US20170299212A1 - System and method for controlling ventilation system based upon humidity detection - Google Patents

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Classifications

• • F24F11/0015—
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
  • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
  • E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells
  • E03D9/04—Special arrangement or operation of ventilating devices
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
  • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
  • F24F11/0001—Control or safety arrangements for ventilation
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
  • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
  • F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
  • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
  • F24F11/62—Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
  • F24F11/63—Electronic processing
  • F24F11/64—Electronic processing using pre-stored data
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
  • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
  • F24F11/70—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
  • F24F11/72—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure
  • F24F11/74—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling air flow rate or air velocity
  • F24F11/77—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling air flow rate or air velocity by controlling the speed of ventilators
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
  • F24F7/00—Ventilation
  • F24F7/04—Ventilation with ducting systems, e.g. by double walls; with natural circulation
  • F24F7/06—Ventilation with ducting systems, e.g. by double walls; with natural circulation with forced air circulation, e.g. by fan positioning of a ventilator in or against a conduit
  • F24F7/065—Ventilation with ducting systems, e.g. by double walls; with natural circulation with forced air circulation, e.g. by fan positioning of a ventilator in or against a conduit fan combined with single duct; mounting arrangements of a fan in a duct
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
  • F24F2110/00—Control inputs relating to air properties
  • F24F2110/20—Humidity
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
  • Y02B30/00—Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]
  • Y02B30/70—Efficient control or regulation technologies, e.g. for control of refrigerant flow, motor or heating

Definitions

• the present invention relates to systems and methods for ventilating enclosed spaces, and more particularly, to a system and method for controlling activation and deactivation of an exhaust system for ventilating an enclosed space, such as a bathroom, based on a relative humidity level.
• Ventilation systems are often used to ventilate enclosed spaces, such as by removing humid air from bathrooms.
• the simplest ventilation systems are manually switched on and off by an occupant of the space.
• More sophisticated systems employ a sensor to measure an actual humidity level in the space, compare the measured actual humidity level to a stored threshold humidity level, and automatically control activation and deactivation of an exhaust system based on whether the actual humidity level exceeds the threshold humidity level. The exhaust system remains activated until the actual humidity level falls below the threshold humidity level or times out.
• Embodiments of the present invention solve the above-described and other problems and limitations by providing a system and method for controlling activation and deactivation of an exhaust system for ventilating an enclosed space based on a relative humidity level. Rather than blindly operate the ventilation system continuously or for a pre-determined interval, the present invention smartly controls operation of the ventilation system based on the relative humidity value.
• a system for controlling activation and deactivation of an exhaust system for ventilating an enclosed space.
• the system may broadly include a humidity sensor, a memory element, and a processing element.
• the humidity sensor may be configured to measure a humidity value in the enclosed space.
• the memory element may be configured to receive and store the measured humidity value along with a series of previously measured humidity values, and to store a look-up table.
• the processing element may be configured to calculate a normal humidity value based on a weighted average of the stored series of previously measured humidity values, and to consult the look-up table which specifies activation and deactivation criteria for the exhaust system based on the measured humidity value and the normal humidity value, and to cause the exhaust system to activate or deactivate as specified by the look-up table.
• the exhaust system may include an exhaust fan for drawing air out of the enclosed space, a motor for driving the exhaust fan, and a grill for shielding access to an interior of the exhaust system.
• the enclosed space may be a bathroom, and the exhaust system may be installed in a ceiling of the bathroom or attic space.
• the humidity sensor may be positioned near the exhaust system, or the humidity sensor may be positioned remote from the exhaust system. The measured humidity value may be added to the series of previously measured humidity values and stored in the memory element at a first interval of approximately between ten and thirty seconds, or approximately between fifteen and twenty-five seconds.
• the normal humidity value may be calculated based on the weighted average of the series of previously measured humidity values stored in the memory element over a second interval of approximately between twenty and forty seconds, or approximately thirty seconds. While the exhaust system is activated, the normal humidity value may not be re-calculated. If the exhaust system remains activated for more than a time limit, the processing element may deactivate the exhaust system even if the measured humidity value does not satisfy the deactivation criteria specified in the look-up table, and the system may reset by determining a new normal humidity value.
• the system may further include an occupancy sensor configured to determine whether the enclosed space is occupied, and the processing element may be further configured to control activation and deactivation of the exhaust system only when the enclosed space is occupied.
• a system for controlling activation and deactivation of an exhaust fan for ventilating a bathroom.
• the system may broadly include a humidity sensor, a memory element, and a processing element.
• the humidity sensor may be configured to measure a humidity value in the bathroom.
• the memory element may be configured to receive and store at a first interval of approximately between ten and thirty seconds the measured humidity value along with a series of previously measured humidity values, and to store a look-up table.
• the processing element may be configured to calculate a normal humidity value based on a weighted average of the series of previously measured humidity values stored in the memory element over a second interval of between twenty and forty seconds, and to consult the look-up table which specifies activation and deactivation criteria for the exhaust fan based on the measured humidity value and the normal humidity value, and to cause the exhaust fan to activate or deactivate as specified by the look-up table.
• This second embodiment may further one or more additional features discussed in connection with other embodiments.
• a method for controlling activation and deactivation of an exhaust fan for ventilating a bathroom.
• the method may broadly include the following steps.
• a humidity sensor may measure a humidity value in the bathroom.
• An electronic memory element may receive and store at a first interval of approximately between ten and thirty seconds the measured humidity value along with a series of previously measured humidity values.
• An electronic processing element may calculate a normal humidity value based on a weighted average of the series of previously measured humidity values stored in the memory element over a second interval of between twenty and forty seconds.
• the electronic processing element may consult a look-up table stored in the memory element which specifies activation and deactivation criteria for the exhaust fan based on the measured humidity value and the normal humidity value.
• the electronic processing element may cause the exhaust fan to activate or deactivate as specified by the look-up table.
• This third embodiment may further include one or more additional features discussed in connection with other embodiments.
• FIG. 1 is a depiction of an embodiment of a system for controlling an exhaust system based on a relative humidity level
• FIG. 2 is a flowchart of steps involved in a method for controlling the exhaust system based on the relative humidity level.
• references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the invention.
• references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are not mutually exclusive unless so stated.
• a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included.
• particular implementations of the present invention can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.
• the present invention provides a system and corollary method for controlling activation and deactivation of an exhaust system for ventilating an enclosed space based on a relative humidity value.
• the system monitors transient fluctuations in humidity values over a period time in order to determine a normal humidity value at any particular time.
• the system sets limits on normal levels and calls for ventilation when a current humidity value exceeds these limits.
• the present invention smartly controls operation of the ventilation system based on relative humidity values.
• an embodiment of the system 10 is shown in context with an exemplary exhaust system 12 for ventilating an enclosed space 14 , such as a bathroom.
• the exemplary exhaust system 12 may be installed in a ceiling 16 of the space 14 , and may broadly comprise an exhaust fan 18 for drawing air out of the space 14 , a motor 20 for driving the exhaust fan 18 , and a grill 22 for shielding an interior 23 of the exhaust system 12 .
• the fan 18 is not positioned remote from the ceiling 16 or grill 22 , and the grill 22 therefore shields access to the fan 18 .
• the principles of the present invention are applicable to remotely located fans where ductwork corrects the grill to the remote fan.
• the system 10 may broadly comprise one or more humidity sensors 30 ; an electronic memory element 32 ; and an electronic processing element 34 .
• the one or more humidity sensors 30 may be configured to measure a humidity value of the air in the space 14 .
• the humidity sensor(s) 30 may be mounted near to 30 a , 30 b and/or remote from 30 c the exhaust system 12 .
• the electronic memory element 32 may be configured to receive and store the measured humidity value along with a series of previously measured humidity values, and to store a look-up table.
• the system 10 may measure and/or store the humidity value continuously or periodically, such as at a first interval of approximately between ten (10) and thirty (30) seconds, or approximately between fifteen (15) and twenty-five (25) seconds, or approximately eighteen and seventy-five hundredths (18.75) seconds.
• the electronic processing element 34 may be configured to calculate a normal humidity value based on a weighted average of the stored series of previously measured humidity values, and to consult the look-up table which specifies criteria for activation or deactivation of the exhaust fan 18 based on the measured humidity value and the calculated normal humidity value, and to cause the exhaust fan 18 to activate or deactivate as specified by the look-up table.
• this algorithm produces an averaging filter with a natural time constant (T) of 10 minutes (i.e., 18.75 seconds ⁇ 32). This filter may track to within five percent (5%) of a step value change in three T (3T), or thirty (30) minutes.
• the system 10 may measure and/or store the actual humidity value at the first interval (e.g., eighteen and seventy-five hundredths (18.75) seconds), and then calculate the weighted average of the stored series of previous humidity values measured over the second interval (e.g., thirty (30) seconds) to determine the “normal” humidity value for the space 14 .
• the normal humidity value is X
• the measured actual humidity value, Y is greater than the system “ON” set point
• the system 10 may activate the exhaust fan 18
• the system 10 may deactivate the exhaust fan 18 .
• the system 10 may not update the normal humidity value (i.e., the normal relative humidity value is temporarily fixed).
• XX % may be a user-adjustable variable between thirty percent (30%) and seventy percent (70%), wherein lower values may bring humidity values closer to normal, while higher values may reduce the running time of the exhaust fan 18 .
• the exhaust fan 18 may be deactivated and the system 10 may be reset even if the measured humidity value does not satisfy the deactivation criteria. This may occur when the exhaust system 12 is not capable of sufficiently reducing the humidity level, which might happen, for example, if a window is opened and the space 14 is flushed with humid outside air. If this happens, a new normal humidity value may be determined to reflect the abnormally high humidity value, and the process may proceed with the new normal humidity value.
• a time limit such as approximately between two (2) and three (3) hours, or approximately two and one-half (2.5) hours
• the system may further include a motion or other sensor 38 configured to determine whether the space 14 is occupied, and to consider the occupancy status when controlling the exhaust fan 18 , such as by activating or continuing to activate the exhaust system 12 only when the enclosed space is occupied.
• a motion or other sensor 38 configured to determine whether the space 14 is occupied, and to consider the occupancy status when controlling the exhaust fan 18 , such as by activating or continuing to activate the exhaust system 12 only when the enclosed space is occupied.
• an embodiment of the method 110 for controlling activation and deactivation of the exhaust system 12 for ventilating the enclosed space 14 is shown broadly comprising the following steps. Measuring with the humidity sensor 30 the humidity value in the space 14 , as shown in step 112 . Receiving and storing in the electronic memory element 32 at the first interval the measured humidity value along with the series of previously measured humidity values, as shown in 114 . Calculating with the electronic processing element 34 the normal humidity value based on the weighted average of the series of previously measured humidity values stored in the memory element 32 over the second interval, as shown in 116 .
• the look-up table stored in the memory element 32 which specifies activation and deactivation criteria for the exhaust system 12 based on the measured humidity value and the calculated normal humidity value, as shown in 118 .
• the method 110 may further include deactivating by the processing element 34 the exhaust system 12 even if the measured humidity value does not satisfy the deactivation criteria specified in the look-up table, and resetting by the processing element 34 by calculating a new normal humidity value, as shown in 122 .
• the method 110 may further include determining with the occupancy sensor 38 whether the space 14 is occupied, and controlling by the processing element 34 activation and deactivation of the exhaust system 12 only when the space 14 is occupied, as shown in step 124 .

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Signal Processing (AREA)
• Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Fuzzy Systems (AREA)
• Mathematical Physics (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
• Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
• Epidemiology (AREA)
• Ventilation (AREA)
• Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)

Abstract

Description

Claims (20)

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Cited By (5)

Citations (2)

• 2016
  • 2016-04-14 US US15/098,921 patent/US20170299212A1/en not_active Abandoned

Patent Citations (2)

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