducts as
well as better airflow. The process includes adjusting the angle of
airflow as well as the size and placement of return air ducts in a
building. The process may include adjusting current HVAC systems or
installation of new systems including installation of new ductwork,
furnace, air conditioner and grilles. The process may allow the
system to increase the airflow but also provide better airflow with
better filtration.
[0007] According to one aspect, a method for increasing airflow in
an HVAC system may include: selecting a furnace with a preexisting
return airflow duct, the furnace located in a first room;
connecting a second return airflow duct to the furnace, the second
return airflow duct passing through a wall of the first room and
into a second room, the second return airflow duct in communication
with a return air inlet grille in the second room.
[0008] In some configurations, the method may include the step of
providing the second return airflow duct with a filter. For
example, the second return airflow duct may include a filter
rack.
[0009] According to another aspect, the step of selecting a furnace
with a preexisting return airflow duct comprises selecting a
furnace with a preexisting return airflow duct on a first side of
the furnace. The step of connecting the second return airflow duct
to the furnace may include connecting the second return airflow
duct on a second side of the furnace, the second side of the
furnace opposite the first side of the furnace.
[0010] According to another aspect, the method may include the step
of raising the furnace, and the step of connecting the second
return airflow duct to the furnace may include connecting the
second return airflow duct on a bottom side of the furnace. In some
configurations a stand to support the bottom side of the furnace
may be provided.
[0011] According to another aspect, the step of connecting a second
return airflow duct to the furnace may comprise connecting the
second return airflow duct to the preexisting return airflow
duct.
[0012] A process of increasing airflow in an HVAC system may
include: measuring current volume in a return air duct; measuring
current space allowable for the return air duct; and installing a
larger volume return air duct. In some configurations, the step of
installing a larger volume return air duct comprises increasing a
volume of a preexisting return air duct. In other configurations,
the step of installing a larger volume return air duct comprises
attaching a second return airflow duct to a furnace. The furnace
may be located in a first room, and the second return airflow duct
is in communication with a return air inlet grille located in a
second room. The process may also include the step of attaching a
filter to the second return airflow duct.
[0013] In some configurations, the step of attaching a second
return airflow duct to the furnace comprises attaching the second
return airflow duct on a side of the furnace opposite a side of a
preexisting return air duct. In other configurations, the step of
installing a larger volume return air duct comprises installing a
second return airflow duct to a rooftop HVAC unit.
[0014] According to another aspect, a process of increasing airflow
in an HVAC system may include the steps of: measuring current
volume in a return air duct; measuring current space allowable for
the return air duct; and installing a plurality of return air ducts
in a plurality of locations. The step of installing the plurality
of return air ducts in a plurality of locations may further include
installing a first return air duct in communication with a first
side of a furnace and installing a second return air duct in
communication with a second side of the furnace. In some
configurations, the second side is opposite the first side. In
other configurations, the second side need not be opposite the
first side. In still other configurations, the step of installing a
plurality of return air ducts comprises installing at least one
return air duct to a rooftop HVAC unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The following drawings illustrate what are currently
considered to be specific representative configurations for
carrying out the disclosed subject matter and are not limiting as
to embodiments which may be made in accordance with the present
disclosed subject matter. The components in the drawings are not
necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference
numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several
views.
[0016] The drawings are illustrative and not limiting of the scope
of the disclosed subject matter which is defined by the appended
claims. The various elements of the disclosed subject matter
accomplish various aspects and objects of the disclosed subject
matter. Not every element of the disclosed subject matter can be
clearly displayed in a single drawing, and as such not every
drawing shows each element of the disclosed subject matter.
[0017] In the drawings:
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a return air duct of an HVAC system;
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates the return air duct of FIG. 1 entering a
furnace;
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a filter portion of the HVAC system of
FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a modified HVAC system;
[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates the added air intake of the modified HVAC
system of FIG. 4;
[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates the intake grille in communication with
the added air intake of FIG. 5;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an added air intake of FIG.
4;
[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary modified HVAC
system;
[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates the added air intake of the modified HVAC
system of FIG. 8; and
[0027] FIG. 10 illustrates the intake grille in communication with
the added air intake of FIG. 9.
DESCRIPTION
[0028] The following provides a detailed description of particular
embodiments of the present disclosed subject matter. Reference will
now be made to the drawings in which the various elements of the
illustrated configurations will be given numerical designations and
in which the disclosed subject matter will be discussed to enable
one skilled in the art to make and use the subject matter. It is to
be understood that the following description is only exemplary of
the principles of the present disclosed subject matter, and should
not be viewed as narrowing the scope of the claims which follow,
which claims define the full scope of the disclosed subject
matter.
[0029] It will be appreciated that various aspects discussed in one
drawing may be present and/or used in conjunction with the
embodiment shown in another drawing, and each element shown in
multiple drawings may be discussed only once. For example, in some
cases, detailed description of well-known items or repeated
description of substantially the same configurations may be
omitted. The reason is to facilitate the understanding of those
skilled in the art by avoiding the following description from being
unnecessarily redundant. The accompanying drawings and the
following description are provided in order for those skilled in
the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and these are
not intended to limit the gist disclosed in the scope of
claims.
[0030] Reference in the specification to "one configuration" "one
embodiment," "a configuration" or "an embodiment" means that a
particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in
connection with the configuration is included in at least one
configuration, but is not a requirement that such feature,
structure or characteristic be present in any particular
configuration unless expressly set forth in the claims as being
present. The appearances of the phrase "in one configuration" in
various places may not necessarily limit the inclusion of a
particular element of the disclosed subject matter to a single
configuration, rather the element may be included in other or all
configurations discussed herein.
[0031] The following disclosure and description sets forth the
process for increasing the airflow and efficiency of an HVAC
system, including utilizing larger return air ducts and adjusting
filtration to provide for a higher efficiency system. The process
may be implemented in both commercial and residential buildings and
may be installed in new buildings or retrofitted into existing
buildings.
[0032] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a ductwork 10 of an HVAC system in
a residential application with a return airflow ductwork that
enters the furnace 14 or air conditioning unit from an outside wall
12 of a mechanical or utility room where the furnace 14 resides.
The return air ductwork 10 may include at least one planar or
substantially piece of sheet metal 16 that is installed on or in a
wall, and typically between two studs of a wall. The planar piece
of sheet metal 16 may act to provide a channel or pathway for air
to flow and the drywall, or sheetrock, forms the other side of the
channel opposite the planar piece sheet metal 16 and between the
studs. It will be appreciated that the planar piece of sheet metal
16 may span multiple studs to provide a larger channel, or if there
is a stud in between, multiple small channels for the air to pass
through to return to the furnace 14.
[0033] Alternatively, a tube of sheet metal 18 may be utilized to
interface between a wall with drywall and the tube of sheet metal
18 may terminate at a given wall and then back at the furnace 14.
It is intended whether using planar sheet metal or tubular sheet
metal to provide the largest possible space to allow more air to
return to the furnace. Increasing the internal volume creates
stronger and more efficient outputs of the HVAC system.
[0034] Modifications to existing HVAC systems may generally include
adding a return air grille and any associated ductwork, either
connected to the original, preexisting return air ductwork or to
the side opposite the original, preexisting return air ductwork. In
yet other configurations, a return air grille may be added in
another position within the HVAC system. In some configurations
there may be little or no room (or ability) to add return air
ductwork to the preexisting return air ductwork or to the opposite
side, and in these situations the furnace may be raised. A stand
may then be built underneath the furnace and a second return air
grille may be added to facilitate air movement within the HVAC
system.
[0035] In some configurations a filter may also be added in
communication with the additional return air grille. For example,
when a furnace is raised and a stand built underneath, a filter may
be added either to the stand, and/or a filter grille may be used in
communication with the additional return air grille. This second
air filter in communication with the air grille and/or associated
additional ductwork may ensure the air in the HVAC system is clean.
In configurations where the second return airflow duct is provided
on the side of the furnace, a filter may also be added to the side
of the furnace to ensure the air is filtered.
[0036] By adding an additional intake to the HVAC system, for
example by adding second return airflow duct to the furnace, it may
make more air available to the blower of the furnace and increase
the output of the blower. It may also lower the static pressure of
the duct and thereby increase the velocity pressure. For example,
in some configurations, an increase of air output of up to 245
percent was observed. Similarly, static pressure of the duct was
found to be lowered below 0.62 and even down to 0.011 (measured
before the blower) after adding a second return airflow duct and
associated grille to the HVAC system. Thus, providing a static
pressure drop anywhere from 0.01 to 0.61.
[0037] When modifying HVAC systems the blower motor electrical
limits should not be exceeded so the life of the motor and relay
board are not compromised. Furnace blowers have different
requirements, as each is different and its blower capacity is
different. The increase of airflow may be accomplished by either
increasing existing return air ducts in size, and/or installing
additional return air ducts, providing the same volume but in two
different return air ducts. In a residential application this may
be provided by accessing the air outside the mechanical room.
Because systems are different, each system requires its own
analysis and remedy. While a separate duct system can be added to
facilitate the desired output, the existing ducts can also
sometimes be altered to achieve the desired output. And in some
circumstances the supply duct may also be insufficient to deliver
air to grilles.
[0038] In commercial applications, increased airflow may be
accomplished by installing new return air ductwork connecting
directly to a rooftop unit (if applicable) or by return to the
return air trunk lines. By increasing the return air ducts or
adding additional return air ducts, the increases in airflow
outputs of the system may be from 0.25 times better to four times
better. The increase in air flow is directly reflective by the
increase in cubic inches of the return air by the following:
F = ( C - P ) P ##EQU00001##
Where F is the change in airflow, C is the current or present cubic
inches of the return air duct, and P is the previous or past cubic
inches of the return air duct. The increase in airflow may also be
calculated using this equation where C is in cubic centimeters and
P is in cubic centimeters.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 3, an air filter system 20 is depicted
with a filter 22. The return airline 10 enters the furnace at an
angle between 30.degree. and 45.degree. which provides greater air
flow efficiency. It will be appreciated that any angle may be
utilized from 0.degree. to 90.degree.. The process of moving the
filter system 20 to an angle between 30.degree. and 45.degree.
allows for increased flow with reduced resistance and may allow for
use of a larger air filter than may have been previously
contemplated.
[0040] The process of installing additional return air ducts may
provide increased benefits and heating and cooling efficiencies in
the building as well. Ideally installing a return air duct at the
lowest possible point in a building may draw the coldest air of the
building into the furnace to be heated or cooled. Similarly,
installing a return air duct at the highest possible point in a
building may draw the warmest air of the building into the furnace
to be heated or cooled. These additional return air ducts may
provide greater efficiency in each case depending on which air the
system is trying to properly put out. The process may also include
transfer air ducts that transfer airflow from room to room to
provide for even heating and cooling of an entire building.
[0041] FIGS. 4-5 shows an exemplary altered furnace in a
residential setting with an added second return airflow duct 35.
The existing return air duct 30 is shown on the right of the
furnace 14. The second return airflow duct 35 is shown attached to
the left side of the furnace 14. The second return airflow duct 35
may be in communication with a room apart from the room that the
furnace 14 is housed in. For example, the furnace 14 may be housed
in a mechanical room 37, and the second return airflow duct 35 may
pass through a wall 39 between the mechanical room and a second
room 44. The second return airflow duct 35 may be in communication
with a return air inlet grille 40 located in a second room 44
(FIGS. 6-7). Additionally, the second return airflow duct may
comprise a second filter, and in some configurations the second
return airflow duct may comprise a filter rack.
[0042] FIGS. 8-9 show another exemplary furnace alteration in a
residential setting. The furnace 14' had an existing return air
duct 30' provided, shown on the left side in FIG. 8. The HVAC
system shown was altered by adding a second return airflow duct
35', as indicated at the right side of the furnace 14'. This second
return airflow duct 35' is a square duct that passes through the
wall 39' that separates the mechanical room 37' from a second room
44'. Thus, the second return airflow duct 35' is in communication
with a room apart from the room that the furnace 14' is housed in.
The second return airflow duct 35' is also in communication with a
return air inlet grille 40' located in a second room 44' (FIG. 10).
Additionally, the second return airflow duct 35' may be provided
with a filter.
[0043] Although the foregoing disclosure provides many specifics,
such as use of the system in heating and cooling systems, other
applications are contemplated and these should not be construed as
limiting the scope of any of the ensuing claims. Other embodiments
and configurations may be devised which do not depart from the
scopes of the claims. Features from different embodiments and
configurations may be employed separately or in combination.
Accordingly, all additions, deletions and modifications to the
disclosed subject matter that fall within the scopes of the claims
are to be embraced thereby. The scope of each claim is indicated
and limited only by its plain language and the full scope of
available legal equivalents to its elements.
[0044] Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the
foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present
disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore,
while the HVAC system set of the present disclosure has been
described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true
scope of the disclosure should not be so limited since other
modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon
a study of the drawings, specification and claims that follow.
* * * * *