This invention pertains generally to the field of space servicing assemblies and in particular an intelligent space servicing assembly for use within commercial and residential buildings.
The provision of services to a space within a building, and the condition of the air within a building environment is extremely important to the health and comfort of people who spend any time within that environment. Numerous systems and devices are often used to help to service the space, and condition the air within that space, with the aim being to provide an acceptable air quality and provide a comfortable environment. Typically, the infrastructure required to support and deliver all these numerous systems and devices can prove challenging. Firstly, building services engineers must analyse a space, estimate the capacity and design a provision of services to suit that space. Secondly, speciality mechanical contractors and suppliers must install the various services within that space, whilst abiding by any compliance codes and inspections. Thirdly, users of the space must control any systems and devices to service the space and maintain required levels of air quality and comfort during their use. The devices and systems must be monitored and maintained, and elements such as filters must be replaced. Finally, through a change of use of a space, all of the installed systems and devices must be removed and disposed of, to allow for the installation of different systems within that space. There are a number of problems presented by the existing life cycle of this services infrastructure.
The first issue is to provide a system to fit an existing infrastructure or building environment. No two environments are ever the same, and the requirements for users within the space can vary greatly too. Some compromises are required due to the fixed nature of the equipment available. Existing systems are not reconfigurable to fit all existing infrastructures. Installation of any chosen systems take considerable time, typically requires that the space be empty, and can cause a great deal of dust and detritus within the space, not to mention the noise during the installation process.
Typically, the ceiling space behind a suspended ceiling can often become cluttered with various devices, ducting, power lines and other kit. All this kit has the aim of servicing a space and providing sufficient air quality to the space that it feeds, to provide user comfort. However, some of these systems provide insufficient air flow, and typically create pockets of stale air within the space. User controls can be somewhat limited, with a user guessing whether they should make any changes to the devices to deliver a different output in air quality. These systems being largely reactive rather than proactive. The user isn't often provided with feedback upon which they can generate a response, such as an alert to a drop in air quality.
In many modern buildings, the design, installation and control of these space servicing devices such as air conditioners, are integrated into one or more Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. This can help to improve the clutter caused by multiple devices. But there is little intuitive control of such systems, based on real-time feedback. They typically all require user input.
Existing space servicing systems and devices within buildings also raise considerable issues with their impact on climate change. The carbon footprint of buildings, or carbon emissions from buildings are thought to be responsible for around forty percent of carbon emissions in the UK, through construction, use and end-of-life. Corporations are committing to carbon neutrality yet there are very few solutions on the market to help with this. These buildings are wasting a considerable amount of energy each day. Many governments have committed to go carbon neutral by 2050 with a number of corporations promising carbon neutrality by 2030. However current solutions, products and regulations are far from achieving the target.
One of the main issues with existing space servicing systems and devices is the lack of communication between hardware, software, the various service providers, users of the space and maintenance experts. The result of this lack of communication typically leads to overselling of unnecessary products, poor performance of installations and higher-than-necessary energy demand and energy waste figures.
Staff retention can also be key to the profitability of a business. Up to ninety percent of a business's expense is their staff, yet most corporations do not invest enough time or money on enhancing their staff experience. Studies show that a healthy and well-designed workspace will enhance the mood of its occupants. Carbon dioxide build up is a good example of this. It slows down mental alertness and makes users feel sluggish. Yet typical systems do not have carbon dioxide detection means nor do they have the technology in place to remove some of this carbon dioxide from the air space. An intuitively serviced air space is key to the comfort of its users.
Controlling air quality is another largely forgotten element. Typical control systems are somewhat limited, with a means to perhaps alter the temperature within a space. More often than not the controls are barely used, with predetermined settings being left in place, and perhaps altered with the seasons. Or used reactively, such as when a user is too hot, they switch on the cold air device to help to cool the space down. Inefficient and ineffective use of the equipment provided.
A further problem is the fact that most installations are bespoke and specific to a particular building or room. As soon as that room changes use, through relocation, expansion or suchlike, the installed devices cannot typically be moved. These devices often end up as waste, being dumped in landfill.
There is a need for an intuitive system of services for a space, and to improve the air flow within that space, providing laminar flow and preventing pockets of stale air. There is a need to deliver an intuitive space servicing arrangement that can be installed and reconfigured to meet the changing needs of any space, and that is movable and relocatable between spaces. There is a need for an intuitive, real-time feedback loop to control these air conditioning devices, to ensure the service requirements and air quality within a space are met at any time. There is a need to prevent unnecessary energy wastage and reduce carbon emissions with an air conditioning system within a building.
The prior art shows a number of devices which attempt to address these needs in various ways.
CN 205 245 441 (Shenzhen Xi'Ao Ind Co Ltd) discloses a suspended ceiling system with illumination, ventilation and air purification means. The unit incorporates at least one sensor, a lighting device and two vents, along with filtration means and a carbon filter screen. The system goes someway towards an all-in-one air conditioning system, to improve air quality within an environment.
US 10 310 464 (Phorena Inc) discloses a smart devices kit for a recessed light housing. This kit comprises smart devices and sensors that fit inside wall or ceiling mounted lighting assemblies, where the kit can be retrofitted as a hub for multiple, modular, interchangeable smart devices and sensors. These smart devices and sensors are controlled by hardware and software that are connected with each other, wirelessly or otherwise.
Whilst the prior art appears to address the issue of combining services that feed into a space, and improving air quality within that space, whilst also incorporating intuitive control of these services by users of the space, it still requires user input to activate any changes to the system and therefore the conditions within a space. Whilst the prior art also aims to address the problem with retrofitting existing kit and existing devices for delivering services to a space, it does not allow for ease of installation and maintenance of said devices within the space, nor does it allow for relocation of the devices to another space if required. Whilst it also aims to provide modular, plug-and-play systems of devices, to prevent unnecessary clutter behind a suspended ceiling, there is a limit on size, and how many, or which devices can be used with the system. The prior art does not consider the issues of climate change and tracking and preventing energy wastage and carbon emissions.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a modular space servicing assembly for an air space, where the reconfigurable space servicing components can be easily installed, reconfigured, controlled, maintained and relocated, and the modular space servicing assembly senses and responds to achieve predetermined settings and air quality targets within that space. Preferred embodiments of the present invention also aim to provide a space servicing assembly that delivers a predetermined value of air quality throughout a space. Further preferred embodiments of the present invention aim to provide minimal energy wastage of an air conditioning system, through intuitive controls and sensing means.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a space servicing assembly for a space within a building, the space servicing assembly comprising: a housing; at least one sensor within the housing for monitoring a value of air quality within the space; at least one space servicing device within the housing for altering the value of air quality within the space; and, a control means configured to receive the value from the at least one sensor and provide an output and/or control the space servicing device to alter the value, whereby, in use, the space servicing assembly is configured to compare a monitored value with one or more predetermined value, and to provide an output to alert a user and/or control the space servicing device to alter the monitored value to match the predetermined value.
The at least one sensor may comprise one or more of the following: carbon dioxide sensor, proximity sensor, volatile organic compound sensor, light level sensor, noise level sensor, smoke detector, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, filter condition sensor.
The at least one space servicing device may comprise one or more of the following: air extraction means, air filtration means, air treatment means, acoustic means, heating, cooling.
The output may comprise a visual alert and/or audible alert.
Preferably, the output may be wirelessly transmitted to an operating interface.
The operating interface may comprise a smartphone or tablet.
The operating interface may be operable to change the predetermined value.
Preferably, the housing may comprise a front panel.
The front panel may incorporate one or more of the following: speaker, lighting means, ultraviolet lighting means, microphones.
The front panel may incorporate the at least one sensors.
Preferably, the housing may comprise a plurality of compartments.
Preferably, each of the plurality of compartments may be configured to house a specific space servicing device.
Each of the compartments may be operatively connected to power.
Preferably, the housing may incorporate a plurality of perforations for air distribution.
The space servicing assembly may incorporate a rear cover for preventing the ingress of dust and/or detritus.
The space servicing assembly may be configured to continuously compare a monitored value with one or more predetermined value, and to provide a real-time output to alert a user, and/or control the space servicing device to alter the monitored value to match the predetermined value.
The space servicing assembly may be configured to intermittently compare a monitored value with one or more predetermined value, at predetermined times or at timed intervals.
Preferably, the space servicing assembly may be hingedly mounted to a ceiling frame assembly, such that one side of the housing can be rotatably lowered for access.
For a better understanding of the invention and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:
In the figures like references denote like or corresponding parts.
It is to be understood that the various features that are described in the following and/or illustrated in the drawings are preferred but not essential. Combinations of features described and/or illustrated are not considered to be the only possible combinations. Unless stated to the contrary, individual features may be omitted, varied or combined in different combinations, where practical.
The front panel 10 may comprise an Interchangeable facing which allows for ease of replacement of typically the most worn element of the space servicing assembly 1. The front panel 10 may be made available in a number of different colours and materials to suit different environments. The material of the front panel 10 may have acoustic reverberation minimizing qualities as standard. Where the finish of the front panel 10 is a fabric material, any microphones or speakers may be inbuilt to sit behind this layer. The housing 2 will likely comprise shells of pressed steel or a steel casing. The housing 2 may ensure that the space servicing assembly 1 sits flush with a ceiling, or where embedded within a wall, with the surface of the wall, not shown.
The space servicing assembly 1 comprises a single unit that delivers a system of services for a space, where the space may comprise a room within a building, and in particular a commercial building such as a block of offices or suchlike.
The space servicing assembly 1 provides a laminar air flow for hyper efficiency of cooling and air exchanges. This is provided by the plurality of perforations 7 that spread the air evenly. Laminar airflow is defined as air moving at the same speed and in the same direction, with no or minimal cross-over of air streams. Laminar airflow is initially used as a cooling method by removing warm air through extraction and by having 360-degree air supply which passes over a user giving a cooling effect. The remainder of the cooling demand, which is now lower, may be done mechanically. The space 13 may be flushed with air as and when required, such as between meetings or when the occupancy of the space changes.
Alongside the air distribution layer 16 sits the compartmentalised layer, which comprises electrical insulation 19 where required, and houses the space servicing devices 20, whilst also incorporating one or more fans 21 for driving the air flow 12.
The space servicing assembly 1 may incorporate carbon dioxide sensing means as one of a plurality of sensors 6. The sensor 6 would detect when the level of carbon dioxide within a space has exceeded a predetermined level and alert a user accordingly. Further sensors 6 may include one or more of the following: proximity sensor, volatile organic compound sensor (VOC), light level sensor, noise level sensor, smoke detector, temperature sensor, humidity sensor.
The operation of the space servicing devices 20 may be by remote control or may be intuitive and in response to a reading from one of a plurality of different sensing means or sensors 6 built into the space servicing assembly 1.
Air is drawn into this layer through an air inlet 36, circulated within the chamber 16, filtered by one or more filters 25, provided with additives by the air treatment means 35, prior to being ejected through the air outlet 37. The air treatment means 35 may comprise a fragrance and be injected into the air flow by injectable aerosols. The space servicing assembly 1 may be programmed to release specific fragrance aerosols at specific times, or in response to specific conditions being sensed. The air treatment means 35 may comprise an antibacterial additive, in particle form, that can be sprayed onto all surfaces in the space 13 for pathogen cleaning of the air within that space 13. All pathogens and bacteria within the space 13 can be removed through a combination of air treatment means 35, such as through air filtration means 4 comprising one or more filters 25, ultraviolet lighting as part of any lighting means 3, and through the addition of pathogen killing additives.
Control of the lighting level, and therefore of the lighting means 3, is stated in building regulations and guidelines to an extent, but the quality of the lighting or colour is not covered. Many standards suggest ideal lighting types and colour for best human performance as well as their circadian rhythm. The space servicing assembly 1 may automatically mimic daylight and change settings gradually to mimic evening light levels and nightime light levels to allow the user's circadian cycle to remain steady for better work, sleep and mood. The key to human wellbeing for any user operating within the space and making use of the space servicing assembly 1 is thought to be to maintain the lighting quality between the range of 90 to 100 Colour Render Index (CRI). The space servicing assembly 1 can be programmed to maintain the quality of lighting within this range.
The control means 44 may also be through a smartphone or tablet device, not shown. A downloadable Application or App for the smartphone or tablet will allow for complete control of the space servicing assembly 1, whilst also allowing for real-time and historical data to be accessed as and when required.
The software which runs the space servicing assembly 1 will be based on user behaviour and machine learning to optimise performance against the design criteria from current industry guidelines and standards. The software will obtain and store data from the various sensors 6. Data collection on performance and human health will be used and analysed, and reports generated for the user. The user may also be provided with health improvement tips for a healthy work-life balance.
The sensors 6 may generate a reading for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). If the IAQ drops below a predetermined level, alerts will be sent to the user or maintenance professional to notify them that there could be external issues that need to be addressed. In the meantime, the space servicing assembly 1 may automatically adjust its performance to return the air quality to the desired, or pre-programmed, level.
The software may incorporate pre-sets for a new user to provide guidance on settings and operation of the space servicing assembly 1. For an example, if the space 13 is to be used by a single occupant and the occupant is female, then research currently suggests that females prefer a space 13 to be 2° C. higher than males. The pre-set for a female occupant would therefore incorporate this.
The software through the App or similar may incorporate personalised operation, data collection and interpretation, and carbon data offsetting. The software calculates carbon usage, educates as to how to improve and lessen the impact, and obtains data for future analysis.
The space servicing assembly 1 is configured to purify or clean the air, but is also configured to provide all necessary services a user may need within a closed environment such as an office, hotel room or other closed room.
The space servicing assembly 1 provides advanced air processing services that may include, but are not limited to, carbon filtering and air born germ removal, whilst also providing additional services such as air enhancement through ionisation, security such as door and/or window locking, fire alarm activation, lighting and ways of wireless communication to the outside world via the user's smart phone or other devices. The space servicing assembly 1 effectively services the space, providing all the different services required within that space. The space servicing assembly 1 combines all the services into one compact space. air processing volume that both meets and exceeds building regulations which means it can ensure air within the room eventually reaches the desired state at which time the space servicing assembly 1 can slow down, stop the external filtered air incoming by closing the damper, and only re-circulating the air within the room.
The space servicing assembly 1 may be configured to provide dehumidification functionality to dehumidify the air within a space. A dehumidifier module, not shown, may be connected into the layers of the space servicing assembly 1, and provided with power to drive said device and service the space by removing any humidity or moisture within the air, thus helping user comfort.
The space servicing assembly 1 may incorporate a flush mode where any fans can be accelerated to full speed to enable the fan to flush the air within the air space as quickly and as conveniently as possible. The space servicing assembly may also comprise an emergency cut off means for stopping any fans or delivery of optimised air to an air space that, in the event of a fire, will prevent the device from providing fuel for the fire in the form of fresh air. A smoke detector may provide the trigger to activate this emergency cut-off means, not shown in the figures.
Additionally, in event of a fire or smoke being detected, alerts may be sent automatically to any users within the building or to a nominated emergency contact to alert to the presence of the fire and ensure that any personnel within the space are alerted that they need to evacuate.
The space servicing assembly 1 may incorporate a function where the device has the ability to switch the supply of air from only within the room to only from outside of the space.
The space servicing assembly 1 is proficient at changing the air within an air space. In one embodiment the air contained within any ductwork that has been processed by the space servicing assembly 1 is pressurised. This pressurisation occurs by passing the air through a plurality of smaller holes relative to the volume of air contained within the ductwork. This ensures that the processed air travels to fill the entire space. The accelerated air can reach further into the space that the space servicing assembly 1 is servicing.
In this specification, the verb “comprise” has its normal dictionary meaning, to denote non-exclusive inclusion. That is, use of the word “comprise” (or any of its derivatives) to include one feature or more, does not exclude the possibility of also including further features. The word “preferable” (or any of its derivatives) indicates one feature or more that is preferred but not essential.
All or any of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all or any of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2111842.7 | Aug 2021 | GB | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/EP2022/073132 | 8/18/2022 | WO |