Ventilation control apparatus and method

Abstract

An environmental control system for a telecom shelter integrates with a native HVAC system for exchanging interior air in a conditioned space in a machine room, telecom enclosure, or other closed machine environment by forcing or directing cooler outside air to replace interior air without active refrigeration by the native HVAC system. Primary cooling and heating of the conditioned space in the enclosure is performed by an exchange system and control logic that identifies, based on sensory input, when outside air exchange is more efficient than native AC (Air Conditioner) operation. The native AC system is suppressed or inhibited, and primary environmental control performed by fan driven exchange of outside air with air in the enclosure. Sensors and timers identify appropriate periods to defer control to the native AC system for cooling demand in excess of outside air exchange capability, and also identify ongoing suppression, or 'takeback' of cooling control from the native system when erroneous, erratic or mistaken operation results in excessive or insufficient cooling, resulting from such factors as equipment failure, operator error, and environmental/disaster occurrences.