AU2015201820B2 - Dwelling ventilation system - Google Patents
Dwelling ventilation system Download PDFInfo
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- AU2015201820B2 AU2015201820B2 AU2015201820A AU2015201820A AU2015201820B2 AU 2015201820 B2 AU2015201820 B2 AU 2015201820B2 AU 2015201820 A AU2015201820 A AU 2015201820A AU 2015201820 A AU2015201820 A AU 2015201820A AU 2015201820 B2 AU2015201820 B2 AU 2015201820B2
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Abstract
\ dwelling ventilation system to reduce the moisture content in a living space of a dwelling using fan/s to drive dry air from a roof cavity above the living space into he living space.
Description
The present invention relates to a ventilation system. More particularly but not exclusively it relates to a home ventilation system for transferring air from a roof space to a living space.
BACKGROUND
The basic principle of dwelling ventilation systems is to transfer air from a roof space to a living space.
An efficient form of heating a dwelling is a heat pump (or 'air conditioner') which incorporates sensors to decide if the inside air requires more heat energy according to desired temperature settings. A healthy home has effective heating, effective insulation and effective ventilation. In some environments and/or climatic conditions, all that is required is adequate home ventilation.
One primary purpose of a dwelling ventilation system is to reduce the water content of the air in the living spaces of a home. In summer months this may merely require opening a window. In winter months this may not be possible or desirable and with closed windows may amongst other things cause water condensation on the inside of the windows. A primary objective of current ventilation systems is to minimise the humidity. When relative humidity approaches 100 percent, condensation can occur on surfaces, leading to problems with mould, corrosion, decay, and other moisture-related deterioration. Even if the living space air is not near the dew point, a high humidity or water content in the air can cause damage and ill effects over time due to absorption of the water into the living area objects such as curtains, walls and drapes. This can be unhealthy for occupants.
The roof cavity above the ceiling is a viable source of air which will typically be dryer than the air in the living spaces, especially during winter months. Dwelling ventilation systems are typically used where the roof space and living space are two separate volumes. Often there is a differential humidity between the roof space of a house and the living space - depending on the water content and temperature of the respective space. At times, such as during winter when the living space is humid (caused by for example cooking, showers, laundry activities, body perspiration and closed windows and doors to keep the heat in), the roof space air is dryer, so the dryer roof space air can be transferred into the living space to make it drier by 'dilution' - or decreasing the specific humidity.
The positive pressure from the air being forced into said living space expels out, in time, old air as well as lowers the specific humidity of the living space air.
For a dwelling to be effectively healthy, it requires effective heating, effective insulation and effective ventilation - removal of any one of those processes reduces the chances of maintaining a healthy dwelling environment.
2015201820 10 Apr 2015
As modern building standards and efficiency are improved with insulation and weather stripping, buildings are being intentionally made more airtight, and consequently less well ventilated. Since all buildings require a source of fresh air, the continuing need for dwelling ventilation systems has become obvious.
While opening a window does provide ventilation and is a practical solution for the summer, the building's heat and humidity will then be lost in the winter which is undesirable for the indoor climate and for home energy efficiency.
Problems with existing solutions are that the system may be difficult to install. A common system is the ducted system which runs ducts from a central fan to transport filtered air to inlets in the living spaces.
A problem that may arise from a ducted system is that when a desired living space does not require ventilation, the current option is to block off the ducting leading to that room with a damper. Dampers may be expensive to install due to their location within the roof space and are often of a motorised mechanical nature. Damping can be an expensive way of reducing the airflow to rooms.
Individual living spaces may require specialised ventilation depending on the time of day and type of room. This may depend on many factors, for example; if it is a lounge with many people. Classically ducted systems may utilise a higher flow rate fan to achieve adequate ventilation whilst the other living rooms are damped. When a dwelling is large or has many living spaces to ventilate with dry roof cavity air, a ducted system requires extra fan capabilities, extra ducting and larger filters.
Furthermore; future modification, installation and maintenance costs may be high due to the complexity of the ducted system. Current systems usually require hardwiring the central fan and the control box mounted in the roof cavity into a mains power supply, and as such require the expertise of a qualified electrician, due to complexity and/or legal purposes depending on local law. Ongoing filter maintenance for a ducted ventilation system is usually carried out by the supplier at an annual charge depending on size and type of the system. Should there be a need for further rooms to be added to the ventilation system, high costs may be involved for further ducting, wiring, and modification of the existing system. When a dwelling is large or has many rooms to ventilate with drier roof cavity air, known systems require extra fan capabilities, extra ducting and larger filters also adding to costs. Some rooms, say a spare bedroom not often used, may not require much air flow or no air flow. In known systems this is achieved by having a controlled damper to close off the duct section to that room's outlet. This can affect the air flow volume to the other rooms, but this could be overcome by running the fan at a slower speed.
Dwelling heating should be effective and efficient and should take care of the heating requirements including using its heat energy to take care of the colder roof cavity air (which is dry) which can occur some winter mornings. Ducted systems may
2015201820 10 Apr 2015 attempt to combine some heating requirements into the ducting network such as electric in-line heaters and heat exchangers. The former may have a running cost twice that of a heat pump for the energy provided and heat exchanger value in a New Zealand temperate climate is questionable. It is wrong to think that a ventilation system must also take care of any heating function.
Currently, in older dwellings, ventilation is typically achieved via operable windows or envelope leakage (i.e. infiltration). However, these simple solutions cannot be relied upon for adequate ventilation as most new insulative dual pane windows are kept shut most of the time to keep heat in during the winter months, heat out during the summer months, or for reasons relating to noise or security. As such older dwellings need to be able to be retrofitted cheaply and easily with a dwelling ventilation system.
Separately, air extraction systems exist typically around service areas, such as kitchens, laundries, toilets and bathrooms. These extraction systems have the purpose of rapidly taking contaminated air out of those areas and expelling it into the atmosphere. When this happens, air from outside will be the biggest contributor to replace that expelled air by coming in through cracks and gaps in the dwelling structure. Some will come down through the ceiling via light fittings and dwelling ventilation systems. Such systems have compromising needs, one being the need to get rid of localised contaminated air in a room as quickly as possible the other preventing excess external air being drawn into the dwelling, particularly where it's not desired or needed.
In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.
For the purposes of this specification, the term plastic shall be construed to mean a general term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization products, and generally consisting of a hydrocarbon-based polymer.
For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be chronologically ordered in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a ventilation system which overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.
STATEMENTS OF INVENTION
2015201820 10 Apr 2015
In a first aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a dwelling ventilation system for a dwelling that has at least one living space bounded by a ceiling and above which there is located a roof cavity, the system comprising a plurality of ventilation units each comprising:
a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and a fan, located in the housing and at or towards the ceiling, configured to drive air from said roof cavity via said housing, the housing outlet configured to expel said driven air into said at least one living space via an opening in the ceiling.
In one embodiment, the housing has an inlet to receive air from said roof cavity.
In one embodiment, the fan is located between the inlet and the outlet.
In one embodiment, the fan is located at the inlet.
In one embodiment, the fan of each unit can only drive airflow through the respective unit's housing.
In one embodiment, a unit is, at least partially, insertable through the opening from the living space side of the ceiling.
In one embodiment, a unit is only partially insertable through the opening from the living space side of the ceiling.
In one embodiment, there are at least two living spaces in said dwelling.
In one embodiment, there is at least one unit in at least two living spaces.
In one embodiment, in all living spaces there is at least one unit.
In one embodiment, the units are individually controllable to cause air to be driven into the at least one living space.
In one embodiment, at least two and In one embodiment, all the units can all be turned off from a central switch.
In one embodiment, each fan comprises a motor and fan blades that can be caused to rotate by the motor.
In one embodiment, the units control air being delivered into a respective space.
In one embodiment, each unit fan is able to be stopped or started independently of other unit fans.
In one embodiment, each unit comprises a switch to stop or start the fan.
In one embodiment, each unit comprises a diffuser to operationally diffuse air flow into the living space.
In one embodiment, the diffuser is located at or within the outlet.
In one embodiment, each unit's fan is configured to be caused to stop and/or start by adjusting the diffuser.
2015201820 10 Apr 2015
In one embodiment, adjustment of the diffuser actuates an electrical switch between a power source and the fan.
In one embodiment, the diffuser is adjustable to change the outlet air flow area.
In one embodiment, the diffuser is adjustable via a screw mechanism.
In one embodiment, the diffuser is adjustable between an outer limit and an inner limit, relating to a maximum and minimum air flow area.
In one embodiment, at or towards the minimum air flow area limit the diffuser activates a switch to turn off the fan.
In one embodiment, each unit has a normal operating position where the diffuser's lowermost face is at substantially the same level as the ceiling.
In one embodiment, each diffuser has a normal operating position in relation to a normal operating air flow rate.
In one embodiment, the switch is on when the diffuser is set to a normal operating position.
In one embodiment, each unit comprises at least one filter.
In one embodiment, the filter is intermediate of the inlet and outlet.
In one embodiment, the filter is removably engageable with the unit.
In one embodiment, the filter is located in the diffuser.
In one embodiment, the diffuser is removably engageable with the unit.
In one embodiment, the filter is accessible from said living space side of the ceiling.
In one embodiment, the diffuser is accessible from said living space side of the ceiling.
In one embodiment, each unit is installable from said living space side of the ceiling.
In one embodiment, each unit is able to be powered on direct current voltage supply.
In one embodiment, each unit is able to be powered on a 40 voltage or below supply.
In one embodiment, each unit is able to be powered on a 24, 12 or 5 volt supply or voltages in between.
In one embodiment, multiple units can be powered in series connection or in star connection or a combination of both.
In one embodiment, additional units can be powered by the system by electrically connecting a unit to any other unit in the system.
In one embodiment, additional units can be installed into a dwelling using a power supply separate from the original system.
2015201820 10 Apr 2015
In one embodiment, the system comprises a transformer/switched power supply to step down mains supply voltage power to a voltage used by the system.
In one embodiment, the first unit in a system is powered from said transformer and additional units in the system are powered from said first unit in series, star or combination of both.
In one embodiment, a plurality of units can be electrically connected in series or parallel, from a single power source.
In one embodiment, any additional unit can be electrically daisy chained from an adjacent unit.
In one embodiment, each unit is adapted to provide electrical power terminals to which an adjacent unit can be connected to power said adjacent unit when at least one unit is in electrical connection with a power source.
In one embodiment, the system comprises a controller to turn the system off when the relative humidity in the roof cavity air is above a set threshold, and the system on when the relative humidity in the roof cavity air is below a set threshold.
In one embodiment, the threshold is the roof cavity air having 85% relative humidity.
In one embodiment, the unit comprises a removable filter accessible from the living space.
In one embodiment, the unit is not connected, including when in use, to flexible ducting.
In a second aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a dwelling that has at least one living space bounded by a ceiling and above which there is located a roof cavity, the dwelling having a ventilation system that comprising a plurality of ventilation units each comprising:
a. a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and
b. a fan, located in the housing and at or towards the ceiling, configured to drive air from said roof cavity via said housing, the housing having an outlet configured to expel said driven air into said at least one living space via an opening in the ceiling.
In one embodiment, there are at least two living spaces.
In one embodiment, there is at least one unit in at least two living spaces.
In one embodiment, in all living spaces there is at least one unit.
In one embodiment, the housing has an inlet to receive air from said roof cavity.
In one embodiment, the fan is located between the inlet and the outlet.
In one embodiment, the fan is located at the inlet.
2015201820 10 Apr 2015
In one embodiment, the fan of each unit can only drive airflow through the respective unit's passage.
In one embodiment, a unit is, at least partially, insertable through the opening from the living space side of the ceiling.
In one embodiment, a unit is only partially insertable through the opening from the living space side of the ceiling.
In one embodiment, the units are individually controllable to cause air to be driven into at least one living space.
In one embodiment, all the units can all be turned off from a central switch.
In one embodiment, each fan comprises a motor and fan blades that can be caused to rotate by the motor.
In one embodiment, the units control air being delivered into a respective space.
In one embodiment, each unit fan is able to be stopped or started independently of other unit fans.
In one embodiment, each unit comprises a switch to stop or start the fan.
In one embodiment, each unit comprises a diffuser to operationally diffuse air flow into the living space.
In one embodiment, the diffuser is located at or within the outlet.
In one embodiment, each unit's fan is configured be caused to stop and/or start by adjusting the diffuser.
In one embodiment, adjustment of the diffuser actuates an electrical switch between a power source and the fan.
In one embodiment, the diffuser is adjustable to change the outlet air flow area.
In one embodiment, the diffuser is adjustable via a screw mechanism.
In one embodiment, the diffuser is adjustable between an outer limit and an inner limit, relating to a maximum and minimum air flow area.
In one embodiment, at or towards the minimum air flow area limit the diffuser activates a switch to turn off the fan.
In one embodiment, each unit has a normal operating position where the diffuser's lowermost face is at substantially the same level as the ceiling.
In one embodiment, each diffuser has a normal operating position in relation to a normal operating air flow rate.
In one embodiment, the switch is on when the diffuser is set to a normal operating position.
In one embodiment, each unit comprises at least one filter.
In one embodiment, the filter is intermediate of the inlet and outlet.
In one embodiment, the filter is removably engageable with the unit.
2015201820 10 Apr 2015
In one embodiment, the filter is located in the diffuser.
In one embodiment, the diffuser is removably engageable with the unit.
In one embodiment, the filter is accessible from said living space side of the ceiling.
In one embodiment, the diffuser is accessible from said living space side of the ceiling.
In one embodiment, each unit is installable from said living space side of the ceiling.
In one embodiment, each unit is able to be powered on direct current voltage supply.
In one embodiment, each unit is able to be powered on a 40 voltage or below supply.
In one embodiment, each unit is able to be powered on a 24, 12 or 5 volt supply or voltages in between.
In one embodiment, multiple units can be powered in series, star or a combination of both.
In one embodiment, additional units can be powered by the system by electrically connecting a unit to any other unit in the system.
In one embodiment, additional units can be installed into a dwelling using a power supply separate from the original system.
In one embodiment, the system comprises a transformer/switched power supply to step down mains supply voltage power to a voltage used by the system.
In one embodiment, the first unit in a system is powered from said transformer/switched power supply and additional units in the system are powered from said first unit.
In one embodiment, a plurality of units can be electrically connected in series or parallel, from a single power source.
In one embodiment, any additional unit can be electrically daisy chained from an adjacent unit.
In one embodiment, each unit is adapted to provide electrical power terminals to which an adjacent unit can be connected to power said adjacent unit when at least one unit is in electrical connection with a power source.
In one embodiment, the system comprises a controller to turn the system on or off when the relative humidity in the roof cavity air is above or below a set threshold.
In one embodiment, the system when the relative humidity in the roof cavity air is above a set threshold.
In one embodiment, the threshold is the roof cavity air having 85% relative humidity.
2015201820 10 Apr 2015
In one embodiment, the unit is not connected, including when in use, to flexible ducting.
In one embodiment, the unit comprises a removable filter accessible from the living space.
In one embodiment, the dwelling has air continuously driven into the living space by the system from the roof cavity when the roof cavity air relative humidity is below 85%.
In a further aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a dwelling ventilation unit configured to transfer air from at least one of (a) a dwelling roof cavity and (b) outside the dwelling, through a ceiling opening to a dwelling living space, the unit comprising at least one fan configured to drive air from said roof cavity via a housing that has an outlet configured to expel said driven air into said living space, wherein the housing and fan is adapted and configured to be at least partially insertable and locatable through the opening from the living space side of the ceiling..
In one embodiment, the housing has an inlet to receive air from said roof cavity.
Preferably the housing is straight.
Preferably the housing is rigid.
In one embodiment, the fan is located between the inlet and the outlet.
In one embodiment, the fan is located at the inlet.
In one embodiment, the unit is at least partially insertable through the opening from the living space side of the ceiling.
In one embodiment, the unit comprises a switch to stop or start the fan.
In one embodiment, the unit comprises a diffuser to operationally diffuse air flow into the living space.
In one embodiment, the diffuser is located within the outlet.
In one embodiment, the unit is configured to stop or start via adjusting the diffuser.
In one embodiment, the diffuser comprises a position to turn the fan off and a position to turn the fan on.
In one embodiment, the diffuser is adjustable to change the outlet air flow area.
In one embodiment, the diffuser is adjustable via a screw mechanism.
In one embodiment, the diffuser is adjustable between an outer limit and an inner limit, relating to a maximum and minimum air flow area.
In one embodiment, at or towards the minimum air flow area limit the diffuser activates a switch to turn off the fan.
In one embodiment, each unit has a normal operating position where the diffuser's lowermost face is at substantially the same level as the ceiling.
2015201820 10 Apr 2015
In one embodiment, each diffuser has a normal operating position in relation to a normal operating air flow rate.
In one embodiment, the switch is on when the diffuser is set to a normal operating position.
In one embodiment, the unit comprises at least one filter.
In one embodiment, the filter is intermediate of the inlet and outlet.
In one embodiment, the filter is removably engageable with the unit.
In one embodiment, the filter is located in the diffuser.
In one embodiment, the diffuser is removably engageable with the unit.
In one embodiment, the filter is accessible from said living space side of the ceiling.
In one embodiment, the diffuser is accessible from said living space side of the ceiling.
In one embodiment, the unit is installable from said living space side of the ceiling.
In one embodiment, each unit is able to be powered on direct current voltage supply.
In one embodiment, each unit is able to be powered on a 40 voltage or below supply.
In one embodiment, each unit is able to be powered on a 24, 12 or 5 volt supply or voltages in between.
In one embodiment, the unit comprises a transformer/switched power supply to step down mains supply voltage power to a voltage able to be used by the unit.
In one embodiment, additional units can be powered by electrically connecting a unit to any other powered unit.
In one embodiment, multiple units can be powered in series, star or a combination of both.
In one embodiment, the unit is adapted to provide electrical power terminals to which an adjacent unit can be connected to power said adjacent unit when at least one unit is in electrical connection with a power source.
In one embodiment, the system comprises a controller to turn the system on or off with respect to the humidity of the roof cavity air.
In one embodiment, the system when the relative humidity in the roof cavity air is above a set threshold.
In one embodiment, the threshold is the roof cavity air having 85% relative humidity.
In one embodiment, the the unit comprises a removable filter accessible from the living space.
In one embodiment, the housing is smaller diameter than the opening.
2015201820 10 Apr 2015
In one embodiment, the housing inlets and outlets are close together to form a short overall housing height.
In one embodiment, the fan is next to the level of the ceiling.
In one embodiment, the housing outside diameter is smaller than the diameter of the opening.
In one embodiment, the housing comprises clips that are able to be retracted as the housing is pushed though the opening and then extended outwards to register the housing to the ceiling once the housing is in the desired location.
Preferably the unit is not connected, including when in use, to flexible ducting.
Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
As used herein the term and/or means and or or, or both.
As used herein (s) following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.
The term comprising as used in this specification means consisting at least in part of. When interpreting statements in this specification which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as comprise and comprised are to be interpreted in the same manner.
The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited above and below, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference.
This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.)
The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings in which:
Figure 1: shows a front cross sectional view of a ventilation unit and that is installed in a ceiling,
Fig ure 2: shows a second embodiment of figure 1,
Fig ure 3: shows a schematic of the power supply configuration for two units installed in a ceiling space,
Fig ure 4: shows a plan view of a dwelling with a ventilation system installed,
Fig ure 5: shows a schematic of an alternative power supply configuration of four units installed in a ceiling space, and
2015201820 10 Apr 2015
Figure 6: shows a shows a schematic of the power supply configuration for two units installed in a ceiling space with a controller.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
With reference to the above drawings, in which similar features are generally indicated by similar numerals, a home ventilation system according to a first aspect of the invention is generally indicated by the numeral 1000.
In New Zealand, and many other countries, three key environmental conditions should be taken into account to ensure a comfortable and healthy home.
These are:
• Effective heating, • Effective insulation, and • Effective ventilation.
The present invention relates to a home ventilation system for moisture reduction.
Heating a home and keeping it warm is the function of effective heating (e.g. a heat pump, a wood burner, a gas heater or electric heating) together with the effective insulation. Ventilation is a separate variable and its effect often becomes most pronounced in the winter. Ventilation is about taking dry (sometimes cold) air such as from a roof cavity 2 and mixing this with the wetter air in living spaces such as a living room 3. Wet air may be caused by cooking, people, showers, laundry activity, etc. Home ventilation should be the sole function of a ventilation system.
In one embodiment the invention comprises a ventilation system for a dwelling that comprises one and preferably a number of individual ventilation units 1000. Each is preferably placed at a ceiling of a room 3 or space of the dwelling at its ceilings 1.
The unit 1000 comprises an inlet 10, to receive air flow from the roof cavity 2 and an outlet 20 to allow said air to flow into the living space 3. A fan 30 is located either intermediate the inlet 10 and outlet 20 to draw air through the inlet 10, or the fan 30 is located above the inlet 10 to push or drive air through the inlet 10 to the outlet 20. The inlet 10, outlet 20 and fan 30 are all housed by a body or housing 100.
The inlet 10 may be any type of orifice that will allow a desired flow rate of air through to the outlet 20. The desired flow rate into a living space 3 is the equivalent of 1 air change per hour. However that rate may differ and still be effective between 0.5 and 2.0 air changes per hour. This means that the fan 30 will have a resistant free flow rate of between 50 cubic metres per hour and 400 cubic metres per hour to produce a sufficient effect in a typical living space 3. Preferably operating at 100 cubic metres per hour. When the living space 3 is larger than average, such as a lounge, more than one unit 1000 is installed.
2015201820 10 Apr 2015
The inlet 10 draws or receives air directly from the fan 30 or directly from the roof cavity, depending on where the fan 30 is placed.
In an alternative embodiment the unit 1000 is installed in a downstairs room and directly above said downstairs room is an upstairs room and if the only available air for ventilating into the downstairs space room is above the upstairs room, then a single duct is connected from the above upstairs room roof cavity down through, for example, a cupboard or wall cavity, to the top of the inlet 10 in the ceiling of the downstairs room.
The outlet 20 may be any type of orifice that will allow a desired flow rate of air from the inlet 10 through to the room without significant air flow restriction. The area of the outlet 20 may be smaller or larger than the inlet 10. In a preferred embodiment the outlet area is the same. In a preferred embodiment the outlet 20 is a of a frustoconical shape, with the diameter of the cone increasing in the direction from the inlet 10 to the outlet 20.
The unit 1000 may further comprise a plaque or diffuser 40. The diffuser 40 marginally restricts air flow and increases the velocity of the air to spread the air further into the room. Preferably, the diffuser marginally restricts air flow and increases the velocity of the air over an outer surround or engaging lips 102 which causes a vacuum effect at the ceiling surface outside of the outer surround 102 to cause the air to cling to the ceiling as it leaves the outer surround 102 until it reduces its velocity (this is called the ceiling effect which produces throw).
In one embodiment, the diffuser 40 is a frustoconical shaped member adapted to have a complimentary fit within the outlet 20. This complimentary fit can create an airtight seal when the diffuser is against the outlet. When the diffuser is moved away from the outlet - air can pass through the outlet between the outlet and the diffuser.
In alternative embodiments the complimentary fit is not an airtight fit and the air flow goes through the diffuser and not around the diffuser, this is shown in Figure 2.
In one embodiment, the diffuser engages with either the housing or outlet 20. Preferably the diffuser can screw in or out, or towards or away from the outlet 20 to change either the choking, the angle of deflection, or to stop or start the airflow. In one embodiment as shown in Figure 1 the diffuser has a screw formation 41 which allows the diffuser 40 to be removed and the filter 50 is able to be accessed.
In an alternative embodiment in Figure 2 the diffuser 40 is removed along with the filter 50.
Preferably the filter 50 is a particulate air filter composed of fibrous materials which aids in removing solid particulates such as dust, pollen, mould, and bacteria from the air.
2015201820 10 Apr 2015
The filter 50 is accessed by removing the diffusers from within the living space 3. The filter 50 is removed, washed in warm soapy water and placed back in the unit 1000.
In alternative embodiments the unit 1000 does not comprise a filter 50, this could be in circumstances where there are separate air purifying devices already operating in the roof cavity 2 or living space 3.
In one embodiment, the unit 1000 fan 30 is able to be switched on and off independently from the other units 1000 in the system. This allows selective and independent ventilation of each living space 3 where a unit 1000 is installed. Furthermore, all units may be switched on or off simultaneously from the central power supply. However, should an individual unit be switched differently to the other units, the mains supply when switched on will only return the unit to its previously switched state. I.e. if a unit is independently switched off, then the system is switched off, when the system is switched on again, said independent off unit will still be switched off.
The switching may be of various means, such as a simple pull switch 42 as shown in Figure 1. It is envisaged other means of switching the fan on and off are within the scope of the invention, such as a simple push button circuit switch, proximity sensor switch or other switches that are appropriate for being mounted on a ceiling 1 or similar.
In one preferred embodiment, screwing the diffuser 40 onto a screw formation 41 onto the housing 100 or outlet 20 could activate a micro switch 42 as shown in Figure 2 which switches the fan 30 off. Likewise, screwing the diffuser 40 out of the housing 100 or outlet 20 will activate the micro switch 42 which switches on the fan 30, or vice versa.
In alternative embodiments the diffuser 40 may slidably engage, or have a twist lock function instead of a screwing formation. It is envisaged someone skilled in the art will appreciate the many alternatives to switching, and diffuser interaction with the housing 100.
Each unit 1000 has its own fan 30. Where a plurality of the units 1000 are installed in a dwelling they may each be separately or collectively connected to a power source. In the preferred form the power source is a simple low voltage supply 6. This may draw power from the mains power supply and via a step down transformer reduce the voltage to a lower level. It may also rectify it.
The fan 30 consists of a rotating arrangement of vanes or blades which act on the air. Preferably the fan 30 is contained within some form of housing or case 31. The fan 30 produces air flows with appropriate flow rate and low pressure (although higher than ambient pressure). Preferably the fan 30 is an axial-flow fan; however other fan types are envisaged as being within the scope of the invention.
2015201820 10 Apr 2015
The fan blades force air to move parallel to the shaft about which the blades rotate. A standard axial fan used will have a diameter between 80-400mm, however other diameters of fan used for the invention are considered within the scope of the invention.
In a preferred embodiment the fan 30 is located on the top of the unit 1000 as shown in Figures 1- 2. In other embodiments the fan 30 may be located between the filter 50 and diffuser 40, so long as the filter 50 is still accessible for maintenance through the living space cavity side 3 of the ceiling 1.
The fan 30 is preferably powered by an electric motor, attached directly to the motor's output with no gears or belts. The motor is either hidden in the fan's centre hub or extends behind it. The fan may be powered by shaded pole AC motors, or brushed or brushless DC motors.
AC-powered fans usually use mains voltage, while DC-powered fans use low voltage, typically a choice below 40 volts, or preferably of 24, 12, or 5 volts. In a preferred embodiment the fan used is a 12 volt DC powered fan. Said fan 30 may be powered from a mains 240 volt supply via a transformer/switched power supply 7 which steps down and rectifies the mains voltage.
A standard 240 volt (or equivalent country mains supply) power supply socket is required for plugging the transformer into as shown in Figure 3. Cabling is a simple process of interconnecting light weight cable 6 from unit 1000 to another unit 1000 then finally to the plug-in power supply such as transformer/switched power supply 7 which in turn is plugged into a 240 volt socket 5. Another cable connection scheme is to connect the light weight cable 6 from the transformer/switched power supply 7 to a middle unit 1000 of the connected units 1000 so as to use this connection point as a splitter. The system may either be in; series, star, or combination star and series as shown in Figure 5. The power socket 5 could be located in the roof cavity 2 or in a cupboard for example.
Due to the 12 volts DC supply to the units, there is no requirement for a specialist for installation.
A system comprising of four units 1000 in a single dwelling would be rated at watts and would take about 160 hours to use 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy about every 7 days.
Other alternatives such as having the transformer 7 inbuilt within the unit are envisaged as being within the scope of the invention.
The present system may include twin thermostats 8 as shown in Figure 3 in the roof cavity using one thermostat set at, for example, 7 degrees Celsius to turn the present system off at temperatures below this and the other thermostat set at, for example, 27 degrees Celsius to turn the present system off at roof temperatures above this.
2015201820 10 Apr 2015
In an alternative embodiment the system includes a humidistat 61 as shown in Figure 6. The effects of prolonged periods of rain on the state of roof cavity 2 air have been researched by the applicant. It was found that during prolonged periods of rain the roof cavity 2 air humidity and temperature lagged by only a few hours behind whatever was happening outside. The exception is that the humidity in the roof cavity 2 air humidity seldom gets to 100%, which it does outside when it is raining.
The roof cavity air relative humidity may rise to 95% - 97% relative humidity during periods of rain. When this happens, the high humidity air is ineffective as a resource to bring down moisture levels in the living spaces. It is important that high moisture air is not brought down from the roof cavity into the living space. It is the object to reduce the humidity in the living space by dilution from the addition of drier air from the roof space being added to the living space.
To alleviate this issue and other summer and winter temperature effects, a controller 60 is used. The controller includes a humidistat 61 that senses the humidity in the roof cavity air. The controller 60 switches off the system for short periods when the roof cavity air humidity is too high. For example, the controller 60 may switch of the unit or system when the relative humidity in the roof cavity is above 85%. The accuracy of the threshold for relative humidity is not needed to be accurate. Often during periods of rain the relative humidity hovers at a reasonable level and then will rise well quickly towards high levels (85% - 99%) of relative humidity.
The controller 60 in a further embodiment also includes the thermostats described previously. In the current embodiment the controller 60 switches off the unit or system when cavity air temperature is too high (e.g. in the summer), when the temperature is too low (e.g. in the winter) and when the roof cavity air humidity is too high.
The controller 60 may be installed and located by fastening it to a roof truss or similar in the roof cavity 2. Preferably the controller is installed at or towards the centre of the roof cavity and about halfway between the roof ceiling and the roof peak.
The controller may be wired in series into the system or unit between the power supply and the first unit as shown in Figure 6.
Alternatively the controller 60 is integral or built into a, or multiple, units.
In some embodiments, the inlet 10 and outlet 20 are the same formation or of an integral nature. In a preferred embodiment the inlet 10 and outlet 20 are formed from a moulded plastics material.
In a preferred embodiment the housing includes the inlet 10, outlet 20 and formations to accept and secure the fan 30, filter 50 and diffuser 40.
The units 1000 are placed in position via latches or fasteners 101 located on the periphery of the housing 100 as shown in Figure 2. The housing 100 is pushed into an orifice / opening 8 of a ceiling 1 until outer surround 102 engage with the living
2015201820 10 Apr 2015 cavity 3 side of the ceiling 1. The outer surround registers the depth of the housing or unit inserted into the ceiling. Once registered, the fasteners 101 fasten onto the ceiling
1. In one embodiment the fasteners are resilient tabs that bias away from the housing and are able to flex inwards towards the housing to allow the ceiling 1 to push past yet flick out once the ceiling 1 has passed. Typically there are four symmetrically placed fasteners about the periphery of the housing; however other numbers are envisaged as working equally well.
In another embodiment the fasteners are spring-loaded latches (not shown) pressing against the top side of the ceiling 1. Such fasteners 101 allow the entire unit to be removed once installed should maintenance need to be done on the units 1000.
Once the rooms have been selected that will have the units 1000 installed, the ceiling positions are determined with minor variations to ensure the units 1000 are placed between joists and bearers. This requires a combination of checking within the room, checking up in the roof cavity and may be aided by the use of a stud finder.
The units 1000 are able to be in installed from the living room side of the ceiling. The housing 100 is less than the diameter of the capture in the ceiling. This allows the housing 100 to be able to slide into the aperture of the ceiling. The housing 100 has a flange that abuts the ceiling to prevent the housing from travelling too far into the roof cavity.
The units 1000 may be installed about 0.6 to 1 metre from a window 9 towards the end of the window in the diagonally opposite corner to the room door. The installation and placement for the units 1000 is to generally place them near windows towards one end and away from doors and the position of occupant's heads when they are sleeping as shown in Figure 4. Where rapid ventilation to the atmosphere is required, such as in service areas 11, the use of separate and dedicated extractors 10 are employed.
Holes or openings 8 are cut out of the ceiling lining at a diameter complimentary to the insertion diameter of the unit 1000. The insertion diameter is the diameter of the housing 100 above the outer surround 102. A typical hole 8 size is 240mm.
The cables 6 or mains power supply (depending on the embodiment) is temporarily drawn through the orifice 8 from the roof cavity 2, and then connected to the fan 30 or unit 1000.
The unit 1000 is then pushed into the orifice 8 until it registers and secures in place via the fasteners 101 and the engaging edges 102.
The units are compact and short allowing easy installation from the living space side of the ceiling.
2015201820 10 Apr 2015
The fan 30 in the unit is located at or towards the ceiling as shown in the figures. The close proximity of the fan to the ceiling makes the unit more compact. The overall short length of the housing keeps drag and inefficiencies down.
Preferably the housing does not comprise any excess ducting or length. Preferably the fan is rigid and fixed to the housing, and when installed, to the ceiling.
The more compact nature of the unit allows it to be installed closer to edges of a pitched roof house, or where there is less space above the ceiling.
If more than one unit 1000 is required, then a 'daisy chain' cable 4 is run from the first unit, back into the roof cavity 2 and across to another unit opening 8, where it can be joined to the second unit in the same manner.
In an alternative embodiment the units 1000 may be installed from the roof cavity 2 side. In this embodiment the engaging edges are on the ceiling space side and the fasteners fasten onto living space 3 side. Alternatively, there are no fasteners, and the unit sits in the orifice 8 by gravity as shown in Figure 3.
In operation the invention can lower the dew point of room air by means of positive pressure, low volume movement of drier air from the roof cavity 2 above the ceiling 1 into the living space 3 below.
This reduces the likelihood of the water vapour in the living space 3 condensing on what may be relatively cold windows and also reduces the amount of water being absorbed by the walls, carpets, furniture, etc. Modern dwellings with double glazing (which reduces the chances of water condensing on the windows) still require moisture reduction ventilation to minimise water being absorbed into the carpets, furniture, walls, etc.
When the air from the roof cavity 2 is undesirably cold, effective heating (such as a heat pump, etc) can be utilised to raising the temperature of that cooler air.
A standard single storey dwelling with a gabled roof is an ideal environment for the invention to operate in. Being gabled the dwelling provides a sufficiently large source of air which is dryer (contains less moisture, lower humidity) than the air in the living spaces 3 (such as the bedrooms, living room, lounge, etc).
A dwelling with say three bedrooms and lounge would typically require four units 1000 mounted in the each respective living space 3.
With the present system it is possible for more units 1000 to be added for as many rooms as are required and for larger rooms, a second or further unit 1000 may be dedicated to that room.
Any flow rate setting in between on and off will not have any specific advantage due to the normal low flow rate overall of the system, and the large volume of air in the living space. The time from turning on the system and noticing the effects of the system on the humidity can be significant, even up to a few days depending on
2015201820 10 Apr 2015 the volume of the living space 3. A low volume positive air displacement unit can be left on over winter and turned off over summer.
Advantages:
1. It is a simple solution and as effective as other alternative more expensive and complicated ducted multi outlet ventilation systems for moisture control.
2. It costs less to install and maintain than known ducted multi outlet home ventilation systems.
3. The electricity costs to continuously run 24/7 are low due to simple fans and no electronics, and the lack of dampers to control flow rate as in known systems.
4. Filters are removed (from within the room), washed and placed back in each room unit by the owner - not a costly annual event.
5. It is a true do it yourself installation system taking 2 to 3 hours for a standard single storey gabled-roof dwelling.
6. The self-contained fans can now be used that have a mean time between failure of greater than 150,000 hours (more than 17 years) and are provided with a guarantee of 6 years.
Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth.
Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and/or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
Claims (5)
- CLAIMS:1. A dwelling ventilation system for a dwelling that has at least one living space bounded by a ceiling and above which there is located a roof cavity, the system comprising a plurality of ventilation units each comprising:a. a rigid housing comprising a passage with an inlet to receive air from said roof cavity and an outlet configured to allow said air into said at least one living space via an opening in said ceiling,b. a surround engaged or integral with the housing and located at or near the outlet, and the surround operatively abuts the living space side of the ceiling adjacent said openingc. a fan, located by the housing intermediate the inlet and outlet in the passage, configured to drive air from said roof cavity via the passage through the outlet into the living space, andd. an electric motor located by the housing configured to drive the fan on a voltage supply of forty volts or below, wherein the housing is adapted for the fan and motor to be insertable through the opening from the living space side of the ceiling to be located in the roof cavity, and the unit is not connected, including when in use, to flexible ducting.
- 2. A dwelling ventilation system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the units are individually controllable to cause air to be driven into the at least one living space.
- 3. A dwelling ventilation system as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein, each unit comprises a switch to stop or start the fan.
- 4. A dwelling ventilation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein, a plurality of units can be electrically connected in series or parallel, from a single power source.
- 5. A dwelling ventilation unit configured to transfer air from at least one of (a) a dwelling roof cavity and (b) outside the dwelling, through a wall or ceiling opening respectively to a dwelling living space, the unit comprising at least one motor driven fan configured to drive air from said (a) or (b) via a rigid housing forming a passage that has an outlet configured to expel said driven air into said living space, the motor able to powered on a 40 voltage or below supply, wherein each unit is configured to allow the fan and related motor, as well as at least a portion of the housing, to be insertable for installation, through the living space side of the ceiling or wall.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZ623705 | 2014-04-10 | ||
| NZ62370514 | 2014-04-10 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2015201820A1 AU2015201820A1 (en) | 2015-10-29 |
| AU2015201820B2 true AU2015201820B2 (en) | 2019-12-19 |
Family
ID=54595780
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2015201820A Ceased AU2015201820B2 (en) | 2014-04-10 | 2015-04-10 | Dwelling ventilation system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2015201820B2 (en) |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3237097A1 (en) * | 1982-10-07 | 1984-04-12 | Feiffer, Albert, Ing. (grad.), 3404 Adelebsen | Energy-saving ventilator |
| GB2349472A (en) * | 1999-03-05 | 2000-11-01 | Nuaire Ltd | A ventilation or air extraction system comprising means to log and transmit operational data |
| US6450414B1 (en) * | 1998-09-17 | 2002-09-17 | Jonathan K. Dartnall | Heat transfer system |
-
2015
- 2015-04-10 AU AU2015201820A patent/AU2015201820B2/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3237097A1 (en) * | 1982-10-07 | 1984-04-12 | Feiffer, Albert, Ing. (grad.), 3404 Adelebsen | Energy-saving ventilator |
| US6450414B1 (en) * | 1998-09-17 | 2002-09-17 | Jonathan K. Dartnall | Heat transfer system |
| GB2349472A (en) * | 1999-03-05 | 2000-11-01 | Nuaire Ltd | A ventilation or air extraction system comprising means to log and transmit operational data |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2015201820A1 (en) | 2015-10-29 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| PC1 | Assignment before grant (sect. 113) |
Owner name: JUST WATER INTERNATIONAL LIMITED Free format text: FORMER APPLICANT(S): UNOVENT HOLDINGS LIMITED |
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| FGA | Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent) | ||
| HB | Alteration of name in register |
Owner name: JUST LIFE GROUP LIMITED Free format text: FORMER NAME(S): JUST WATER INTERNATIONAL LIMITED |
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| MK14 | Patent ceased section 143(a) (annual fees not paid) or expired |