Abstract: A power spout device includes a generally hollow main body having an outlet opening and an inlet opening for engaging the downspout outlet of a horizontal gutter. An elongated paddle is positioned within the main body and is mechanically connected to an electric motor. A fluid sensor is also positioned within the main body and is electrically connected to the motor. The fluid sensor functioning to selectively operate the motor upon detecting the presence of rainwater from the downspout outlet. A controller having a wireless communication unit is positioned along the main body. The controller functioning to receive operating instructions from a remote-control device. An adjustable nozzle is positioned along the output opening to adjust the vertical angle of the water being discharged out of the outlet opening.

Abstract: An industrial automation controller includes a housing with a forced convection chamber. First and second fans are releasably connected to the housing and are adapted to induce airflow through the forced convection chamber. The first and second fans are each connected to the housing by respective first and second latch systems that each include a primary latch and a secondary latch. The secondary latch imposes a time delay during removal and replacement of a fan to facilitate hot swapping of the fan with a replacement fan. A make-last/break-first contact system is provided for each fan such that the fan is shutdown in a controlled manner prior to removal of the fan from the housing. The controller monitors internal temperature and fan speed. The controller initiates, logs, and reports fault conditions based upon the monitored temperature and/or fan speed. The controller is shut down if the monitored temperature exceeds a select temperature level.

Abstract: Air vent including mesh panel with improved directivity. In general, the disclosed subject matter relates to an air vent which comprises a mesh panel with vent holes to cover an outlet of the air vent, wherein the air vent provides for improved directionality of the outlet air through the mesh panel. The improvement in directivity is provided by that the air flowing towards the mesh panel is directed to flow substantially perpendicular to the mesh panel in at least some direction modes of the air redirecting element.

Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a method for controlling the speed of a reciprocating load motor, wherein the motor speed is a function of two input variables, namely a user defined speed set-point and a load dependent input variable. According to the disclosure, the load dependent input variable is a function of the motor current. The disclosure also refers to a variable frequency drive for controlling the speed of a reciprocating load motor, wherein the drive is programmed to perform the presently described method.

Abstract: An energy efficient and quiet air cooling system for a building structure is provided. The air cooling system includes an evaporator system mounted in the wall of the building, a remotely mounted fan, an air intake, and a sound and heat insulating duct. The fan is mounted in the attic and configured to draw air from the living area of the building through the sound insulating duct with sufficient power to create a negative static pressure in the living area. The negative static pressure in turn causes outside air to flow through the evaporator system which removes heat from the outside air. The cooled air is in turn drawn into the building and pulled into the attic through the duct and expelled through the attic. The fan expels warm air into the attic, creating a positive pressure environment which causes the warm air to be expelled from the attic through natural vents.

Abstract: A method for operating a fan system as well as such a fan system. The fan system has a control device having an artificial neural network. The control device controls an electric motor of a backward curved centrifugal fan. The centrifugal fan creates a gas flow that is characterized by an actual flow value, particularly the actual value of a volume flow rate. The actual flow value is not detected by a sensor means, but determined by means of the artificial neural network depending from input variables and based thereon, the electric motor is open loop or closed loop controlled by means of the control device. The motor current and the motor voltage as well as their time-dependent behavior that can be the time derivative (e.g. gradient of first order) or that can be at least one preceding value at a preceding point in time, are provided to an input layer of the artificial neural network.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system includes an air-conditioning apparatus that includes a refrigerant circuit in which an indoor unit and an outdoor unit are connected to each other by a refrigerant pipe and inflammable refrigerant flows in the refrigerant pipe, and is configured to supply conditioned air to a plurality of areas corresponding to air-conditioned spaces, an air-conditioning duct that connects the indoor unit to the plurality of respective areas, a plurality of dampers that are arranged in the air-conditioning duct and openable and closable to interrupt or pass the conditioned air supplied to the plurality of respective areas, and a controller configured to control the dampers, in which the controller controls the dampers such that a total floor area of the areas to which the conditioned air is supplied is set as an area equal to or larger than a minimum floor area corresponding to a floor area with which an inflammable region is not formed even when the inflammable refrigerant is leaked.

Abstract: A central controller for controlling power consumption in a thermal energy system is disclosed, the energy system may include a plurality of heat pump assemblies and a plurality of cooling machine assemblies, each heat pump assembly being connected to a thermal energy circuit comprising a hot conduit and a cold conduit via a thermal heating circuit inlet connected to the hot conduit and via a thermal heating circuit outlet connected to the cold conduit, each cooling machine assembly being connected to the thermal energy circuit via a thermal cooling circuit inlet connected to the cold conduit and via a thermal cooling circuit outlet connected to the hot conduit.

Abstract: An air quality measurement apparatus, including a first air inlet providing a first air sample within a space; a device which is configured to draw an air sample through the first air inlet and over a sensor, wherein the sensor measures the first air sample for a first environmental condition; an air outlet for expelling the first air sample from said apparatus; a second air inlet providing a second air sample externally from the space to measure the first environmental condition whereby the second environmental condition is compared to the first environmental condition to provided data to a user regarding the difference.

Abstract: An actuator in a HVAC system includes a motor and a drive device driven by the motor. The drive device is coupled to a movable HVAC component for driving the movable HVAC component between multiple positions. The actuator includes an input connection configured to receive an input signal and a processing circuit coupled to the motor. The processing circuit is configured to determine whether the input signal is an AC voltage signal or a DC voltage signal. The processing circuit is configured to operate the motor using an AC motor control technique in response to determining that the input signal is an AC voltage signal and configured to operate the motor using a DC motor control technique in response to determining that the input signal is a DC voltage signal.

Abstract: An HVAC system includes a blower, a motor drive, and a controller. A benchmark rate of the flow of air provided by the blower and a corresponding benchmark power output of the motor drive associated with operation of the blower at a test condition are received. The controller determines a first motor drive frequency at which the motor drive is operating. Based on the benchmark rate and a comparison of the first motor drive frequency to the predefined motor drive frequency, a first rate of the flow of air provided by the blower is determined. At a later time, a current power output of the motor drive is determined during operation of the blower at the test condition. Based on a comparison of the current benchmark power output to the benchmark power output, an updated benchmark rate of the flow of air provided by the blower is determined.

Abstract: Disclosed are an air outlet structure, an air outlet method for an air conditioner, and the air conditioner. The air outlet structure may include: a main air outlet channel, a main air outlet, an auxiliary air outlet and an adjusting device; the main air outlet and the auxiliary air outlet are communicated with the main air outlet channel; the adjusting device is provided between the main air outlet channel and the auxiliary air outlet as to make the main air outlet channel send out air through the main air outlet and/or the auxiliary air outlet. With the above structure, the air conditioner may have a broad air supplying scope and a uniform air speed and supply the air to an entire plane, and comfort of the air conditioner may be improved. Thus, the problem that an existing air conditioner has non-uniform air outlet effect may be effectively solved.

Abstract: A fresh air cooling and ventilating system can include a whole house fan for introducing fresh air into a building structure. The fresh air cooling and ventilating system can include a whole house fan and/or a controller. The controller can be operably in communication with an air conditioning system and coordinate the usage of the fresh air cooling and ventilating system and the air conditioning system to reduce overall energy consumption. The system can be automated to run with no or minimal user input.

Abstract: A makeup air unit comprising a housing defining a compartment. The housing further defines at least one exhaust inlet for receiving air from an indoor space into the compartment and at least one exhaust outlet for passing air from the compartment to the atmosphere. The housing further defines at least one intake inlet and at least one intake outlet each extending into the compartment. The exhaust inlet and outlet are fluidly disconnected from the intake inlet and outlet. An air moving device overlies the intake outlet and is configured to transfer air from the compartment through the intake outlet into the work space. A flap switch unit is disposed in the compartment adjacent to the exhaust outlet and is configured to detect a flow of air through the exhaust inlet and to activate the air moving device in response to a detection of the flow of air.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for determining adjustment parameters for at least two components utilized in an HVAC system. The arrangement comprises at least one processor and is configured to receive information regarding a duct configuration comprising at least one duct. The processor is additionally configured to receive target values for a first flow parameter at first and second duct locations corresponding to locations of the first and second components. At least one measured value for a second flow parameter at a measuring location is received, and determined values for the second flow parameter at the first and second duct locations are resolved. First and second flow factors are determined, and first and second adjustment parameters may then be determined for the first and second components.

Abstract: An air purification system is provided which includes measurement of a concentration of a target pollutant within the air. A gas sensor is used for sensing a concentration of the pollutant (although it will detect other pollutants as well due to cross-sensitivity). A filter is provided which selectively removes the target pollutant while having a significantly smaller effect in reducing other pollutants to which the sensor is cross-sensitive. A gas sensor response is obtained before filtering, a gas sensor response after filtering, and the sensitivity characteristics of the gas sensor to the pollutant are processed, thereby to determine a gas concentration of the pollutant in the air before filtering. In this way, the concentration measurement is better than a direct measurement with the gas sensor as a result of a low selectivity of the gas sensor.

Abstract: A ventilation system includes a plurality of ventilation devices, a sensor, a setting unit, and a transmitter-receiver. The sensor is attached to a predetermined ventilation device of the plurality of ventilation devices. The sensor detects a state of air. The setting unit sets, from the plurality of ventilation devices, a first ventilation device to which the sensor is to be attached, and a second ventilation device with which a detection signal of the sensor is to be shared. The transmitter-receiver receives the detection signal of the sensor and transmits the detection signal to control devices of the first and second ventilation devices. The first and second ventilation devices are set in the setting unit. Each of the control devices of the first and second ventilation devices controls an associated one of the ventilation devices based on the detection signal transmitted from the transmitter-receiver.

Abstract: A thermal barrier to maintain the temperature of a battery. The barrier includes elements with respectively cold and hot PCM materials, and elements, thermal isolators, arranged at least in case of some between two of the PCM material elements.

Abstract: A ventilation system includes a plurality of ventilation devices, a sensor, a setting unit, and a transmitter-receiver. The sensor is attached to a predetermined ventilation device of the plurality of ventilation devices. The sensor detects a state of air. The setting unit sets, from the plurality of ventilation devices, a first ventilation device to which the sensor is to be attached, and a second ventilation device with which a detection signal of the sensor is to be shared. The transmitter-receiver receives the detection signal of the sensor and transmits the detection signal to control devices of the first and second ventilation devices. The first and second ventilation devices are set in the setting unit. Each of the control devices of the first and second ventilation devices controls an associated one of the ventilation devices based on the detection signal transmitted from the transmitter-receiver.

Abstract: A roof ventilation system operable based on environmental parameters is disclosed. The system includes a vent, a fan, a solar panel, a battery and a controller. The vent is positioned within a field of a roof, and includes a first opening configured to allow airflow between regions above and below the roof. The fan is positioned to generate an air flow through the vent. The solar panel is positioned on the roof in a location such that the solar panel receives solar radiation. The battery is electrically connected to the solar panel. The controller is in communication with the fan, and is configured to drive the fan based on at least one environmental parameter.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to ventilation systems and methods, and more particularly to selectively configurable climate control systems and methods for use in data centers and the like. A device includes a support element and a plurality of ducts connected to the support element. The device also includes a manifold in fluid communication with each one of the plurality of ducts and a plurality of valves. Each respective one of the plurality of valves is associated with a respective one of the plurality of ducts. Moreover, there is at least one actuator operatively connected to the plurality of valves, which is structured and arranged to individually actuate each one of the plurality of valves.

Abstract: Described herein is a single unit optimizing controller (100) capable of operating any known type of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration HVACR system (an HVACR system is denote by reference numeral (101)), which include all ACR systems. HVACR system (101) takes the form of an air conditioning unit. The controller includes a communications section (102) for communicating with one or more remote controller terminal in the form of a web application (103) and a control section (104). The air conditioning unit of HVACR system (101) includes at least one cooling unit having a compressor wherein the control section is operatively associated with HVACR system (101) for selectively activating or deactivating the at least one cooling unit based on one or more settings received from web application (103) via communications section (102).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides controls, apparatus, systems and methods for controlling a ventilation mechanism to manage relative humidity of an area. The controls, apparatus, systems and methods utilize sensed relative humidity information and one or more inputs to provide automatic and/or manual control of a ventilation mechanism in response to high humidity events within the area. The controls, apparatus, systems and methods provided herein automatically activate a ventilation mechanism through the use of sensed relative humidity information and user input. The controls, apparatus, systems and methods provided herein automatically deactivate a ventilation mechanism through the use of sensed relative humidity information and user input.

Abstract: A thermal barrier for helping to maintain a temperature in volumes and/or at least one internal structural component surrounded by the barrier. The barrier has a first component containing at least one phase change material (PCM) that changes its state at a first temperature, a second component containing a PCM that changes its state at a second temperature which is different from the first temperature, and a third, thermally insulating component that is disposed between the first and second components containing a PCM or outside the second component.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a zoning system for climate control including a controller configured to operate the zoning system to supply conditioned air to a first zone of a plurality of zones through a first supply air damper to thermally charge the first zone. The controller is also configured to close the first supply air damper of the first zone and open a second supply air damper of a second zone of the plurality of zones after the first zone is thermally charged. The controller is further configured to operate the zoning system to draw the conditioned air from the first zone and supply the conditioned air to the second zone through the second supply air damper.

Abstract: Provided is a ventilation control apparatus (2) comprising: an in-home communication module configured to communicate with ventilators via an in-home network; an external communication module configured to communicate with an external server provided outside a building via an external network; a determination unit (77) configured to determine whether or not communication with the external server via the external communication module is available; a control determination unit (78) configured to determine a control method for the ventilators, based on a result of determination by the determination unit (77); and a ventilation operation control unit (76) configured to control the ventilators, based on the control method determined by the control determination unit (78).

Abstract: An air processing system comprises an air purifier (10) and/or an air quality sensor (12). One or both is controlled (14), or else sensor information is interpreted, in dependence on activity status information received from a plurality of home appliances (16, 8, 20, 22). This enables the operational life time of components in system to be extended, specifically the sensors and/or air purifier filters. Alternatively or additionally, it enables the air quality sensor information to be interpreted more reliably.

Abstract: For air distribution or extraction, fan speed is controlled using modeling to account for venturi air valves. A minimum pressure for each venturi air valve is incorporated into the model. The pressure losses for various duct airpaths to terminal units is calculated based, in part, on the minimum pressure of any venturi valve. The fan set point or operation is established based on the highest needed pressure in the various airpaths connected with the fan.

Abstract: A heat exchanging ventilation device includes supply air blower (8); exhaust air blower (9); a supply air blowing passage through which air to be delivered to indoor from outdoor by supply air blower (8) passes; a exhaust air blowing passage through which air to be delivered to the outdoor from the indoor by the exhaust air blower passes; heat exchange element (11) disposed at a position where both the supply air blowing passage and the exhaust air blowing passage pass and exchanging heat between air delivered by supply air blower (8) and air delivered by exhaust air blower (9); supply air damper (12) provided on supply air inlet (2) side of the supply air blowing passage; exhaust air damper (13) provided on exhaust air outlet (3) side of the exhaust air blowing passage; and circulation damper (14) provided at boundary portion (25) which separates the supply air blowing passage and the exhaust air blowing passage from each other.

Abstract: A sensing and lighting device includes a lighting fixture comprising a light emitting diode (LED) light source. The sensing and lighting device further includes a sensor to sense the air at the sensor, and a power source. The LED light source and the sensor are powered by the power source.

Abstract: A mixing module may be used in a modular data center to provide cooling of air by mixing exterior environment air with warm air exhausted from information handling systems in other modules of the modular data center. The mixing module may include a mixing aisle that provides a low-impedance path for warm and cool air to mix and for a homogenous air mass for cooling IT equipment. The mixing aisle may be divided into two portions separated by dampers to allow for control over the mixing of air in the mixing aisle. The dampers in the mixing aisle, as well as dampers on an intake and exhaust from the mix module, may be controlled to obtain a desired temperature and/or humidity level.

Abstract: A control system, comprising one or more smoke sensors, each configured to measure a level of smoke at a location within a building and to output a smoke level signal based at least in part upon the measured level of smoke. A controller configured to receive the smoke level signals and to control an operation of one or more energy recovery ventilation systems in a first mode of operation to recover energy when the smoke level signal is below a predetermined value and in a second mode of operation to evacuate smoke when the smoke level signal is above the predetermined value.

Abstract: A first ventilation apparatus of ventilation apparatuses which form a ventilation system includes: a first information transmission part (18a); a first information reception part (19a); and a first control part (17a). The first control part (17a) includes: a first total ventilation air volume determination part (20a); a first-ventilation-apparatus first air volume decision part (21a); and a first air volume detection part (22a).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining indoor air contaminant levels independent of outdoor contaminant levels. In one embodiment, an infinite geometric series is used to compute a true indoor air contaminant level in a room.

Abstract: A room pressure control system includes an air supply valve, an exhaust valve, and controller circuits. One of the controller circuits includes a room pressure correction control circuit that controls the valve operating as a room pressure control valve, between the air supply valve and the exhaust valve, so that the room pressure coincides with a set room pressure value; and processing circuitry that determines whether the room pressure easily fluctuates, determines whether the room pressure is stable, and sets parameters. In particular, the processing circuitry sets a dead zone parameter with which responsiveness of room pressure control is valued when it is determined that the room pressure easily fluctuates and otherwise sets a dead zone parameter with which reduction in the number of operations of the room pressure control valve is valued above the responsiveness of the room pressure control.

Abstract: A tactile control device and method for generating a modifier through the use of fuzzy logic for modifying control data responsive to a user's tactile input with the device are disclosed. The system may include one or more measurements corresponding to one or more interfering factors, a source of control data representative of a command generated in response to the user's tactile interaction, and a processing unit (PU). The PU may be configured to receive input data representative of at least one measurement corresponding to a measurement(s) of an interfering factor, determine a plurality of values based upon the measurement(s) and a plurality of first functions, determine a control data modifier based upon the plurality of values, and generate data representative of the modifier, where the modifier may be applied to the control data or data correspond to the control data.

Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a supplemental heat exchanger operably disposed between a condenser and an evaporator. This supplemental heat exchanger is located in selective fluid communication with the air in the conditioned space, and can be toggled between an “invisible” mode in which the heat exchanger acts as a simple fluid conduit between the condenser and evaporator, and a “humidity reduction” mode in which the heat exchanger operates to transfer heat from hot refrigerant to the colder conditioned space. This addition of heat into the conditioned space decreases the relative humidity of the conditioned space and subcools the refrigerant leading to the expansion valve and evaporator. This subcooling of the liquid enables the evaporator to operate at a lower temperature which enhances the moisture removal from the air moving through the evaporator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining indoor air contaminant levels independent of outdoor contaminant levels. In one embodiment, an infinite geometric series is used to compute a true indoor air contaminant level in a room.

Abstract: A roof ventilation system operable based on environmental parameters is disclosed. The system includes a vent, a fan, a solar panel, a battery and a controller. The vent is positioned within a field of a roof, and includes a first opening configured to allow airflow between regions above and below the roof. The fan is positioned to generate an air flow through the vent. The solar panel is positioned on the roof in a location such that the solar panel receives solar radiation. The battery is electrically connected to the solar panel. The controller is in communication with the fan, and is configured to drive the fan based on at least one environmental parameter.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a first space, a second space, a first damper, a second damper, and a third damper. The first space is connected to a cold space, having cold air reside therein to send to the cold space. The second space has return air reside therein, as it is discharged from a hot space. The first damper has an opening adjusted under control of a controller to take in outdoor air to the first space, and is operable to have an open state in an emergency with a server being supplied with power. The second damper has an opening adjusted under control of the controller to discharge return air in the second space, outside thereof, and is operable to have an open state in the emergency. The third damper has an opening adjusted under control of the controller to recirculate return air in the second space to the first space.

Abstract: A ventilation unit is arranged to effect flow reversal, according to two opposite directions, of a gas flow generated by a fan without reversing the rotation direction of the fan. The ventilation unit includes a fan, at least a first piping arrangement through which a gas flow is intended to pass in one of the two possible directions depending on whether it is blown or sucked by the fan, and a switching assembly arranged between the fan and the first piping arrangement, at least a switching device being provided in the switching assembly and being movable between two positions for selectively and alternately connecting the first piping arrangement to a delivery duct and to a suction duct of the fan, so as to allow the passage of a gas flow in a direction or in the opposite direction within the first piping arrangement.

Abstract: A damper blade is moved within an air control module connected to the discharge of a high-velocity blower, thereby modulating the electric power consumption of the blower motor.

Abstract: A laundry transport apparatus and method includes a container defining an interior area configured to accommodate a plurality of laundry carts, the container having a door movable between closed and open configurations to selectively allow access to said interior area. The apparatus includes a ventilation network to pass air to and from the interior area, the ventilation network including a pathogen identification and containment apparatus to detect, isolate and treat potentially harmful material within the soiled laundry. At least a portion of intake and outlet ducts are immediately adjacent one another to influence temperature of air passing through each duct, warmer air passing through one of the intake duct or the outlet duct becoming cooler and cooler air passing through another of the intake duct or the outlet duct becoming warmer.

Abstract: A multi-pressure-quantity fan control system for a computer system is provided. The multi-pressure-quantity fan control system includes a controller. The controller provides a pressure-quantity control signal to a fan of the computer system, in order to set the fan to operate in one of a first pressure-quantity setting and a second pressure-quantity setting, wherein under a predetermined rotating speed, the fan has a first pressure-quantity curve for the first pressure-quantity setting and a second pressure-quantity curve for the second pressure-quantity setting.

Abstract: An energy-reducing method and apparatus for retrofitting a constant volume HVAC system, with or without an economizer, that provides heating, cooling, and ventilation to occupants within a building space. The present invention includes the introduction of a programmable logic controller and variable frequency drive (VFD) that takes control of the existing fan, heating, cooling, and optional economizer operation. The controller is programmed fault detection of fan fault, heat/cool (temperature-based) fault, and energy consumption fault. The reduction of the fan speed in the ventilation mode when the 100% operation is not needed saves significant energy of the existing constant volume HVAC system where the fan motor is designed to run 100% of the time.

Abstract: A foldably tensioned boot loadable air damper device for controlling the flow of air through ductwork, and a method of installing same. The damper device includes an actuator having a retractable member and a pivoting member, wherein the pivoting member is operatively connected to the retractable member of the actuator. The damper device also includes at least one support base supporting the actuator and the pivoting member with respect to each other, a foldable damper blade attached to the pivoting member, and at least one tensioned hinge member operatively connected to the foldable damper blade for unfolding the damper blade. The damper device may be inserted through a register boot and into a ductwork when folded.

Abstract: A ventilation system and a controlling method of such a ventilation system are provided. The ventilation system may exhaust internal air from and draw fresh external air into a designated space. When an outdoor temperature is below a freezing point, some of the internal components of the ventilation system may be damaged due to the low external air temperature. This ventilation system controls operation of a supply fan and/or an exhaust fan based on the temperature of supplied and/or exhausted air to prevent such damage.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning of an interior space includes a heat exchanger core and a heating/cooling device in fluid connection with the heat exchanger core. A recirculation port is arranged between a supply air chamber and an outside air chamber. A damper is adapted to move between a first position in which the damper blocks the recirculation port and a second position in which the recirculation port is unblocked. When the damper is in the second position, at least a portion of supply air is guided to flow from the supply air chamber through the outside air chamber to the heat exchanger core so as to defrost the heat exchanger core.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing an air sampling system with first and second PID sensors to discriminate ammonia measurements. In one embodiment, air samples are taken from a vivarium environment to determine ammonia levels for controlling air flow to the vivarium.

Abstract: Methods and systems for remotely monitoring and/or controlling a demand control ventilation system are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a demand control ventilation device having a damper and a controller are provided. The damper may have a range of damper positions for controlling a flow of outside air into the building. The controller controls the damper positions such that a desired flow of outside air is drawn through the damper and into the building. A remote monitoring device may also be provided. The remote monitoring device may be located remotely from the demand control ventilation device, but in communication with or part of the controller. In some instances, the remote monitoring device may have a user interface for remotely monitoring and/or controlling at least certain aspects of the demand control ventilation system from the remote location.