WO2015109202A1

WO2015109202A1 - Combination supply/return directional diffuser, and associated system for adjustably circulating air within a space

Info

Publication number: WO2015109202A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/011782
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeffrey G. BENTON; Cory R. COCHRAN
Original assignee: Zoo Fans, Inc.
Priority date: 2014-01-16
Filing date: 2015-01-16
Publication date: 2015-07-23

Abstract

A combination supply/return diffuser with directional exhaust includes a housing, an air intake arranged within the housing and an air outlet arranged central to the air intake, such that the air intake surrounds the air outlet. The air outlet is adjustable to allow for customized direction of a column of air from the air outlet into a space. As such, the diffuser may be used with a directionally non-adjustable HVAC or forced air system to provide adjustable air output where the system would otherwise be directionally fixed.

Description

COMBINATION SUPPLY/RETURN DIRECTIONAL DIFFUSER, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTABLY CIRCULATING AE WITHIN A

SPACE

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/928,254, filed January 16, 2014, and which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herewith.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Control of airflow within a building is important for several reasons, including but not limited to providing for occupant health and comfort, reducing energy uses, controlling air quality, and controlling moisture. Fans and air handlers are often used to circulate air within a building; when they are combined with ducted or directed flow systems, there is typically a return intake for returning air back to a plenum, or mixed air chamber, where it may be combined with outside air, filtered, heated, and/or cooled prior to re-circulation.

SUMMARY

[0003] Circulation systems such as ceiling fans and ducted HVAC systems are typically "set" directionally upon installation and are limited in their potential for customization of directional airflow. The disclosed diffuser allows easy-access directional control of airflow through the use of an adjustable outlet such as a jet-ball, for directing a column of air from a forced-air system. Such arrangement increases throw and reduces lateral dispersion of air, thus providing for more energy-efficient circulation. Traditional jet-ball diffusers are typically only used as a single, modular component exhaust diffuser which is joined, typically via ducting, to a fan or air-handler driven forced-air system that has a separate intake. The disclosed diffuser combines the centralized outlet described herein, surrounded by and combined with an air intake for accepting return air to the fan or air handler via either a ducted return or a plenum in a single, all-in-one modular component intake and exhaust diffuser. The diffuser mounts with the ceiling of a space and joins a fan system as disclosed herein or with an existing HVAC system, such that the outlet/jet-ball may be accessed and adjusted from below the ceiling to direct airflow as desired, for example to enhance comfort of occupants within the space.

[0004] The disclosed diffuser also beneficially combines the outlet and air intake in a single unit, thus reducing labor, parts and the expense of having a separate outlet and intake. The combination of the outlet and air intake in a single unit provides the capability to address localized problems of inadequate or problematic air circulation in existing HVAC systems.

[0005] In one embodiment, a combination supply/return diffuser with directional exhaust includes a housing, an air intake arranged within the housing, and an air outlet arranged central to the air intake, such that the air intake surrounds the air outlet. The air outlet comprises a jet-ball diffuser for adjustably directing a column of air from beneath the air outlet into a space to improve circulation.

[0006] In one embodiment, a system for improving air circulation within a space includes a fan supported within a housing and means for mounting with or connecting to a diffuser housing. The diffuser housing supports an air intake arranged around a perimeter of the housing, and an air outlet central to the air intake. The air outlet may be adjusted from beneath the diffuser housing, when the housing is mounted with a ceiling, such that a column of air flowing through the air outlet may be selectively directed into a space.

[0007] In one embodiment, a diffuser configured for attachment with an HVAC system includes a housing having an upper neck for fitting with a component of the HVAC system. An exhaust air outlet disposed with the housing beneath and in fluidic communication with the neck provides a conduit for air output via the HVAC component into a space, while an intake arranged with the housing and surrounding the air outlet delivers return air from the space to a plenum, directly or via a ducted return, for treatment and/or re-circulation by the HVAC system. In one aspect, the exhaust air outlet is supplied by the HVAC system ducting and includes a jet-ball to increase throw and allow for direction of the airflow within the space; thereby improving air circulation and increasing user customization by allowing for adjustment of airflow direction.

[0008] In one embodiment, a diffuser adjustably directs a column of air from a fan that is not directionally adjustable. The diffuser includes a housing having an upper neck for fitting with an exhaust of the fan, and an adjustable air outlet disposed with the housing proximate and in fluidic communication with the neck to provide a conduit for air output by the fan into a space. An intake arranged with the housing and surrounding the air outlet delivers return air from the space to a plenum, or via a ducted return, for treatment and/or re-circulation by the fan. The air outlet is adjustable from within the space, when the diffuser is mounted with the non-adjustable fan.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a plan view from above a combination supply/return directional diffuser, according to an embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the diffuser of FIG 1.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of the diffuser of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 4 shows the diffuser of FIG. 1 from below, in a t-bar or drop- ceiling frame.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a side view of the diffuser and frame of FIG. 4.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a side, perspective view of the diffuser of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a top, perspective view of the diffuser of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the diffuser of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a side, perspective view of the diffuser of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the diffuser of FIG. 1 , illustrating angled louvers of an air intake portion.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the diffuser of FIG. 1 , further illustrating angled louvers of the air intake portion.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a top view of the diffuser of FIG. 1 mounted with a grid of ceiling tiles.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the diffuser of FIG. 1 mounted with a grid of ceiling tiles.

[0022] FIG. 14 shows an improved destratification fan mounted with the diffuser of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 15 is a top view of an impeller of the fan of FIG. 14, mounted with the diffuser of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 16 is a top view of the diffuser of FIG. 1 and a boot for mounting the diffuser to the impeller of FIG. 15.

[0025] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the boot of FIG. 16, illustrating a circumferential groove for fitting with a neck of the diffuser of FIG. 1. [0026] FIG. 18 shows a dome cover for creating a plenum around the fan of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] FIG. 1 shows a combination supply/return directional diffuser 100 from above. FIG. 1 for example shows the diffuser as may be seen from above a ceiling, when the diffuser is installed in a standard 2' x 2' section of a suspended ceiling grid. FIG. 2 shows diffuser 100 from below. For example, FIG. 2 represents the view of diffuser 100 from beneath a ceiling, when the diffuser is installed in the ceiling. FIG. 3 is a side view of diffuser 100. FIGs. 1-3 are best viewed together with the following description:

[0028] Diffuser 100 includes a housing or frame 102 (e.g., the open housing/frame of the attached Figures), an intake 104 supported with frame 102, a central plate 106 and a directionally-adjustable air outlet 108 disposed central to intake 104. Thus, diffuser 100 provides intake 104 and outlet 108 within a common housing. Frame 102, intake 104, plate 106 and outlet 108 may be metal, plastic, other structurally supportive materials or combinations thereof.

[0029] Outlet 108 includes a neck 110 (see especially FIG. 3) for connecting with a fan, ductwork or HVAC component (i.e., an in-ceiling component, not shown), a lower, outer collar 112 extending from a bottom side 113 of central plate 106, and an exemplary moveable jet-ball 114 supported within collar 112. Jet-ball 114 may be rotated or swiveled within collar 112 to selectively direct a column of air from the fan through an aperture 116. Columnar output reduces lateral dispersion, thus increasing the delivery range of air through outlet 108 and enhancing the vacuum effect that draws air upward and through intake 104. Diffuser 100 thereby mixes air more effectively over a longer distance, improving overall air circulation and destratiflcation. It will be appreciated that in addition to use with heating and/or air conditioning systems, diffuser 100 may also provide adjustable control and improved circulation of air output from air destratiflcation, general air circulation, air purification, air humidification or other air treatment systems.

[0030] Jet-ball 114 may be angled to direct the column of discharge air, for example to avoid blowing the air directly on people or objects below. Diffuser 100 may be used with existing HVAC systems, or with closed loop, intake/exhaust systems. As diffuser 100 is itself adjustable, it may advantageously serve as a retrofit to non- adjustable HVAC or other systems in order to allow for customized direction of air discharged from an otherwise non-adjustable system. For example, when installed with an above-ceiling system, diffuser 100 may be accessed from below the ceiling and jet-ball 114 may be manually or mechanically adjusted to direct the column of discharge air into a space beneath the ceiling as may be desired at any time post-installation.

[0031] Diffuser 100 may attach with ducting of a centralized HVAC system (i.e., via neck 110) such that jet-ball 1 14 increases throw of airflow supplied via the system ducting. Increased airflow and adjustability of direction of flow (by adjusting jet- ball 114) improves overall air circulation and increases user customization of airflow direction. In the case of open plenums above drop ceilings, the intake area around the outlet in the diffuser (i.e., intake 104) may be left open above the ceiling to allow for return air. This provides a heretofore unavailable means to replace a standard 2' x 2' intake with an additional, directional outlet without disrupting existing supply and return balancing.

[0032] Intake 104 is shown with a plurality of directional louvers 118 disposed about jet-ball 114/outlet 108. Among other advantages, louvers 118 enhance the appearance of diffuser 100 and are angled to reduce or prevent recirculation of discharge air. The angle of louvers 118 may also discourage dust collection upon diffuser 100. It will be appreciated that intake 104 may include more or fewer louvers without departing from the scope hereof. It will also be appreciated that intake may alternately include an egg-crate core, mesh or other acceptable intake material.

[0033] FIGs. 4 and 5 show diffuser 100 within a t-bar or drop-ceiling frame 200. Frame 200 includes a base plate 202 for supporting diffuser 100 along at least peripheral edges 120 (FIG. 2) of the diffuser housing/frame 102.

[0034] Diffuser 100 is shown with a plurality of machine screws 122 disposed about an upwardly-extending rim 123 (see also FIGs. 6 and 9, for example), for use in attaching diffuser 100 to the plenum. It will be appreciated that clamps, tape and other traditional HVAC fastening mechanisms may be used in addition to or in place of screws 122.

[0035] FIGs. 6 and 7 are perspective views from the top of diffuser 100, and FIGs. 8 and 9 are perspective views from beneath and from a side of diffuser 100. FIG. 10 shows diffuser 100 in a top/side perspective view, and FIG. 11 is another bottom view of diffuser 100. FIGs. 6-11 show cross-supports 124 and lateral supports 126. Supports 124 and 126 support louvers 118 within frame 102. Although louvers 118 are shown as fixed louvers, it will be appreciated that louvers 118 may instead moveably mount with supports 124 and 126, to allow further customization of diffuser 100 and control of air intake (e.g., from beneath diffuser 100, as described above). The disclosed support structure may be modified for a different louver configuration, or to support alternative intake materials without departing from the scope herein.

[0036] FIGs. 12 and 13 illustrate diffuser 100 mounted with a grid of ceiling tiles 200, from above (FIG. 12) and below (FIG. 13).

[0037] FIG. 14 shows an exemplary fan 300, for use with diffuser 100 in a system for adjustably circulating air within a space. Fan 300 includes a canister housing 302, an electrical box 304 and a circumferential collar 306 for fitting with neck 110 of diffuser 100. Fan 300 is designed to rest upon central plate 106, for example in an above- ceiling space. A motor within canister housing 302 (not visible) has a mixed-flow impeller 308 (FIGs. 15 and 17), differentiating fan 300 from axial fans conventionally used for destratification. Diffuser 100 and fan 300 may be made of or include parts made from metal, plastic or other materials suitable and sufficiently strong for its intended use.

[0038] Collar 306, seen from above in FIG. 16 and from below in FIG. 17, fits impeller 308 with diffuser 100 via neck 110. FIG. 17 shows diffuser 100 with plate 106 and outlet 108 removed. Collar 306 is visible. A circumferential groove 312 of collar 306 accepts neck 110 of diffuser 100, to join the diffuser with the fan. Collar 306 may alternately or additionally mount with neck 106 via complimentary lock-and-key features (not shown), or with screws, tape or other HVAC fastening mechanisms. It will be appreciated that diffuser 100 is not limited to use with a mixed-flow impeller or with the fan shown in FIG. 14, but may be attached with any fan or with ducting associated with any fan.

[0039] FIG. 18 shows a domed plenem 314 over fan 300. It will be appreciated that domed plenum 314 is not limited to the shape or size illustrated in FIG. 18.

[0040] While the present invention has been described above, it should be clear that many changes and modifications may be made to the process and product without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A system for improving air circulation within a space, comprising:

a fan supported within a housing and means for mounting with or connecting to a diffuser; and

a diffuser having a housing supporting:

an upper neck for mounting with the fan housing;

an adjustable, central, columnar air outlet arranged beneath and in fluidic

communication with the upper neck, and

an air intake arranged around the central air outlet;

wherein the air outlet is adjustable from beneath the diffuser housing when the housing is mounted with a ceiling; such that a column of air from the air outlet may be selectively directed after the housing is mounted with the ceiling and the fan is mounted with the housing and above the ceiling.

2. The system of claim 1 , the air outlet comprising a jet-ball diffuser for directing the air from the outlet into the space.

3. The system of claim 2, the jet-ball diffuser being manually or

mechanically adjustable.

4. The system of claim 1 , the means for connecting to the diffuser comprising a circumferential collar, and the upper neck of the diffuser being a cylindrical neck for mounting with or connecting to the circumferential collar.

5. The system of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of directional louvers disposed around the jet-ball diffuser.

6. The system of claim 1 , the housing including an upper neck for fitting with a component of an HVAC system.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the intake is open to a space above the ceiling to provide return air.

8. A combination supply/return diffuser with directional exhaust, comprising: a housing;

an air intake arranged within the housing, and

an air outlet arranged central to the air intake, such that the air intake surrounds the air outlet;

wherein the air outlet comprises a jet-ball diffuser for adjustably directing a

column of air from the air outlet into a space; wherein the column of air is adjustable from beneath the air outlet.

9. A diffuser configured for attachment with an HVAC system, comprising: a housing having an upper neck for fitting with a component of the HVAC

system;

an air outlet disposed with the housing beneath and in fluidic communication with the neck to provide a conduit for air output via the HVAC component into a space, and

an intake arranged with the housing and surrounding the air outlet for delivering return air from the space to a plenum and/or directed ducting for treatment and/or re-circulation by the HVAC component;

wherein the air outlet is adjustable from beneath a ceiling defining the space, when the diffuser is mounted with the HVAC component.

10. A diffuser for adjustably directing a column of air from a directionally non-adjustable fan, comprising:

a housing having an upper neck for fitting with an exhaust of the fan;

an adjustable air outlet disposed with the housing proximate and in fluidic

communication with the neck to provide a conduit for air output by the fan into a space, and

an intake arranged with the housing and surrounding the air outlet for delivering return air from the space to a plenum and/or directed ducting for treatment and/or re-circulation by the fan;

wherein the air outlet is adjustable from within the space, when the diffuser is mounted with the non-adjustable fan.

11. The diffuser of claim 10, the air outlet comprising a manually or mechanically adjustable jet-ball diffuser.