Acutherm L.p.

Other

Robert Stephen Hunka

James R Kline

Matthew L Costick

Jack Dozier

The goal of the METHOD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AND CONTROL OF SPATIAL AREAS as a continuation of 'The Spatial Environmental Control Unit' is a method of logging multi-spectral, multi-pixel infrared radiation data of objects in a spatial area for the analysis and control of heat transfer dynamics in the spatial area that is responsive to feedback for controlling the thermal conditions in the spatial area. The METHOD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AND CONTROL OF SPATIAL AREAS further makes the current norm of an 'absolute' temperature control approach for thermal control and human comfort obsolete. Ambient environmental conditions and user preference variables makes the current approach to thermal control time consuming, inaccurate and tedious. The Spatial Environmental Control Unit as one of our foundation patents disclosed the physical components make thermal control and analysis more responsive and user friendly. The METHOD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AND CONTROL OF SPATIAL AREAS makes the control and analysis of the thermal properties of the spatial area more intuitive by providing visual images on any compatible device simplifying the understanding of the dynamics of heat transfer in an environment. Tedium and frustration become understanding and empowerment. This method enables gaining knowledge and using tools for analysis, allowing a user to &#x201c;redesign&#x201d; his environment by correcting ambient conditions and improving the operation of the thermal conditioning equipment. The end result is a better thermal environment with higher energy efficiency.

Method for environmental analysis and control of spatial areas

The goal of the Spatial Environmental Control Unit as a continuation based on the Multifunctional Environmental Control Unit is to create a user friendly accurate analysis and control of heat transfer dynamics in a spatial area that is responsive to the thermal dynamics of the area of interest and accurate to maintain an acceptable level of thermal control as environmental and human biological conditions change without requiring excessive interruptions to the user for manual adjustment. The Spatial Environmental Control Unit (SECU) makes the current norm of an 'absolute' temperature control approach for thermal control and human comfort obsolete. A COMFORT 'theory of relativity' will now be the new norm. The proposed dynamic process of mapping and analyzing the thermal changes rapidly within the area of interest responds to the unpredictable thermal changes in environment better than the best static or &#x201c;learning&#x201d; process currently available. Even though the current &#x201c;learning&#x201d; process for thermal control makes periodic changes based on logged user preferences as a function of time, it still controls for extended time, periods with a single static temperature set point. Basically, a series of a series of static control sequences as a function of time. The proposed Spatial Environmental Control Unit incorporates the dynamics of analyzing real time thermal changes with timely feedback from the user.

Spatial environmental control unit

A novel multifunctional electromechanical device to monitor and control environmental conditions within an occupied space. This device can be configured as a standard VAV Diffuser, an intelligently controlled window, or an intelligently controlled shutter. Functions include thermal control, and air quality control. The device would be built and located to optimize functionality and satisfy the aesthetic needs of occupants, designers, and architects. Energy harvesting combined with ultra-low power operation would reduce the long term operational costs. Mechanical and electronic modularity would facilitate the incorporation of new functions and to upgrade existing functions to improve performance and reduce cost. Additionally, a gas flow damper device that would sense pressure differential integrally or remotely and intelligently control pressure differential. A self powered, energy harvesting damper could be used to balance pressures to various ones in an office space providing just enough air flow to satisfy each zone. Wireless node network would allow communication between multiple balancing dampers to create a highly collaborative network.

Multifuncional environmental control unit

A novel cost effective low profile structure that converts and stores solar radiation into heat and electricity for controlled utilization. The inventive material incorporates a large insulated vault or chamber of substantial thermal mass connected to a series of inlet passages and to a solar collector assembly. As solar radiation is collected by the solar collector assembly a temperature gradient is created between the collector and the air that is within the vault resulting in air being drawn out of the chamber and through the collector assembly. This air movement is utilized to rotate turbines that are coupled to the inlet passages generating electricity. The hot air is also captured and utilized. The system provides for an efficient, economical process of harnessing and utilizing solar energy by capitalizing on not only on its thermal nature, but its motive nature as well.

Solar energy conversion system

A thermally powered VAV diffuser assembly () having a housing () formed for coupling to a supply air duct or conduit (), a damper () mounted across a supply air opening () for movement relative thereto to vary the volume of supply air discharge from the diffuser and a thermally powered damper position controlled device or assembly (). The control assembly () includes not more than two sensor-actuators () and a movable linkage assembly. The linkage assembly transmits movement of the sensor-actuators () to the damper () for displacement of the damper () to vary the volume discharged and to produce change-overs between heating and cooling modes. The heating mode and cooling mode set point temperatures are each independently adjustable, and the movable linkage assembly includes a lever () pivoted about two pivot points by axles () which slide in slots (). The sensor-actuators () and all of the movable linkage assembly are located on a room side of the movable damper () so that removal of the appearance panel () exposes these elements for ease of maintenance, repair and replacement. An adjustable minimum flow stop () balancing arm () and change-over linkage () also are provided.

Thermally powered VAV diffuser and control assembly

A thermally powered VAV diffuser assembly ( ) having a housing ( ) formed for coupling to a supply air duct or conduit ( ), a damper ( ) mounted across a supply air opening ( ) for movement relative thereto to vary the volume of supply air discharge from the diffuser and a thermally powered damper position controlled device or assembly ( ). The control assembly ( ) includes not more than two sensor-actuators ( ) and a movable linkage assembly. The linkage assembly transmits movement of the sensor-actuators ( ) to the damper ( ) for displacement of the damper ( ) to vary the volume discharged and to produce change-overs between heating and cooling modes. The heating mode and cooling mode set point temperatures are each independently adjustable, and the movable linkage assembly includes a lever ( ) pivoted about two pivot points by axles ( ) which slide in slots ( ). The sensor-actuators ( ) and all of the movable linkage assembly are located on a room side of the movable damper ( ) so that removal of the appearance panel ( ) exposes these elements for ease of maintenance, repair and replacement. An adjustable minimum flow stop ( ) balancing arm ( ) and change-over linkage ( ) also are provided.

An adaptive control device ( ) and method ( ) for control of the operation of an actuator ( ), and particularly thermally-powered actuator ( ) of the type used in a variable-air-volume diffuser ( ). The preferred adaptive control device is an expert system circuit which controls a heater ( ) provided on a thermally-powered actuator ( ) to implement an adaptive process ( ) in which a sensed variable, such as room air temperature, is driven toward a target temperature control range (&plusmn;0.25&deg; F.). Most preferably, the process steps ( ) include driving the room air temperature toward a gross (broader) temperature control range (&plusmn;1.0&deg; F.) by moving a diffuser damper assembly ( ) to a substantially fully open or substantially fully closed position. Thereafter, and while inside the gross temperature control range, the process steps ( ) include adjustments to the position of the damper assembly ( ) are made only when a sensed parameter, preferably the supply air flow rate, is in a stable condition. Most preferably, the damper ( ) is temporarily &ldquo;kicked&rdquo; farther open or farther closed than necessary, to minimize hysteresis effects, and then adjusted to a posiiton which tends to drive the room air temperature into the narrower, targeted temperature control range.

Variable-air-volume diffuser, actuator assembly and method

An adaptive control device (,) and method (,) for control of the operation of an actuator (,), and particularly thermally-powered actuator (,) of the type used in a variable-air-volume diffuser (,). The preferred adaptive control device is an expert system circuit which controls a heater (,) provided on a thermally-powered actuator (,) to implement an adaptive process (,) in which a sensed variable, such as room air temperature, is driven toward a target temperature control range (&plusmn;0.25&deg; F.). Most preferably, the process steps (,) include driving the room air temperature toward a gross (broader) temperature control range (&plusmn;1.0&deg; F.) by moving a diffuser damper assembly (,) to a substantially fully open or substantially fully closed position. Thereafter, and while inside the gross temperature control range, the process steps (,) include adjustments to the position of the damper assembly (,) are made only when a sensed parameter, preferably the supply air flow rate, is in a stable condition. Most preferably, the damper (,) is temporarily &ldquo;kicked&rdquo; farther open or farther closed than necessary, to minimize hysteresis effects, and then adjusted to a posiiton which tends to drive the room air temperature into the narrower, targeted temperature control range.

Variable-air-volume diffuser actuator assembly and method

A variable-air-volume (VAV) conditioning system having at least one diffuser (27a-27d) for discharging supply air (SA) into a room (22a-22d) a flow control element (53) movably mounted in the diffuser for control of the volume of supply air (SA) discharged from the diffuser (27a-27d) in response to thermal loading in the room (22a-22d). The VAV system also includes a ventilation air source (41), independent of the supply air source (23), which is fluid coupled to a ventilation air opening defining structure (59), such as a nozzle, located in the diffuser housing (15) at a position downstream of the flow control element (53). A method for ensuring the flow of ventilation air (VA) into a room (22a-22d) including the step of discharging ventilation air (VA) through a ventilation air opening device (59) positioned in the diffuser housing (15) downstream of the diffuser flow control element (53) so that ventilation air flow is controlled independently of, and decoupled from, the variable flow rate of supply air (SA) which is controlled by the flow control element (53).

Variable-air-volume diffuser with independent ventilation air assembly

A variable-air-volume (VAV) conditioning system having at least one diffuser (27a-27d), a flow control element (53) movably mounted for control of the volume of supply air (SA) discharged from the diffuser (27a-27d). The VAV system also includes an air induction nozzle (50,58) mounted to induce room air (RA) flow over a room air temperature sensor (28a, 28a') which controls movement of the flow control element (53). The induction air nozzle (50,58), however, is fluid coupled to a ventilation air assembly for the discharge of ventilation air (VA) into the rooms (22a-22d). Preferably, the induction air assembly is provided by a ventilation conduit assembly (44, 46a-46d) and a ventilation air treatment and supply assembly (41) fluid coupled to a ventilation air source. The ventilation air is discharged through the air induction nozzles (58). A method for ensuring the flow of ventilation air (VA) into a room (22a-22d) including the step of discharging ventilation air through an air flow induction nozzle (50,58) so that ventilation air flow is controlled independently of and decoupled from the variable flow rate of supply air from the central air conditioning supply air source (23).

Variable-air-volume diffuser with induction air assembly and method

A thermally-powered active master and passive satellite or slave diffuser system is disclosed. The system includes a master diffuser (24) with a displaceable damper assembly (41) mounted in the diffuser housing (31) and a thermal sensor-actuator assembly (46) positioned proximate the damper assembly (41) and proximate the master outlet (34, 58). An induction channel (47) communicates secondary air from proximate the master discharge outlet (34, 58) to the thermal sensor-actuator assembly (46) for accurate control of modulation by the damper assembly (41) of air flow to both the master (24) and passive slave (26) diffusers. The thermal sensor-actuator assembly (46) is capable of both cooling and heating and employs opposed sensor-actuator units (81, 102, 111) with override mountings (126, 128, 141) to effect changeover between heating and cooling.

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Oakland, CA, United States of America

Robert Stephen Hunka