Bypass Ventilator

Abstract

A ventilator comprising a housing comprising a first flowpath extending from a first inlet to a first outlet, and a second flowpath extending from a second inlet to a second outlet. The housing further comprises a partition defining a first chamber therein. The ventilator further comprises a second chamber. The first flow path extends through the first chamber and the second chamber, and the second flowpath extends through the first chamber. The ventilator further includes a movable damper disposed in the first flowpath and configured to apportion a quantity of a first fluid flowing therein between the first and second chambers. The second chamber and the movable damper are configured in a removable part adapted to be fitted in place of a cover part of the housing of the ventilator.

Description

BACKGROUND

Exemplary embodiments pertain to the art of ventilators for supply of fresh air and exhausting stale air from enclosed spaces. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a ventilator with a removable part, which on fitment with the ventilator allows for conversion of the ventilator to a bypass ventilator.

Ventilators are typically sold preconfigured with either energy recovery cores or heat recovery cores. Such ventilators provide balanced ventilation, which requires a same amount of a stale air being exhausted out of an area under ventilation as there is fresh air being pumped into the area. However, in times or seasons where the ambient environment is pleasant, there may not be a need for energy recovery or heat recovery. Conventionally, a bypass option is provided in ventilators that allows air to bypass the ventilator core. However, such ventilators with bypass options are expensive and may not be affordable to many persons. Thus, there is a need for an approach that allows for easy and economical conversion of a conventional ventilator to a bypass ventilator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Disclosed is a ventilator comprising a housing comprising a first flowpath extending from a first inlet to a first outlet, and a second flowpath extending from a second inlet to a second outlet. The housing further comprises a partition defining a first chamber therein. The ventilator further comprises a second chamber. The first flow path extends through the first chamber and the second chamber, and the second flowpath extends through the first chamber. The ventilator further includes a movable damper disposed in the first flowpath and configured to apportion a quantity of a first fluid flowing therein between the first and second chambers. The second chamber and the movable damper are configured in a removable part adapted to be fitted in place of a cover part of the housing of the ventilator.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the movable damper may be configured to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the movable damper may be configured to divert a substantial portion of the first fluid flowing therein through the first chamber. In the second position, the movable damper may be configured to divert a substantial portion of the first fluid flowing therein through the second chamber.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the movable damper may be positioned, such that the first flowpath and the second flowpath cross in at least one of the first chamber and second chamber.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the movable damper may be positioned, such that the first flowpath and the second flowpath do not cross in any of the first chamber and second chamber.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the ventilator may further include a ventilator core configured to be removably fitted in the first chamber and comprising at least one first passageway and at least one second passageway. The at least one first passageway may be in fluid communication with the first flowpath, and the at least one second passageway may be in fluid communication with the second flowpath.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the ventilator core may be any one of a blank core, a thermal energy recovery core, and a thermal energy and moisture recovery core.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the ventilator further comprises one or more fans disposed upstream or downstream of the first chamber for moving any or both of the first fluid and a second fluid flowing in the second flowpath through the housing along the respective flowpath.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the ventilator further comprises a first fan configured in the first flowpath and a second fan disposed in the second flowpath, disposed upstream or downstream of the first chamber. The first fan and the second fan may be configured to control flow of the first fluid and a second fluid flowing in the second flowpath to achieve a balanced ventilation.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, fitment of the removable part having the second chamber and the movable damper, and of the first recovery core, or a second recovery core, or a combination thereof converts the ventilator to a heat recovery ventilator or an energy recovery ventilator.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the cover part of the housing does not comprise the second chamber and the movable damper.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the movable damper comprises a flap configured to move between a first position and a second position. The flap is operable by an actuator.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the movable damper comprises a movable door configured to slide between a first position and a second position. The movable door is operable by an actuator.

Further disclosed is a removable part for a ventilator adapted to be fitted in place of a removable cover part of a housing of a ventilator, the removable part comprising a second chamber. When the removable part is fitted in place of the removable cover part of the housing of the ventilator, a first flowpath extending from a first inlet to a first outlet extends through a first chamber of the ventilator, and the second chamber. A second flowpath extending from a second inlet to a second outlet extends through the first chamber. The removable part further comprises a movable damper. When the removable part is fitted in place of the removable cover part of the housing of the ventilator, the movable damper is disposed in the first flowpath, and is configured to apportion a quantity of a first fluid flowing therein between the first and second chambers.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, when the removable part is fitted in place of the removable cover part of the housing of the ventilator, the movable damper is configured to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the movable damper is configured to divert a substantial portion of the first fluid flowing therein through the first chamber. In the second position, the movable damper is configured to divert a substantial portion of the first fluid flowing therein through the second chamber.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the movable damper may be positioned, such that the first flowpath and the second flowpath cross in at least one of the first chamber and second chamber.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the movable damper may be positioned, such that the first flowpath and the second flowpath do not cross in any of the first chamber and second chamber.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the cover part of the housing does not comprise the second chamber and the movable damper.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the movable damper comprises a flap configured to move between a first position and a second position. The flap is operable by an actuator.

In accordance with additional or alternative embodiments, the movable damper comprises a movable door configured to slide between a first position and a second position. The movable door is operable by an actuator.

Also disclosed is a method for converting a ventilator to a bypass ventilator. The method comprises providing a ventilator comprising: a housing comprising a first flowpath extending from a first inlet to a first outlet, and a second flowpath extending from a second inlet to a second outlet. The method further comprises providing a removable part comprising: a second chamber. When the removable part is fitted in place of the removable cover part of the housing of the ventilator, a first flowpath extending from a first inlet to a first outlet extends through a first chamber of the ventilator, and the second chamber. The second flowpath extending from a second inlet to a second outlet extends through the first chamber. The ventilator further comprises a movable damper. When the removable part is fitted in place of the removable cover part of the housing of the ventilator, the movable damper is disposed in the first flowpath, and is configured to apportion a quantity of a first fluid flowing therein between the first and second chambers. The method further comprises moving the movable damper from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the movable damper is configured to divert a substantial portion of the first fluid flowing therein through the first chamber. In the second position, the movable damper is configured to divert a substantial portion of the first fluid flowing therein through the second chamber.

Technical effects of embodiments of the present disclosure include ability to provide an entry-level, low-cost ventilator that can be upgraded, if required, to a bypass ventilator at a later date. Further, a core of the ventilator is removable and configurable. In other words, the ventilator may be purposed for heat recovery, or energy recovery, as required. The disclosed ventilator may be used as a bypass ventilator during seasons that do not require heat/energy recovery, thereby saving energy on account of lower resistance to airflow resulting from bypassing airflow path within the ventilator away from the cores.

The foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated otherwise. These features and elements as well as the operation thereof will become more apparent in light of the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description and drawings are intended to be illustrative and explanatory in nature and non-limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary ventilator with a ventilator core with bypass functionality achieved via a moving damper, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a top view of the exemplary ventilator of FIG. 1 showing the moving damper, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary movable damper of the attachment having a shutter door configuration, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary method flow diagram for a method of converting a ventilator to a bypass ventilator, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a ventilator 100. The ventilator 100 can include a housing 10 having a first flowpath 13 therethrough, extending from a first inlet 12 to a first outlet 14, and a second flowpath 17 therethrough, extending from a second inlet 16 to a second outlet 18. The first inlet 12 and the first outlet 14 can be disposed on opposite sides of the housing 10 and the second inlet 16 and the second outlet 18 can be disposed on opposite sides of the housing 10. The ventilator 100 can be configured to ventilate a space (e.g., within a building). For example, the first flowpath 13 can include fresh outdoor air being brought into a space within the building as ventilation air and the second flowpath 17 can include stale indoor air being exhausted from the space within the building, or vice versa (e.g., where the second flowpath 17 represents the fresh outdoor air and the first flowpath 13 represents stale indoor air to be exhausted). The housing 10 can include a partition 20 defining a first chamber 24. The ventilator 100 can be configured such that the first flowpath 13 and the second flowpath 17 cross in the first chamber 24.

The housing 10 of the ventilator 100 can be made from any suitable materials. For example, the housing 10 can be formed from one or more disparate materials, such as metals (e.g., aluminum, galvanized steel, and the like), plastics (e.g., polymers such as polyethylene, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and the like), composite materials (e.g., polymer resin and one or more fillers, such as for example, epoxy and fiberglass), or natural materials such as wood, or the like. The housing 10 and partition 20 can be formed together, such as in a casting or molding process, or can be formed separately and assembled, such as in a sheet metal forming and assembling process.

The ventilator 100 can optionally include one or more fans (not shown here) for moving fluid through the housing 10 along the first flowpath 13 and/or along the second flowpath 17. Further, the one or more fans can be disposed upstream or downstream of the first chamber 24 and can be controlled independently or in concert. The fans can be controlled, such as by a controller, to ensure a balanced ventilation, i.e., same amount of stale air being exhausted out of the building as there is fresh air being pumped in.

The ventilator 100 can include a removable ventilator core. The ventilator core can be any one of blank core, heat recovery core, and energy recovery core. In certain applications, the ventilator cores can be an accessory to be fitted by replacing an existing ventilator, based on requirement.

The ventilator 100 can include a ventilator core 30 including a plurality of first passageways 31 in fluid communication with the first flowpath 13 and a plurality of second passageways 32 in fluid communication with the second flowpath 17. The plurality of first passageways 31 can be separated from the plurality of second passageways 32 by a separator (not shown). The separator can include a membrane configured to allow for mass and/or energy transport across the membrane. For example, vapor permeable polymer membranes (e.g., including polypropylene and the like) can allow for the transfer of thermal energy and water molecules (e.g., including water molecules in liquid and/or vapor phase) across the membrane while preventing transfer of other species. When the separator allows for the transfer of water and thermal energy between the adjacent flowpaths the ventilator core 30 can be referred to as an energy recovery ventilator (ERV). The separator can include other materials, such as aluminum which can allow for the transfer of thermal energy but no mass transfer across the separator. When the separator allows for the transfer of thermal energy between the adjacent flowpaths without accompanying mass transfer the ventilator core 30 can be referred to as a heat recovery ventilator (HRV). As disclosed herein, any of the recovery cores can be configured as either an ERV or an HRV.

The ventilator core 30 may also be a blank core. The blank core can be configured with one or more flow passages therethrough for passing a first fluid along the first flowpath 13 and a second fluid along the second flowpath 17 while allowing no mass transfer and minimizing thermal transfer between the adjacent fluids. The size (e.g., cross-sectional flow area, which may be viewed as the open space available for fluid to flow through along a given flow passage of the core) of the one or more flow passages of the blank core can be increased relative to an HRV or ERV core because heat and/or mass transfer between the crossing fluids is not an object of the blank core. The blank core can be configured to minimize interfacial surface area between the crossing fluids to aid in achieving adiabatic operation. Enlarging the flow passageways of the blank core, in comparison to recovery cores, can reduce the pressure drop therethrough. Further, because there is no heat or mass transfer between adjacent fluids traversing the blank core the separators can include thermally insulative material (e.g., fiberglass, mineral wool, cellulose, natural fibers, polymer foam such as polystyrene foam, polyisocyanurate foam, or the like).

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a top view of a section of the ventilator 100 showing the ventilator core 30 along with the first and second flowpaths 13, 17. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the ventilator 100 can include a second chamber 26 in the housing 10. The first flowpath 13 may extend through both the first chamber 24 and the second chamber 26, and the second flowpath 17 may extend through the first chamber 24. In application, the second chamber can function as a bypass path for the first fluid flowing through the first flowpath 13 to bypass the ventilator core 30.

The ventilator 100 can include a movable damper 28 disposed in the first flowpath 13. The movable damper 28 can be configured to apportion an amount of a first fluid flowing therein (e.g., along the first flowpath 13) between the first chamber 24 and the second chamber 26. For example, the movable damper 28 can be positioned downstream of the first inlet 12 and configured to move between a first position 21 substantially obstructing the second chamber 26 from the first flowpath 13 and a second position 22 substantially obstructing the first chamber 24 from the first flowpath 13. The movable damper 28 and the housing 10 can be configured to cooperatively substantially seal off one of the first chamber 24 or the second chamber 26 from the first flowpath 13. For example, in the first and/or second position, the movable damper 28 can be configured to abut against one or more interior portions of the housing 10 (e.g., closed against one or more lips formed on one or more interior walls of the housing 10), against a frame of the ventilator core 30, or another sealing surface disposed between the first inlet 14 and the at least one of the first chamber 24 and/or the second chamber 26. The moveable damper 28 can be positioned such that the first flowpath 13 and the second flowpath 17 pass through the housing 10 without crossing in either chamber (e.g., with allowance for some leakage from through the damper when in either the first position 21 or second position 22). For example, the moveable damper 28 can be positioned in the first position 21 such that a substantial portion of fluid flowing along the first flowpath 13 traverses the first chamber 24 via the ventilator core 30, while the second flowpath 17 extends wholly though the first chamber 24 or vice versa. In another example, the moveable damper 28 can be positioned in the second position 22 such that a substantial portion of fluid flowing along the first flowpath 13 traverses the second chamber 26 bypassing the ventilator core 30.

The second chamber 26 and the movable damper 28 may be configured in a removable part 300. The removable part 300 may be configured to be fitted in place of a cover part (not shown here) of the housing 10, which is devoid of the second chamber 26 and the movable damper 28.

The movable damper 28 may include a flap, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The flap may be movable between the first and second positions 21, 22. The flap may be operable by an actuator. The actuator may be any, such as a motor. The flap may be configured to either partially or fully occlude any of the first and second chambers 24, 26.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary movable damper 28 of the attachment 100. The movable damper 28 has a shutter door type configuration and may include a movable door 350. The movable door 350 may include a flexible sheet 72, which may slide between and be guided in a pair of parallelly arranged guide rails 82. The flexible sheet 72 may further include perforations 76 along its edges, which may mesh with one or more gears 78. As the gears 78 rotate, the flexible sheet 72 may move along the guide rails 82. The gears 78 may be operable by an actuator. The actuator may be any, such as a motor. The movable door 350 may be configured to slide between the first and second positions 21, 22, to selectively allow air to flow through the first chamber 24 and the second chamber 26, respectively. Specifically, the flexible sheet 72 may be configured to slide between the first and second positions 21, 22. The flexible sheet 72 may be configured to either partially or fully occlude any of the first and second chambers 24, 26.

The flexible sheet 72 may be made of a plastic, or a rubber material. The flexible sheet 72 may be elastic enough to be stretched and warped, while being tough enough to, at least partially, block air flow.

It is to be understood that while the exemplary embodiment of the second chamber and the damper has been explained with reference to a single second chamber 26 and a single movable damper 28 configured on the removable part 300, it is possible to configure the ventilator 100 for two second chambers and two dampers configured on two removable parts, each set of second chamber and the corresponding damper configured with different flowpath 13 and 17 to control flow of the first fluid and the second fluid through the ventilator core 30.

Thus, fitment of the removable part 300 having the second chamber 26 and the movable damper 28 converts the ventilator 100 to a bypass ventilator.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary method flow diagram for a method 400 of converting the ventilator 100 to a bypass ventilator. The method 400, at step 402, can include providing the ventilator, such as the ventilator 100 shown in FIG. 1. The ventilator 100 can include the housing 100 including the first flowpath 13 extending from the first inlet 12 to the first outlet 14, and the second flowpath 17 extending from the second inlet 16 to the second outlet 18.

The method 400, at step 404, can include providing the removable part 300. The removable part 300 includes the second chamber 26. When the removable part 300 is fitted in place of the removable cover part of the housing 10 of the ventilator 100, the first flowpath 13 extending from the first inlet 12 to the first outlet 14 extends through the first chamber 24 of the ventilator 100, and the second chamber 26. The second flowpath 17 extending from the second inlet 16 to the second outlet 18 extends through the first chamber 24. The ventilator 100 further includes the movable damper 28. When the removable part 300 is fitted in place of the removable cover part of the housing 10 of the ventilator 100, the movable damper 28 is disposed in the first flowpath 13 and is configured to apportion a quantity of a first fluid flowing therein between the first and second chambers 24, 26.

The method 400, at step 406, can further include moving the movable damper 28 from the first position 21 to the second position 22. In the first position 21, the movable damper 28 is configured to divert a substantial portion of the first fluid flowing therein through the first chamber 24. In the second position 22, the movable damper 28 is configured to divert a substantial portion of the first fluid flowing therein through the second chamber 26.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A ventilator comprising: a housing comprising a first flowpath extending from a first inlet to a first outlet, and a second flowpath extending from a second inlet to a second outlet; and a partition defining a first chamber therein;a second chamber,wherein the first flow path extends through the first chamber and the second chamber, and the second flowpath extends through the first chamber; anda movable damper disposed in the first flowpath, and configured to apportion a quantity of a first fluid flowing therein between the first and second chambers,wherein the second chamber and the movable damper are configured in a removable part adapted to be fitted in place of a cover part of the housing of the ventilator.

2. The ventilator of claim 1, wherein the movable damper is configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the movable damper is configured to divert a substantial portion of the first fluid flowing therein through the first chamber, and wherein, in the second position, the movable damper is configured to divert a substantial portion of the first fluid flowing therein through the second chamber.

3. The ventilator of claim 2, wherein the movable damper is positioned, such that the first flowpath and the second flowpath cross in at least one of the first chamber and second chamber.

4. The ventilator of claim 2, wherein the movable damper is positioned, such that the first flowpath and the second flowpath do not cross in any of the first chamber and second chamber.

5. The ventilator of claim 1, further comprising a ventilator core configured to be removably fitted in the first chamber and comprising at least one first passageway and at least one second passageway, wherein the at least one first passageway is in fluid communication with the first flowpath, and the at least one second passageway is in fluid communication with the second flowpath.

6. The ventilator of claim 5, wherein the ventilator core is any one of a blank core, a thermal energy recovery core, and a thermal energy and moisture recovery core.

7. The ventilator of claim 1, further comprising one or more fans disposed upstream or downstream of the first chamber for moving any or both of the first fluid and a second fluid flowing in the second flowpath through the housing along the respective flowpath.

8. The ventilator of claim 1, further comprising a first fan configured in the first flowpath and a second fan disposed in the second flowpath, disposed upstream or downstream of the first chamber, the first fan and the second fan being configured to control flow of the first fluid and a second fluid flowing in the second flowpath to achieve a balanced ventilation.

9. The ventilator of claim 1, wherein the cover part of the housing does not comprise the second chamber and the movable damper.

10. The ventilator of claim 1, wherein the movable damper comprises a flap configured to move between a first position and a second position, and wherein the flap is operable by an actuator.

11. The ventilator of claim 1, wherein the movable damper comprises a movable door configured to slide between a first position and a second position, wherein the movable door is operable by an actuator.

12. A removable part for a ventilator adapted to be fitted in place of a removable cover part of a housing of a ventilator, the removable part comprising: a second chamber, wherein, when the removable part is fitted in place of the removable cover part of the housing of the ventilator, a first flowpath extending from a first inlet to a first outlet extends through a first chamber of the ventilator, and the second chamber, and wherein a second flowpath extending from a second inlet to a second outlet extends through the first chamber; anda movable damper, wherein, when the removable part is fitted in place of the removable cover part of the housing of the ventilator, the movable damper is disposed in the first flowpath, and is configured to apportion a quantity of a first fluid flowing therein between the first and second chambers.

13. The removable part of claim 12, wherein, when the removable part is fitted in place of the removable cover part of the housing of the ventilator, the movable damper is configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the movable damper is configured to divert a substantial portion of the first fluid flowing therein through the first chamber, and wherein, in the second position, the movable damper is configured to divert a substantial portion of the first fluid flowing therein through the second chamber.

14. The removable part of claim 13, wherein the movable damper is positioned such that the first flowpath and the second flowpath cross in at least one of the first chamber and second chamber.

15. The removable part of claim 13, wherein the movable damper is positioned such that the first flowpath and the second flowpath do not cross in any of the first chamber and second chamber.

16. The removable part of claim 12, wherein the cover part of the housing of the ventilator does not comprise the second chamber and the movable damper.

17. The removable part of claim 12, wherein the movable damper comprises a flap configured to move between a first position and a second position, and wherein the flap is operable by an actuator.

18. The removable part of claim 12, wherein the movable damper comprises a movable door configured to slide between a first position and a second position, wherein the movable door is operable by an actuator.

19. A method of converting a ventilator to a bypass ventilator, comprising: providing a ventilator comprising: a housing comprising a first flowpath extending from a first inlet to a first outlet, and a second flowpath extending from a second inlet to a second outlet;providing a removable part comprising: a second chamber, wherein, when the removable part is fitted in place of the removable cover part of the housing of the ventilator, a first flowpath extending from a first inlet to a first outlet extends through a first chamber of the ventilator, and the second chamber, and wherein the second flowpath extending from a second inlet to a second outlet extends through the first chamber; and a movable damper, wherein, when the removable part is fitted in place of the removable cover part of the housing of the ventilator, the movable damper is disposed in the first flowpath, and is configured to apportion a quantity of a first fluid flowing therein between the first and second chambers; andmoving the movable damper from a first position to a second position, wherein, in the first position, the movable damper is configured to divert a substantial portion of the first fluid flowing therein through the first chamber, and wherein, in the second position, the movable damper is configured to divert a substantial portion of the first fluid flowing therein through the second chamber.