Ventilation – Having inlet airway – Including automatic control means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-19
2001-01-23
Joyce, Harold (Department: 3744)
Ventilation
Having inlet airway
Including automatic control means
C454S302000, C454S303000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176777
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
Square Cone dampening ceiling component diffusers that control airflow, air volume and temperature of supply air into an occupied space are not entirely new.
Most conventional HVAC systems today apply traditional approaches by grouping rooms with similar load characteristics together to form zones. As these zones are created, multiple workspaces are controlled by a single thermostat. “Thermostat wars” ensue as occupants attempt to adjust the thermostat to their level of comfort. Complaints from occupants who are “too hot” or “too cold” are common. Often the system works at capacity to satisfy that one occupant who represents the “worst case” within that zone.
New generation “Smart Diffusers” are relatively new to the industry. Their origin can be traced back to the mid 1980's. The most common of these are ceiling type air control devices, fitted with thermal sensor actuated elements. Such actuators consist of wax filled thermal elements that expand at room temperature (greater than 78 degrees F) to extend shafts that move dampening control devices. A reversed action is achieved on cooling (less than 68 degrees F) when the wax element contracts and is then further spring assisted to cause reverse dampening to a preset location. These thermal (proportionally controlled) diffusers can take up to 30 minutes to adjust to required changes and usually overshoot the preset target temperature, allowing significant temperature swings. Also, the use of springs to reverse damper position can be ineffective if static pressure exceeds 0.25″ (WG) water gauge.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As of late, more sophisticated ceiling diffusers which contain electron/mechanical dampening devices that modulate when activated by electronic remote transmitters appeared on the market.
The Prodigy™ new self-modulating diffuser according to the present invention is in this general category of modulatable devices. It enhances traditional system design by adding the element of personal control. A room temperature sensor provides constant feedback to the direct digital control (DDC) controller located in the diffuser enabling precise monitoring of the space temperature.
As room load varies, the Prodigy™ compensates by controlling the flow of supply air into the space. A superior cone design maintains air performance characteristics throughout the performance range. Diffuser response is controlled through advanced, adaptive PID control algorithms. Modulation is precise and proportionate to the requirements of the space and the occupant.
The actuator mechanism features a high-torque, low voltage DC motor which offers immediate response, superior to the sluggish response and delayed action common to thermally activated expansion devices. A supply air temperature sensor provides automatic heating/cooling changeover. An output is available to activate supplemental perimeter heating devices if required.
Convenient setpoint adjustment can be achieved through either of two versions of remote devices featuring LED display, and room sensing options.
A BAS interface option expands the application of the Prodigy™ to environments with building automation systems.
The current invention deals with a square cone plaque diffuser that incorporates an adjustable inner cone dampening mechanism that reduces air volume into an occupied space. The diffuser fully integrates with ceiling suspension systems.
The installation of such modulating plaque diffusers are used primarily in personal offices or boardrooms where supply air entering the occupied zone must be quiet and draft-free. The plaque diffuser provides a true 360-degree radial horizontal airflow pattern. The 360-degree radial horizontal airflow promotes rapid mixing of room and supply air, temperature equalization, and velocity reduction. This type of diffuser is ideal for Variable Air Volume (VAV) applications because of its stable and horizontal air patterns at low neck inlet velocities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a self-modulating diffuser for regulating the volume flow of conditioned air from a duct to a selected space which affords excellent air mixing and sound performance.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a self-modulating diffuser as aforesaid in which ambient room air is entrained and mixed for maximum comfort level, to eliminate drafts and hot and/or cold zones.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a self-modulating diffuser as aforesaid which affords true variable air volume (VAV) heating and cooling.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a self-modulating diffuser which exhibits a quick response adjustment (cycle time) from fully opened to fully closed.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a self-modulating diffuser as aforesaid including a direct digital control (DDC) and actuator mechanism for accuracy of temperature and immediacy of response to changes in the occupied zone or in the duct supply air.
With a view to achieving these advantages and allowing for additional features discussed herein, there is provided a self-modulating diffuser for regulating the volume flow of conditioned air from a duct to a selected space, which comprises an adjustable square cone plaque-type ceiling diffuser which has as its three principal structural components (i) an outer cone for developing horizontal airflow, (ii) a square plaque for attachment to the outer cone and (iii) an inner dampening cone which in use is positioned intermediate the outer cone and the square plaque. The diffuser according to the invention also comprises first sensor means for measuring the temperature in the duct, second sensor means for measuring the temperature in the room space and direct digital control (DDC) controller means responsive to signals from the first and second sensor means, operable to produce a control signal to the actuator mechanism for adjusting the position of the inner dampening cone.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuator means comprises a high-torque low voltage DC motor, for longevity and reliability.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the second sensor means for measuring the space temperature is centrally mounted on the plaque of the diffuser and has a temperature set point which is adjustable by remote means, either a hand-held infrared remote or a radio-frequency remote.
Advantageously, a housing is provided to contain the actuator (drive) mechanism, fabricated from durable square extruded aluminum post and the actuator means is itself made of durable plastic and includes a tangential force reduction bushing for quick response.
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Boblinski Jason V.
Dyck Alfred T.
Fraley Charles D.
Kettner Bruce N.
Laflamme Eric G.
E. H. Price Limited
Joyce Harold
Shlesinger & Arkwright & Garvey LLP
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