OUTSIDE AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Abstract

An energy recovery ventilator (“ERV”) connecting an outside air intake to an outside air supply for an AHU or an interior space. The ERV includes a damper for controlling the outside air inflow to the AHU or the interior space. A humidity sensor and a temperature sensor can be mounted within the inlet air path proximate the damper to monitor the temperature and humidity of outside air approaching the ERV through the outside air intake. The damper can be positioned to according to the measured temperature and humidity of the outside air to control the outside air being supplied to the AHU or the interior space.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims the benefit of priority, under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e), to Vermette et al. U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/253,976, entitled “OUTSIDE AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM,” filed on Nov. 11, 2015 (Attorney Docket No. 5992.092PRV) and Vermette et al. U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/291,936, entitled “OUTSIDE AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM,” filed on Feb. 5, 2016 (Attorney Docket No. 5992.092PV2), the benefit of priority of each of which is claimed hereby, and each of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, to an energy recovery ventilator configured for selectively controlling outdoor air inflow into an air handler unit.

BACKGROUND

Air distribution systems for home ventilation in hot and humid climates, such as the southern US, typically include an air handler unit (“AHU”) for processing recirculated air through an interior space. Typically, ducting extending from an outside port is connected to the AHU to introduce outside air into the air handler unit, where a damper in the ducting controls the entry of exterior air into the AHU. In these “air cycler” or central fan integrated systems, a controller powers the damper to control entry of outside air into the AHU and correspondingly the interior space.

Humidity sensors can be used to control the operation of the damper to control the humidity of the air entering and within the AHU by controlling the outside air supply to the AHU. For example, interior humidity sensors can be set to close the damper and prevent outside air from entering the AHU if the interior air humidity is too high or exterior humidity sensors can be set to close the damper if the outside air humidity differs significantly from the interior air humidity. The humidity sensors are typically set for a “worst-case” humidity scenario to close the damper whenever the outside air humidity deviates from a relatively narrow humidity band, which can cause the damper to be closed too frequently and for prolonged time periods. The frequent and prolonged closure of the damper reduces ventilation of the interior space with fresh outside air, which can cause the air in the internal space to become stale or retain pollutants within the internal space.

Also, the fixed thresholds for humidity sensors can hamper the effectiveness of air distribution systems as weather conditions change throughout the year. The humidity limit must be reset manually with each changing season to account for changing temperature and humidity. If the humidity limit is not properly reset, the ventilation entering the AHU can have excessive or insufficient humidity resulting in the formation of condensation within the ducting of the AHU or other problems. For example, the relatively high humidity during the hot seasons can cause the damper to be closed more frequently and for prolonged time periods, which can increase pollutant retention within the interior. Similarly, interior humidity frequently increases during shoulder seasons (seasons where heating and cooling are not required) and summer, which can cause the damper to be closed more frequently thereby increasing the risk of condensation and mold formation within the AHU.

An added complication is that the humidity sensors must be separately installed, operably connected to the controller or damper, and powered thereby presenting considerable installation challenges and increasing maintenance of the humidity sensors and the overall system.

Exterior temperature sensors can also be provided to control operation of the damper. The exterior temperature sensors can limit outside air entering the AHU if the outside temperature is too hot or cold. However, if the exterior temperature sensors are improperly mounted, the measurements of the temperature sensors can be influenced by heat sources or not be indicative of the actual air temperature entering into the AHU.

While the humidity sensors and temperature sensors can selectively provide ventilation to the AHU, the remote locations of the humidity sensors and temperature sensors from the damper can complicate installation of the sensors and the overall system. Also, the presets of the temperature and humidity sensors must be properly set and regularly updated to avoid condensation build up within the AHU, which can result in mold or other detrimental effects.

Overview

The present inventors have recognized, among other things, that a problem to be solved can include the installation and maintenance challenges and potential inaccuracies of remotely positioned humidity and temperature sensors for controlling airflow into an AHU or directly to an interior space. In an example, the present subject can provide a solution to this problem, such as by an energy recovery ventilator (“ERV”) connecting an outside air intake to an outside air supply for an AHU or an interior space. The ERV having a damper that can be selectively closed to control the airflow from an outside space passing through the outside air intake into the outside air supply for the AHU or the interior space. A humidity sensor and a temperature sensor can be mounted within the inlet air path proximate the damper to monitor the temperature and humidity of outside air approaching the ERV through the outside air intake. The damper can be selectively positioned to according to the measured temperature and humidity of the outside air to control the outside air supplied to the AHU or the interior space. The proximity of the temperature and humidity sensors more accurately measures the conditions of the outside air supplied. The proximity of the temperature and humidity sensors also simplifies installation of the ERV within a new ventilation system or retrofitting of an existing ventilation system.

In an example, the ERV can also include an air supply fan for drawing air through the outside air intake into the ERV and pushing air through the outside air supply for the AHU or the interior space. The operation of the air supply fan can be linked to the position of the damper such that the air supply fan and the damper can be operated based on the temperature and humidity of the outside air approaching the ERV. In an example, the air supply fan and the damper can be operated to provide a maximum air flow through the outside air intake for a predetermined time period to purge the air within the air supply fan. The purging of air within the outside air intake with fresh outside air improves the accuracy of the temperature and humidity measurements thereby providing more accurate control of outside air supply to the AHU or interior space.

In an example, the ERV can include a controller configured to collect humidity and temperature information from the sensors and controlling the damper and the air supply fan. The controller can be programmed with a dew point limit level corresponding to a relative humidity of 100% for a given outside air temperature. The controller adjusts the damper and the air supply fan to shut off the outside air supply or reduce the outside air flow when the humidity sensor detects humidity in the incoming outside air for temperature measured by the temperature sensor. The dew point limit level prevents the formation of condensation within the ERV, connected ducting, and/or AHU, which can cause mold to form within the ventilation system.

The controller can alter the dew point limit level based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor. If the temperature exceeds a cooling threshold corresponding to a temperature where a cooling system of the AHU will be operated to reduce the temperature of the outside air, the controller can increase the dew point limit to compensate for dehumidification capacity of the cooling system. If the temperature of the outside air measured by the temperature sensor is lowered, the dew point limit level can be adjusted by the controller to correspond to the temperature of the outside air to limit condensation as the outside air temperature drops due to night time or changing seasons.

This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the present subject matter. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present patent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings generally illustrate, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an energy recovery ventilator according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an energy recovery ventilator with a removed access door to access an interior chamber of the energy recovery ventilator according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a ventilation system that directly feeds outdoor air inflow into an interior space according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a ventilation system that feeds outdoor air inflow into an air handling unit according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a ventilation system that receives an airflow from an air handling unit to condition an outdoor air inflow being fed directing into an interior space according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a damper assembly according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an energy recovery ventilator having a damper assembly according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a partial cross-sectional top view of an energy recovery ventilator according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional top view of an extended mount according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an extended mount according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B is a front view of the extended mount depicted in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a side cross-sectional side view of the extended mount depicted in FIG. 8C.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an energy recovery ventilator having attached L-shaped brackets wherein the energy recovery ventilator is oriented such that the L-shaped brackets extend downward according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of an L-shaped bracket mounted to an outer housing of an energy recovery ventilator according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of an energy recovery ventilator mounted a ceiling truss according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an energy recovery ventilator having attached L-shaped brackets wherein the energy recovery ventilator is oriented such that the L-shaped brackets extend upward according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of an L-shaped bracket mounted to an outer housing of an energy recovery ventilator according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10C is a perspective view of an energy recovery ventilator mounted a ceiling according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10D is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of an energy recovery ventilator mounted a ceiling according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11A is a partial cross-sectional front view of energy recovery ventilator mounted within a ceiling according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of an access door according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a representative control schematic according to an example of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As depicted in FIGS. 1-5, a ventilation system 20, according to an example of the present disclosure, can include an energy recovery ventilator (“ERV”) 22 having an outer housing 24 defining an interior chamber 26. The outer housing 24 can include an indoor input 28 and an indoor output 30 fluidly connected to an exterior outlet 32. An indoor air outflow can exit an interior space through the indoor input 28 and exit through the exterior outlet 32 after passing through the interior chamber 26. As depicted in FIG. 5, in an example, the indoor input 28 can be operably connected to an air handling unit (“AHU”) 40 for receiving a portion of the airflow circulating through the AHU 40. The outer housing 24 can include an outdoor output 34 and an outdoor input 36 fluidly connected to an exterior inlet 38. The outdoor output 34 can be fluidly connected to the AHU 40 as depicted in FIG. 4 or an interior outlet 42 as depicted in FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIG. 3, an outdoor air inflow can enter through the exterior inlet 38 and pass through the interior chamber 26 such that the outdoor air inflow intermixes with the indoor air outflow within the interior chamber 26. The indoor air outflow conditions the outdoor air inflow prior to entering the AHU 40 or the interior space through the interior outlet 42.

The AHU 40 can be a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system for conditioning or heating air within the interior space. The AHU 40 can be configured to recirculate air within the interior space; condition the outdoor air inflow before providing the conditioned airflow to the interior space; provide a portion of the airflow circulating through the AHU 40 to the indoor input 28; and intermix the outdoor air inflow with the recirculating airflow and condition the combined airflow. The indoor air outflow can condition the outdoor air inflow within the ERV 22 to alter the temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions of the outdoor airflow to more closely approximate the desired conditions within the interior space. The ERV 22 reduces the energy demands of the AHU 40 to fully alter the outdoor air inflow to have the desired temperature and humidity.

As depicted in FIGS. 1-2 and 6A-6B, the ERV 22 can include a damper assembly 44 positioned at the outdoor input 36. The damper assembly 44 can include a damper plate 46 rotatable within a duct section 48 defining an opening through which air can pass through the duct section 48. As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the damper plate 46 can be rotated to alter the effective area of the opening defined by the duct section 48 to restrict the outdoor air inflow or close off the duct section 48 to prevent the outdoor air inflow from entering the interior chamber 26. The damper plate 46 can be positioned by a motor, a magnet, or another mechanism for rotating the damper plate 46 within the duct section 48. As depicted in FIG. 6A, in an example, the duct section 48 can include at least one engagement tab 50 such that the duct section 48 can be rotated into engagement with the outer housing 24 to couple the damper assembly 44 to the outer housing 24.

As depicted in FIG. 2, in an example, the ERV 22 can include an outdoor air supply fan 52 operable to draw the outside air inflow in through the outdoor input 36 and out through the outdoor output 38. The air supply fan 52 is configured to operate with the obstruction of the outdoor input 36 provided by the damper assembly 44 to control the airflow rate of the outdoor air inflow. In an example, the ERV 22 can include an indoor air supply fan 54 operable to draw the inside air outflow in through the indoor input 28 and out through the indoor output 30. The outdoor air supply fan 52 and the indoor air supply fan 54 can be operated simultaneously to draw the outdoor air inflow and the indoor air outflow through the interior chamber 26 for conditioning of the outdoor air inflow.

As depicted in FIGS. 7A-B and 8A-C, at least one of the indoor input 28, the indoor output 30, the outdoor input 36, and the outdoor output 38 can include an extended mount 56 four coupling ducting to the ERV 22. The extended mount 56 can include a port portion 58 shaped to interface with ducting and defining an opening through which airflow can flow. In an example, the port portion 58 can comprise a metal such that the port portion 58 is sufficiently rigid to couple with the ducting. The portion 58 can include a skirt portion 60 that can be inserted through the indoor input 28, the indoor output 30, the outdoor input 36, or the outdoor output 38 of the outer housing 24 for coupling the port portion 58 to the outer housing 24.

As depicted in FIGS. 8A-C, in an example, the extended mount 56 can include an insulation collar 62 encircling the port portion 58 for engaging an interior surface of the ducting to couple the ducting the extended mount 56. The insulation collar 62 can comprise an insulating material such that the insulation collar 62 prevents or minimizes thermal bridging between the ducting and the port portion 58, which can cause condensation to form within the opening of the port portion 58. In an example, the insulation collar 62 can include a flange 64 extending radially outward from the insulation collar 62. The flange 64 can be shaped and positioned to engage an end of the ducting being coupled to the port portion 58.

As depicted in FIGS. 9A-C, 10A-D, and 11A-B, the ERV 22 can include at least one L-shaped bracket 66 for mounting the ERV 22 to a support structure such as, but not limited to support studs, ceiling trusses, walls, or ceilings. The L-shaped bracket 66 can include a housing portion 68 and a support structure 70 extending transversely to the housing portion 68. The housing portion 68 can define at least one opening for receiving a fastener for coupling the L-shaped bracket 66 to the outer housing 24. The support portion 70 can include at least one opening for receiving a fastener for coupling the L-shaped bracket 66 to the support structure.

The L-shaped bracket 66 can be mounted to the outer housing 24 of the ERV 22 in different configurations to permit mounting of the ERV 22 to different support structures. As illustrated in FIGS. 9A-C and 10A-D, in one configuration, the housing portion 68 can be coupled to a sidewall of the outer housing 24 such that the support portion 70 is oriented parallel to a top side of the outer housing 24 (as shown in FIGS. 10A-D) or a bottom side of the outer housing 24 (as shown in FIGS. 9A-C). In this configuration, the outer housing 24 can be mounted to a ceiling or a ceiling truss below the outer housing 24. As illustrated in FIG. 11A, in another configuration, the housing portion 68 can be coupled to a front wall or a rear wall of the outer housing 24 such that the support portion 70 is oriented to a sidewall of the outer housing 24. In this configuration, the outer housing 24 can be coupled to support structures on either side of the outer housing 24 such as wall or wall studs. In an example, the housing portion 68 can be mounted to the outer housing 24 such that the support portion 70 extends outward from the ERV 22 to compensate for spacing between support structures larger than the dimensions of the outer housing 24.

As depicted in FIGS. 11A-B, the outer housing 24 of the ERV 22 can include an access opening for accessing the internal chamber 26. The ERV 22 can include an access panel 72 that can be coupled to the outer housing 24 to cover the access opening and enclose the interior chamber 26. The access panel 72 can include a contour frame 74 defining an edge portion extending outward from the outer housing 24 for gripping the access panel 72 when mounted to the outer housing 24. The access panel 72 can include at least one spring latch 76 for coupling the access panel 70 to the outer housing 24. As illustrated in FIG. 11A, the outer housing 24 can be mounted ceiling such that the outer housing 24 extends through an opening in a ceiling from an interior side of the ceiling, where the access panel 70 is mounted to the outer housing 24 on an exterior side of the ceiling. In this configuration, the access panel 72 can be decoupled from the outer housing 24 to access the interior chamber 26 without decoupling the outer housing 24 from the support structure.

In an example, the ERV 22 can be operably linked to a sensor array comprising at least one of a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, and a combination thereof positioned proximate the outdoor input 36 for monitoring conditions of the outdoor air entering through the outdoor input 36. The ERV 22 can include a controller for receiving the measurements from the sensors and operably controlling at least one of the damper assembly 44 and the outdoor air supply fan 52 based on the sensor measurements. The controller can close the damper assembly 44 and shut off the outdoor air supply fan 52 if the humidity and/or the temperature conditions of the outdoor air inflow exceeds predetermined thresholds. In an example, the outdoor air supply fan 52 can be operated to flush the ducting proximate the sensors to draw fresh outdoor air into the ducting. The flushing of the ducting avoids inaccuracies that can result from the measurement of stale air within the ducting, which can have different temperature and humidity conditions that of the outside air.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, in an example, the controller can be programmed to control the damper assembly 44 and the outdoor air supply fan 52 according to a dew point function defining a dew point limit level for a measured outside air temperature. The controller can adjust the damper assembly 44 and the outdoor air supply fan 52 to shut off or reduce the outside air inflow when the humidity sensor detects a humidity ratio (mass of water vapor in the outside air to the mass of dry air) exceeding the dew point limit level. The dew point limit level prevents the formation of condensation within the ERV, connected ducting, and/or AHU, which can cause mold to form within the ventilation system. In this configuration, the controller can regulate the outdoor air inflow conditions and being supplied to the AHU 40 or indoor space without additional sensors. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the dew point function can be changed depending on a set relative humidity (e.g. 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%). In an example, the ERV 22 can include a manual controller 78 for setting the relative humidity.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, in an example, the controller can be programmed with condensation zones where the controller deviates from the dew point function if outdoor air inflow conditions are within temperature and humidity ranges. If the temperature and humidity ratios are within predetermined temperature and humidity ranges, the controller can adjust the damper assembly 44 and the outdoor air supply fan 52 to shut off or reduce the outside air inflow. For example, if the outdoor air inflow has a temperature exceeding 77° F. and a humidity ratio exceeding 0.02, the outdoor air inflow can be reduced, or shut off as cooling functions of the AHU 40 are often operated at this temperature. The combined cooling features of the AHU 40 and high temperature and humidity of the outdoor air inflow can result in the formation of condensation within the AHU 40. In another example, if the outdoor air inflow has a temperature between 58° F. and 73° F. and a humidity ratio exceeding 0.02, the outdoor air inflow can be reduced or shut off as the temperature corresponds to a “shoulder” season (e.g. spring or fall) where neither the heating nor cooling functions of the AHU 40 are operated. The controller can maintain the humidity ratio of the outdoor air inflow below a predetermined threshold to avoid the formation of condensation that are normally controlled by the heating and cooling functions of the AHU 40.

Various Notes & Examples

Example 1 is an energy recovery ventilator, comprising: an outer housing defining an interior chamber, the outer housing comprising: an indoor input for receiving an indoor air outflow into the interior chamber, an indoor output through which the indoor air outflow exits the interior chamber, the indoor output being fluidly connected to an indoor outlet for venting the indoor air outflow to an outside space, an outdoor input for receiving an outdoor air inflow into the interior chamber for intermixing with the indoor air outflow, the outdoor input being fluidly connected to an outdoor inlet for receiving the outdoor air inflow from the outside space, and an outdoor output through which the outdoor air inflow exits the interior chamber; and a damper assembly coupled to the outdoor input, the damper assembly having a moveable damper plate for selectively obstructing the outdoor input to control the outdoor air inflow into the interior chamber.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 optionally includes an environmental sensor array comprising at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a combination thereof mounted proximate the outdoor input for monitoring conditions of the outdoor air inflow approaching the outdoor input; wherein the damper plate is positioned to obstruct the outdoor input if the monitored conditions of the outdoor air inflow exceed a predetermined threshold.

In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 2 optionally includes an outdoor air supply fan operable to draw the outdoor air inflow into the interior chamber at a predetermined flow rate.

In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 optionally includes wherein the outdoor air supply fan is operable to draw fresh outdoor air through ducting proximate the sensor array before measurement of conditions of the outdoor airflow.

In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-4 optionally include wherein the damper assembly further comprising: a duct section for rotatably receiving the damper plate, wherein the duct section can comprise an engagement tab for rotatably coupling the duct section and the damper plate to the outer housing.

In Example 6, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-5 optionally include wherein at least one of the indoor input, the indoor output, the outdoor input, and the outdoor output comprises an extended mount, the extended mount further comprising: a port portion shaped to interface with ducting and defining an opening; an insulation collar encircling the port portion and configured to engage the ducting; wherein the insulation collar comprises an insulation material limiting thermal bridging between the port portion and the insulation collar.

In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-6 optionally include at least one L-shaped bracket including a housing portion and a support portion extending transversely from the housing portion; wherein the housing portion is configured to receive a fastener to couple the L-shaped bracket to the outer housing and the support portion is configured to receive a second fastener to couple the L-shaped bracket to a support structure.

Example 8 is a ventilation system, comprising: an energy recovery unit comprising an outer housing defining an interior chamber, the outer housing comprising: an indoor input for receiving an indoor air outflow into the interior chamber, an indoor output through which the indoor air outflow exits the interior chamber, the indoor output being fluidly connected to an indoor outlet for venting the indoor air outflow to an outside space, an outdoor input for receiving an outdoor air inflow into the interior chamber for intermixing with the indoor air outflow, the outdoor input being fluidly connected to an outdoor inlet for receiving the outdoor air inflow from the outside space, an outdoor output through which the outdoor air inflow exits the interior chamber, and a damper assembly coupled to the outdoor input, the damper assembly having a moveable damper plate for selectively obstructing the outdoor input to control the outdoor air inflow into the interior chamber.

In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 8 optionally includes wherein the indoor input is operably connected at least one of an interior space and an air handling unit for receiving the indoor air outflow.

In Example 10, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 8-9 optionally include wherein the outdoor output is operably connected at least one of an interior space and an air handling unit for providing the outdoor air inflow.

In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 optionally includes wherein the indoor air outflow intermixes with the outdoor air inflow to condition the outdoor air inflow before the outdoor air inflow exits the interior chamber.

In Example 12, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 8-11 optionally include the energy recovery ventilator further comprising: an environmental sensor array comprising at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a combination thereof mounted proximate the outdoor input for monitoring conditions of the outdoor air inflow approaching the outdoor input; wherein the damper plate is positioned to obstruct the outdoor input if the monitored conditions of the outdoor air inflow exceed a predetermined threshold.

In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12 optionally includes the energy recovery ventilator further comprising: an outdoor air supply fan operable to draw the outdoor air inflow into the interior chamber at a predetermined flow rate.

In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 13 optionally includes wherein the outdoor air supply fan is operable to draw fresh outdoor air through ducting proximate the sensor array before measurement of conditions of the outdoor airflow.

In Example 15, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 8-14 optionally include the energy recovery ventilator further comprising: a duct section for rotatably receiving the damper plate, wherein the duct section can comprise an engagement tab for rotatably coupling the duct section and the damper plate to the outer housing.

In Example 16, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 8-15 optionally include wherein at least one of the indoor input, the indoor output, the outdoor input, and the outdoor output comprises an extended mount, the extended mount further comprising: a port portion shaped to interface with ducting and defining an opening; an insulation collar encircling the port portion and configured to engage the ducting; wherein the insulation collar comprises an insulation material limiting thermal bridging between the port portion and the insulation collar.

In Example 17, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 8-16 optionally include at least one L-shaped bracket including a housing portion and a support portion extending transversely from the housing portion; wherein the housing portion is configured to receive a fastener to couple the L-shaped bracket to the outer housing and the support portion is configured to receive a second fastener to couple the L-shaped bracket to a support structure.

Example 18 is a method of controlling an outdoor air inflow into an interior space, comprising: providing an energy recovery ventilator defining an interior chamber and including an indoor input, an indoor output, an outdoor input, and an outdoor output; providing an indoor air outflow into interior chamber through the indoor input, wherein the indoor air inflow exits the interior chamber through the indoor output; providing an outdoor air inflow into interior chamber through the outdoor input to intermix with the indoor air outflow, wherein the outdoor air inflow exits the interior chamber through the outdoor output; moving a damper plate positioned proximate the outdoor input to selectively obstruct the outdoor input to limit outdoor air inflow into the interior chamber.

In Example 19, the subject matter of Example 18 optionally includes monitoring temperature and humidity of the outdoor air inflow approaching the outdoor input; and moving the damper plate to obstruct the outdoor input to limit outdoor air inflow when at least one of the temperature and the humidity of the outdoor air inflow exceeds a predetermined threshold.

In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 19 optionally includes operating an outdoor air supply fan to draw the outdoor air inflow through the outdoor input; wherein the outdoor air supply fan is disabled when at least one of the temperature and the humidity of the outdoor air inflow exceeds the predetermined threshold.

Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or can be combined in any permutation or combination with any one or more of the other examples.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the present subject matter can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Method examples described herein can be machine or computer-implemented at least in part. Some examples can include a computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform methods as described in the above examples. An implementation of such methods can include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, or the like. Such code can include computer readable instructions for performing various methods. The code may form portions of computer program products. Further, in an example, the code can be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times. Examples of these tangible computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and the like.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the present subject matter should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. An energy recovery ventilator, comprising:

an outer housing defining an interior chamber, the outer housing comprising: an indoor input for receiving an indoor air outflow into the interior chamber, an indoor output through which the indoor air outflow exits the interior chamber, the indoor output being fluidly connected to an indoor outlet for venting the indoor air outflow to an outside space, an outdoor input for receiving an outdoor air inflow into the interior chamber for intermixing with the indoor air outflow, the outdoor input being fluidly connected to an outdoor inlet for receiving the outdoor air inflow from the outside space, and an outdoor output through which the outdoor air inflow exits the interior chamber; and

a damper assembly coupled to the outdoor input, the damper assembly having a moveable damper plate for selectively obstructing the outdoor input to control the outdoor air inflow into the interior chamber.

2. The energy recovery ventilator of claim 1, further comprising:

an environmental sensor array comprising at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a combination thereof mounted proximate the outdoor input for monitoring conditions of the outdoor air inflow approaching the outdoor input;

wherein the damper plate is positioned to obstruct the outdoor input if the monitored conditions of the outdoor air inflow exceed a predetermined threshold.

3. The energy recovery ventilator of claim 2, further comprising:

an outdoor air supply fan operable to draw the outdoor air inflow into the interior chamber at a predetermined flow rate.

wherein the outdoor air supply fan is disabled if the monitored conditions of the outdoor air inflow exceed a predetermined threshold.

4. The energy recovery ventilator of claim 3, wherein the outdoor air supply fan is operable to draw fresh outdoor air through ducting proximate the sensor array before measurement of conditions of the outdoor airflow.

5. The energy recovery ventilator of claim 1, wherein the damper assembly further comprising:

a duct section for rotatably receiving the damper plate, wherein the duct section can comprise an engagement tab for rotatably coupling the duct section and the damper plate to the outer housing.

6. The energy recovery ventilator of claim 1, wherein at least one of the indoor input, the indoor output, the outdoor input, and the outdoor output comprises an extended mount, the extended mount further comprising:

a port portion shaped to interface with ducting and defining an opening;

an insulation collar encircling the port portion and configured to engage the ducting;

wherein the insulation collar comprises an insulation material limiting thermal bridging between the port portion and the insulation collar.

7. The energy recovery ventilator of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one L-shaped bracket including a housing portion and a support portion extending transversely from the housing portion:

wherein the housing portion is configured to receive a fastener to couple the L-shaped bracket to the outer housing and the support portion is configured to receive a second fastener to couple the L-shaped bracket to a support structure.

8. A ventilation system, comprising:

an energy recovery unit comprising an outer housing defining an interior chamber, the outer housing comprising: an indoor input for receiving an indoor air outflow into the interior chamber, an indoor output through which the indoor air outflow exits the interior chamber, the indoor output being fluidly connected to an indoor outlet for venting the indoor air outflow to an outside space, an outdoor input for receiving an outdoor air inflow into the interior chamber for intermixing with the indoor air outflow, the outdoor input being fluidly connected to an outdoor inlet for receiving the outdoor air inflow from the outside space, an outdoor output through which the outdoor air inflow exits the interior chamber, and a damper assembly coupled to the outdoor input, the damper assembly having a moveable damper plate for selectively obstructing the outdoor input to control the outdoor air inflow into the interior chamber.

9. The ventilation system of claim 8, wherein the indoor input is operably connected at least one of an interior space and an air handling unit for receiving the indoor air outflow.

10. The ventilation system of claim 8, wherein the outdoor output is operably connected at least one of an interior space and an air handling unit for providing the outdoor air inflow.

11. The ventilation system of claim 10, wherein the indoor air outflow intermixes with the outdoor air inflow to condition the outdoor air inflow before the outdoor air inflow exits the interior chamber.

12. The ventilation system of claim 8, the energy recovery ventilator further comprising:

an environmental sensor array comprising at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a combination thereof mounted proximate the outdoor input for monitoring conditions of the outdoor air inflow approaching the outdoor input;

wherein the damper plate is positioned to obstruct the outdoor input if the monitored conditions of the outdoor air inflow exceed a predetermined threshold.

13. The ventilation system of claim 12, the energy recovery ventilator further comprising:

an outdoor air supply fan operable to draw the outdoor air inflow into the interior chamber at a predetermined flow rate.

wherein the outdoor air supply fan is disabled if the monitored conditions of the outdoor air inflow exceed a predetermined threshold.

14. The ventilation system of claim 13, wherein the outdoor air supply fan is operable to draw fresh outdoor air through ducting proximate the sensor array before measurement of conditions of the outdoor airflow.

15. The ventilation system of claim 8, the energy recovery ventilator further comprising:

a duct section for rotatably receiving the damper plate, wherein the duct section can comprise an engagement tab for rotatably coupling the duct section and the damper plate to the outer housing.

16. The ventilation system of claim 8, wherein at least one of the indoor input, the indoor output, the outdoor input, and the outdoor output comprises an extended mount, the extended mount further comprising:

a port portion shaped to interface with ducting and defining an opening;

an insulation collar encircling the port portion and configured to engage the ducting;

wherein the insulation collar comprises an insulation material limiting thermal bridging between the port portion and the insulation collar.

17. The ventilation system of claim 8, further comprising:

at least one L-shaped bracket including a housing portion and a support portion extending transversely from the housing portion;

wherein the housing portion is configured to receive a fastener to couple the L-shaped bracket to the outer housing and the support portion is configured to receive a second fastener to couple the L-shaped bracket to a support structure.

18. A method of controlling an outdoor air inflow into an interior space, comprising:

providing an energy recovery ventilator defining an interior chamber and including an indoor input, an indoor output, an outdoor input, and an outdoor output;

providing an indoor air outflow into interior chamber through the indoor input, wherein the indoor air inflow exits the interior chamber through the indoor output;

providing an outdoor air inflow into interior chamber through the outdoor input to intermix with the indoor air outflow, wherein the outdoor air inflow exits the interior chamber through the outdoor output;

moving a damper plate positioned proximate the outdoor input to selectively obstruct the outdoor input to limit outdoor air inflow into the interior chamber.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

monitoring temperature and humidity of the outdoor air inflow approaching the outdoor input; and

moving the damper plate to obstruct the outdoor input to limit outdoor air inflow when at least one of the temperature and the humidity of the outdoor air inflow exceeds a predetermined threshold.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

operating an outdoor air supply fan to draw the outdoor air inflow through the outdoor input;

wherein the outdoor air supply fan is disabled when at least one of the temperature and the humidity of the outdoor air inflow exceeds the predetermined threshold.