KR20080080647A - Electronic indoor air quality board for air conditioner controller - Google Patents

Abstract

An air conditioning system for improving indoor air quality (IAQ) includes an air conditioner for receiving indoor air from the indoor space to heat or cool the indoor air and then return the air conditioned to the indoor space. An IAQ option board (IOB) electrically coupled to the air conditioner control board is configured to receive electrical input from at least one IAQ sensor. The fresh air damper is electrically connected to the IOB, and the IOB controls the position of the valve. The air purifier is positioned so that air from the indoor space passes through the air purifier. The operation of the air purifier's operating state is based at least in part on input from at least one IAQ sensor to enhance the IAQ of the indoor space.

Air conditioning system, air conditioner, air conditioner control board, indoor air quality option board, air purifier

Description

Electronic indoor air quality board for air conditioner controller {ELECTRONIC INDOOR AIR QUALITY BOARD FOR AIR CONDITIONER CONTROLLER}

The present invention relates generally to the control of indoor air quality, and more particularly to the control of CO ₂ , volatile organic compounds and other airborne contaminants in the respirable air of interior building spaces.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the quality of breathable air in indoor living and work spaces. Indoor CO ₂ levels, including bacteria, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other airborne organic materials all contribute to lowering IAQ in a given indoor breathing space. Although air conditioning systems (or known as comfort systems, including both heating and cooling functions) are commonly used in residential homes and offices, control of factors that are detrimental to IAQ are still problematic. Although most interior spaces are somewhat sealed to improve heating and air conditioning efficiency, a limited amount of fresh air intentionally is limited to the interior space to improve the quality of the internal respirable air by dilution. Had to make some effort to aspirate. Trade off is the increase in energy consumption required to maintain a comfortable indoor air temperature.

Undesirable levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other airborne organic materials, including bacteria, include air purifiers such as UV light purifiers, ionization purifiers, ionizers, and electrostatic purifiers including electrostatic precipitators (ESPs). Can also be lowered. The air purifier can be placed in the room as a standalone system or added to the piping of new or existing heated ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. One problem associated with UV purifier systems is that UV lamps consume energy. In addition, the UV light from the purifier may be harmful to human eyes, so that a person cannot safely look at the UV lamp during work. Therefore, it is difficult to know when the light source is broken and rendered the purifier useless, especially when the end user hides the air conditioner.

An indoor air quality (IAQ) control board is required to integrate air freshener control and air purifier functions into the air conditioner system. In addition, in the case of UV purifiers, an IAQ board is needed that can automatically warn a person that the UV light source has been broken.

An air conditioning system for improving indoor air quality (IAQ) includes an air conditioner for storing indoor air from the indoor space to heat or cool the indoor air and then return the air conditioned to the indoor space. An air conditioner control board mounted in or on the air conditioner and electrically connected to the air conditioner controls the function of the air conditioner. An IAQ option board (IOB) electrically coupled to the air conditioner control board is configured to receive electrical input from at least one IAQ sensor. The fresh air damper is electrically connected to the IOB and has a valve position, the valve position determines the flow of fresh air into the interior space and the IOB controls the valve position. The air purifier is positioned so that air from the indoor space passes through the air purifier. The air purifier is electrically coupled to the IOB and controlled by the IOB. The IOB receives input from at least one IAQ sensor and commands the valve position of the fresh air damper respectively. The operation of the air purifier is based at least in part on input from at least one IAQ sensor to enhance the IAQ of the indoor space.

In order to better understand this object of the present invention, reference will be made to the following detailed description of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 shows a block diagram of one embodiment of an IAQ system of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an IAQ fresh air damper system using a professional damper.

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of an IAQ fresh air damper system using one stage of two position fresh air dampers.

Figure 4 shows a block diagram of an IAQ fresh air damper system using a two stage fresh air damper.

Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of an IAQ fresh air damper system using a single stage fresh air damper and an exhaust damper.

6 shows a block diagram of an IAQ UV purifier system.

6A shows a block diagram of an IAQ UV purifier system with a passive filter.

6B shows a block diagram of an IAQ UV purifier system with passive filter and catalytic honeycomb structure.

7 shows a block diagram of an example IAQ option board.

8 shows a mechanical diagram of an exemplary IAQ option PCB including a connector.

9 shows a mechanical diagram of an exemplary IAQ option PCB that includes a connector mounted on an air conditioner control board.

It is to be understood that most of the drawings are symbolic block diagrams, which are representative of the electrical and mechanical functions and operations described herein. The figures do not necessarily have to be drawn to scale, and the electro-mechanical block diagram does not have to show all terminals or wound connections.

The indoor air quality (IAQ) board 100 as shown in FIG. 1 may control at least fresh air dampers 101 and at least one air purifier, such as the UV light purifier 102. Other suitable air purifiers (not shown) include electrostatic purifiers including ionization purifiers, ionizers, and electrostatic precipitants (ESPs). The indoor air quality (IAQ) board 100 may be directly connected to an air conditioner control board 103 that controls an air conditioner system (not shown). The term "air conditioner" is defined herein and is used throughout this specification to refer to a system capable of air conditioning such as an HVAC "comfort" system. Such an air conditioning or convenience system may be only for cooling or only for heating, or may include both cooling and heating functions. The IAQ board 100 may be directly plugged into the air conditioner control board 103 by a representative connector 112 as shown in FIG. In addition, the IAQ board 100 may be connected to the air conditioner control board 103 by pins, wires, and ribbon cables, or may be connected by a wired or cabled connection (not shown). The IAQ board 100 may receive input from a CO ₂ sensor 105, a total volatile organic compound (TVOC) sensor 106, and / or a humidity sensor (not shown). Other sensors (not shown) may be used in addition to or instead of the sensors 105, 106. Such sensors can detect VOC gases or non-VOC gases that can be harmful to human or animal health. Such gases include poisonous gases, such as Sarin gas, and other gases used as chemical inorganic gases including siloxanes and polymerized hydrocarbons. Less harmful but still undesirable gases, such as ozone, may also be sensed by the gas sensor used in place of or in addition to the sensors 105, 106. For example, if the air purifier is an electrostatic or plasma type purifier capable of generating ozone, the operation of the air purifier is settable when the ozone level detected by the ozone sensor reaches an undesirable level above a prescribed threshold. Can be stopped by the IAQ board 100 for a (configurable amount) time. The fresh air damper 101 includes a set of movable valves as a set of movable vanes that typically produce an air flow that is settable in accordance with the position of the movable valve. The fresh air damper 101 controls the amount of fresh air 115 entering the indoor respirable air space 116 to improve IAQ by dilution. The fresh air damper 101 is shown in FIG. 1 as a professional damper with an electrical control signal line 113 and an electrical air flow signal 114. The fresh air damper 101 may also be a one or two stage fresh air damper without professional control. The IAQ board 100 has a control output for controlling the UV purifier 102 including the UV lamp 107 and the UV from the UV purifier current monitor 109 to remotely detect breakage of the UV lamp 107. It may also have a control input for receiving a lamp current monitoring signal. The air conditioner control board 103 (mainboard) may also include an interface 110 to achieve communication between the IAQ board and the air conditioner control board 103.

Although the operation of various embodiments of the present invention is described in detail below, IAQ is generally measured by sensors 105 and 106. Based on the IAQ measurement, fresh air damper 101 is opened to allow dilution of fresh air to reduce indoor CO ₂ levels, levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and levels of other airborne organic materials. The UV purifier 102 is turned on to reduce the indoor level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other levels of organic matter in the air. In addition to improving IAQ, in some embodiments described in detail below, the relative use of fresh air dilution (from the operation of fresh air dampers) or purification, such as UV purification, is dependent on the difference between the indoor and outdoor air temperatures. Based on the HVAC energy consumption.

In a first embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 2, the IAQ can be enhanced using a professional fresh air damper 101 to reduce and control the CO ₂ level measured by the CO ₂ sensor. . The CO ₂ sensor 105 monitors the CO ₂ level in the interior space. The CO ₂ reference level 204 is compared to the measured CO ₂ level 203 in the interior space measured by the CO ₂ sensor 105 by an analog or digital error amplifier or level comparator 202. If the CO ₂ level in the interior space is higher than the CO ₂ reference level by some predetermined amount, the professional fresh air damper 101 is opened more to lower the CO ₂ level in the interior space to an acceptable level to allow more fresh air. Can be controlled to enter. The control electronics 200 may instruct the fresh air damper 101 to be in any position throughout the range of positions from a fully closed state to a fully open state. Typically, the fresh air damper 101 can be commanded or set to a specific valve open state by receiving an analog signal, such as in the range of 0 to 10 volts, for example O volts commanding a fully closed operation and 10 volts for the damper valve. Set to fully open. The CO ₂ sensor 105 can generate an analog signal that can be further converted to a 0-5 volt analog signal using standard electronic signal conditioning, as typically indicated by signal conditioning block 207. The control electronics 200 for adjusting the damper may be located on the IAQ board, or partially on the IAQ board 100 and partially on the air conditioner control board 103. It should also be noted that the analog signal from the CO ₂ sensor 105 is converted to a digital signal so that the comparison between the CO ₂ sensor 105 and the CO ₂ reference level can be performed as a digital comparison, such as by a microcomputer. The control electronics may include an analog loop filter or a digital filter in hardware, or may include software in which the control loop is executed as a digital control loop.

The position and vane setting of the professional damper 101 is to cause a metered amount of fresh air flow into the internal breathing space. A further advantage of the use of the professional damper 101 is that the professional damper 101 is an air flow signal 114, which is a measure of fresh air caused by any given vane setting of the professional damper 101. It is also to provide. The air flow signal 114 monitors the amount of external air entering the interior space in order for the building manager to plan for increased energy use due to the introduction of a volume of fresh air at a different temperature and humidity than the air conditioning air already present in the interior space. It can be advantageously connected in a communication manner to a building management system (BMS). Using this information, building managers can estimate the additional energy costs for air conditioning the building space due to the introduction of fresh air. These calculations and estimates may be less important for residential buildings or small and medium office buildings, but the additional costs for tenants in large building spaces caused by the introduction of fresh air may be of great interest to both tenants and building managers. Can be.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of another embodiment for controlling the CO ₂ level in the interior space using the first stage fresh air damper 301. In this embodiment, the damper 301 has two actuation steps such that the vanes are opened and closed when controlled by a block 305 having a controlled output 303. Block 305 may be present entirely in IAQ board 100, or partially on IAQ board 100 and partially on air conditioner control board 103. The controlled output 303 is typically a switchable AC power output provided by a standard electronic switch element such as a relay, silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) or TRIAC (not shown), but is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the analog signal from the CO ₂ sensor 105 can be compared to the CO ₂ reference level 304 using the comparator 306 to determine whether the fresh air damper 301 should be opened or closed. . The comparator may further use hysteresis or delay to prevent excessive operation of the fresh air damper 301. It should also be noted that the analog signal from the CO ₂ sensor 105 is converted to a digital signal so that the comparison between the CO ₂ sensor 105 and the CO ₂ reference level can be performed as a digital comparison, such as by a microcomputer. The control loop can be analog or digital circuitry, or can be accomplished in hardware or software for digital comparison.

4 is a block diagram of another embodiment for controlling CO ₂ levels in an interior space using a two stage fresh air damper, shown as a first stage fresh air damper 301 and a second stage fresh air damper 401. Shows. The second stage is controlled by blocks 305 and 405. Blocks 305 and 405 may exist entirely in IAQ board 100, or partially on IAQ board 100 and partially on air conditioner control board 103. In this embodiment, the analog signal from the CO ₂ sensor 105 is the first CO ₂ reference level 304 and the second CO ₂ reference to determine whether the fresh air dampers 301 and / or 401 should be opened or closed. It can be compared to both levels 404. Comparators 306 and 406 may further use hysteresis or delay to prevent excessive operation of fresh air dampers 301 or 401. In this embodiment, the second CO ₂ reference level 404 is usually more second stage to provide a higher level of the second air flow for a high CO ₂ level to decrease more rapidly with CO ₂ level in the inner space The damper 401 is controlled. Comparators 306 and 406 and control electronics 305 and 405 in the embodiment of FIG. 4 may be partially on IAQ board 100 and partially on control board 103. As in Figure 4, the analog signal from the CO ₂ sensor 105 is converted into a digital signal so that the comparison between the CO ₂ sensor 105 and the CO ₂ reference level can be performed as a digital comparison, such as a comparison by a microcomputer. have. If used, hysteresis or delay functions may be implemented in analog or digital circuitry, or may be accomplished in hardware or software in the case of digital comparison.

5 is a block diagram of another embodiment for controlling CO ₂ levels in an interior space using a two stage fresh air damper comprising a fresh air damper 301 as first stage and an exhaust air damper 501 as a second stage. Illustrated. In the present embodiment, there is only one CO ₂ reference level 304 and one fresh air damper 301 as shown in FIG. 3, but the second stage damper 501 has the damper 301 open. Can work when In this embodiment, the second stage damper 501 may serve as an exhaust damper to prevent the internal space from being pressurized by the introduction of additional fresh air flow generated when the damper 301 is opened. Analog and / or digital control electronics for the embodiment of FIG. 5 may be partially on IAQ board 100 and partially on air conditioner control board 103.

It should be noted that the exhaust damper 501 may be used with the system of FIG. In this case, the control electronics 200 will have additional open / close outputs in addition to the professional damper control line 113 for control of the exhaust damper 501. Although not common, professional exhaust dampers may also be used. In this case, the exhaust damper control will be a second analog output similar to the control line 113 for fresh air damper. Alternatively, other exhaust systems or mechanisms not controlled by the IAQ board 100 or the control board 103 are provided to prevent increased pressure in the interior space due to the introduction of fresh air to control the CO ₂ level in the interior space. Can be.

6 illustrates an embodiment of a UV purifier system 600 in accordance with the present invention. UV purifier 102 includes a UV lamp 107 that can be turned on or off by controlled output 605. UV purifier 102 may be in one of two forms. 6A and 6B show two embodiments of the UV purifier 102. In FIG. 6A, the air to be cleaned enters the UV purifier 102 through a passive filter 666 (such as screening, mesh or fiber) and passes through the UV lamp 107. In such cases, bioerosols are usually inactivated with little or no increase in VOC levels. FIG. 6B shows an embodiment of a UV purifier 102 that further includes a photocatalyst 667 to reduce both bioaerosol and gas containing VOCs. Catalyst 667 can be conveniently prepared by coating a support structure, such as a honeycomb structure, with titanium dioxide (T _i O ₂ ).

The pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet of the manual filter 666 can be measured to detect clogging of the manual filter 666 and generate a signal or alarm for a maintenance call. This air pressure measurement may be made by two pressure sensors (not shown) or by a single differential pressure sensor (not shown) that measures the pressure between the inlet and the outlet of the passive filter 666. The pressure record can be entered into the IOB. When the differential pressure is detected to exceed a defined pressure differential threshold, an alert is sent to the BMS to provide a visual or textual display on the BMS display and / or other visual or light, voice alerts and prerecorded auditory alerts. To generate a filter change indication, such as by an auditory "filter change" signal.

Referring again to FIG. 6, a sensor comprising a gas sensor 611 and an optical sensor 612 can be used to determine the levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other organic materials including bacteria suspended in air. The sensor output can be converted to a standard analog range such as 0-5V using known signal conditioning techniques by a signal conditioner 207. The sensor signal may be combined by summing, averaging, weighted-averaging, such as by analog function block 613, or may be a selectable input to control the UV purge lamp 107. have. Comparator 604 compares the level from the analog sensor to reference level 604. When the sensor level indicates a level of undesirable substance such as VOC or bacteria in the air, the UV lamp of the UV purifier may be turned on to initiate the reduction of the contaminant level.

An additional feature of the UV purifier 600 is that the UV lamp power supply current can be measured remotely by monitoring the output current sensing transducer 109. For those of ordinary skill in the art, a single line 614 from the transducer 109 represents at least two transducer connection points connected to an analog receiver circuit, such as may be located on the IAQ board 100. It tells you. In the UV lamp break mode, the UV lamp 107 current falls below some threshold level or to zero, indicating breakdown of the UV purifier 102.

It should be appreciated that other types of purifiers may be used instead of or in addition to the UV purifying system. For example, an electrostatic purifier including an ionizer purifier, an ionizer, and an electrostatic precipitant (ESP) may be used instead of or to supplement the UV purge system. Plasma purifiers generate charges across the electrodes that heat the gas thousands of degrees, which causes ionization of the gas, creating a plasma cloud. Passing air through the plasma purifier eliminates bioaerogels and other gaseous molecules by reducing bioaerogels and other gaseous molecules in a chain reaction that ultimately results in CO ₂ and H ₂ O molecules.

It should also be appreciated that any of the above described embodiments can be used to control a plurality of fresh air dampers or air purification systems. Multiple dampers or purge systems may be controlled by one or more control systems, or multiple control systems may control multiple fresh air dampers and / or purifiers. In the control system as shown in FIG. 6, it should also be noted that instead of incorporating two or more sensor inputs into a single control system, multiple control systems can control one or more dampers or purifiers to control airborne contaminant levels. do.

It should also be appreciated that any sensor and control system described herein may be implemented as an analog or digital system, or more generally using mixed signal (analog and digital) circuitry. For example, the sensor output may be an analog signal and may be further adjusted by the analog signal adjustment block to introduce analog functionality, most typically scaling and offset. Alternatively, some sensors may include an internal signal controller coupled with an internal analog to digital converter to output a digital signal to the IAQ board 100. In addition, some control systems may be implemented as analog control systems or analog control loops using analog comparators. In some embodiments, the outputs of the analog controller and analog comparator may then be converted to digital signals to be integrated into the digital air conditioner controller included on the air conditioner control board 103. Alternatively, it may be contemplated that in other embodiments most or all of the functionality of the IAQ board 100 is generally accomplished by digital circuitry.

The IAQ board 100 may be in the form of an IAQ option board IOB installed in the air conditioner control board 103 or near the air conditioner control board 103. The IOB includes an electrical circuit for receiving and adjusting electrical values from one or more IAQ sensors, and a plurality of output circuits for setting the position of the fresh air damper valve 101 and the state of the air purifier, such as the UV purifier 102. can do. The circuit or computer program then determines the fresh air damper position and the state of the UV purifier. The circuit or computer program may be located on the air conditioner control board. The IOB also transmits an electrical representation (adjusted signal) of one or more IAQ sensors to the air conditioner control board 103. The microprocess on the air conditioner control board running the program including the IAQ algorithm determines the calculated valve position for the fresh air damper and the operating state for the UV purifier, and sends the calculated valve position and UV purifier status to the IOB. The IOB may then set the fresh air damper valve position and air purifier state.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the control of the fresh air damper and the UV purifier can be integrated and controlled by a common IAQ control circuit 100 coexisting with the air conditioner and the common algorithm, where part of the control system is digital. . The joint system, which includes both the fresh air damper system 120 and the air purifier, such as the UV purifier system 600, in that the control of all IAQ factors can be somewhat overlapped between the fresh air damper system and the purification system. Particularly advantageous. For example, the ingress of gaze air into indoor achievements may also lower the level of VOC or other airborne contaminants, especially contaminants derived from or out of the gas source. Thus, in some cases, the energy required to run the purifier can be saved due to the introduction of more fresh air. In addition, the reduction in purifier operation can extend the life of the UV lamp in the case of UV purifiers, or can extend the life of the high voltage power supply of an electrostatic or plasma purifier. This method of operation may be particularly effective when the outdoor air temperature is relatively close to a predetermined indoor air temperature or does not help to provide the cooling or heating necessary for the outdoor air temperature to reach the predetermined indoor air temperature. In contrast, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) Norms 62-89 of "Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality "allows for less fresh air flow, where the HVAC system includes an air purification system to improve IAQ. For example, cold night air will help to reduce the internal temperature due to outdoor temperatures during hot days. Similarly, it would be advantageous to run the purifier longer with very low or very high outdoor air temperatures. In this case, the introduction of more volume of outside air improves the IAQ, but significant energy costs may arise from the additional heating or air conditioning required to bring fresh air to the desired room air temperature. Thus, it can be seen that the IAQ board, which can control both the fresh air damper system and the purifier, can be advantageously used to improve the IAQ and reduce the energy costs incurred through heating and cooling.

Many HVAC systems can integrate control and sensor information into digital HVAC computer systems, commonly referred to as building management systems (BMS). BMS can help to optimize HVAC operations, including air conditioning and IAQ system operation, as well as provide energy consumption reports for various HVAC components. More complex BMS computers can generate these reports for individual tenants within large office spaces. The IAQ board and / or air conditioner control board electrically coupled to the BMS may further communicate with the BMS by network connection. This network connection may be made by conventional computer networking methods, but the network connection may also be by an HVAC network connection or any other suitable “open protocol” system, such as a proprietary carrier communication network system manufactured by Carrier Corporation. It can be advantageously done.

In addition, the air quality sensor may be located outside the building to detect and transmit outdoor air quality (OAQ) information. The OAQ sensor is an analog sensor using additional signal conditioning as can be achieved on an IAQ board, or the OAQ sensor includes an on board signal conditioning, or an "intelligent" OAQ sensor is an onboard signal conditioning and You can have both analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), digital electronics suitable for sending digital OAQ records to IAQ boards, air conditioner control boards, or directly to BMS. If the external contamination level detected by the OAQ sensor is at a critical level, such as when the OAQ level is detected to be higher than a predetermined OAQ level, the BMS will send one or more building air handlers through the building network to stop fresh air flow. Orders can be sent to a handler unit. An IAQ board, such as an IOB, can then close the fresh air damper as a second safety level. When the OAQ sensor is connected through an IAQ board, the IAQ board, along with the algorithm typically operated on the air conditioner board, can command the fresh air damper to be closed independently of the BMS. In addition, the IAQ board may receive a signal from the BMS (directly or via an air conditioner control board) to close the fresh air damper in response to a high OAQ record. If very high contamination levels are detected through one or more sensors, such as one or more OAQ sensors, one or more IAQ sensors or a combination of IAQ and OAQ sensors, the BMS may generate visual and / or audible alerts. Visual and / or audible alarms may include, but are not limited to, remote HVAC status screens, visual alarms on BMS screens, audible alarms or building status terminals at HVAC, light, siren, and / or prerecorded auditory alarms. .

Yes

An example of a preferred embodiment IAQ board 100 that is a plug-in IAQ option (IOB) printed circuit board (PCB) for the air conditioner board 103 will now be described in detail using a block diagram and an exemplary printed circuit board. 7 shows an input / output unit (I / O) of the IOB 700. 24 VAC power is provided to the IOB PCB via electrical connections to power devices such as professional fresh air dampers, CO ₂ sensors, and TVOC / humidity sensors. 230 VAC power is provided to the IOB via other connections to power external devices such as two-stage fresh air dampers and UV lamps. Here, most of the input and output functionality is provided to the IOB PCB 700 for sensors and controlled devices, and comparison and control functions are provided to the air conditioner control board 103 (not shown in FIG. 7). The IOB PCB 700 converts input / output signals between the main board and the external device. IOB PCB 700 typically receives information via input connections from IAQ sensors, including CO ₂ sensor (s), VOC (volatile organic compound) sensors, and humidity sensors. IOB PCB 700 includes switchable power to UV lamps, UV lamp current monitoring, switchable power to two-stage fresh air dampers, including switchable power to two-stage fresh air dampers to stages I and II, analog Professional Fresh Air Damper Command, Professional Fresh Air Damper Air Flow Monitoring Signal, CO ₂ Sensor Monitoring, TVOC or Humidity Sensor Monitoring and Signal Conditioning. IOB PCB 700 includes a sufficient number and type of I / Os to achieve any of the functionality described in FIGS.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of an IOB PCB 700 to achieve the functionality shown and described with respect to FIG. 7. IOB PCB 700 may be attached to air conditioner board 103 (not shown in FIG. 8) by mounting holes 705. Nylon fasteners (not shown) are used with mounting holes 705 for mechanical connection to the air conditioner board 103 such that the IOB PCB 700 can be installed without tools or screws by the use of snap-in fasteners. can do. Plastic connectors such as J10 may be used to electrically connect the IOB PCB 700 to the air conditioner board 103. Fuses such as F22 and F21 can be used to protect input power lines and switchable power outputs. This protection is particularly advantageous with regard to 230 VAC input and output. The plastic PCB connectors J22, J25, J26, J23, J24, J21 can be configured as power input / output connectors. Such plastic connectors are available from Molex Corporation and other connector manufacturers. Typical configurations of connectors on the IOB PCB 700 are listed as follows: J21 is used for 230 VAC power to power external UV lamps and two-stage fresh air dampers, J22 is a professional fresh air damper, CO _It is used for 24 VAC supply to power ₂ sensors, TVOC and humidity sensors. J10 provides an IOB PCB 700 electrical interface connection to the motherboard. Here, the I / O of the IOB PCB 700 is directly controlled by a microprocessor located on the air conditioner board 103, and the IOB PCB 700 will convert signals between the motherboard and external devices as follows. Pin 1, UV lamp instruction; Pin 2, UV lamp current; Pin 4, fresh air damper 1st stage command; Pin 4, fresh air damper two-stage command; Pin 5, professional air damper command; Pin 6, professional fresh air damper air flow; Pin 7, CO ₂ sensor; Pin 8, TVOC / humidity sensor; Pin 9, 12 volt power; Pin 10, grounded. Connector J23 is used to control the UV lamp. The IOB PCB 700 converts the 0-5V digital signal from the motherboard to 230 VAC discrete outputs to illuminate the UV lamps. To achieve detection of UV lamp breakage, a current converter CT (not shown) may be installed on the IOB PCB 700 such that the UV lamp output current passes through CT. This CT measures the current flowing through the UL lamp (pin 1) and converts the signal into a 0-5V analog signal for the air conditioner board 103. J24 on the IOB PCB 700 provides a two stage command to control the two stage fresh air damper. For both first and second stages, the IOB PCB 700 converts 0-5V digital signals from the motherboard to 230 VAC discrete signals to power and energize the first and second stages separately. The 5 volt signal (logic 1) provided to the IOB PCB 700 turns on the discrete output, and the 0 volt signal (logic 0) turns off the discrete output. J26 is used for professional fresh air dampers. The IOB PCB 700 provides command and supervision for the professional fresh air damper. IOB PCB 700 converts a 0-5V analog signal from the mainboard to a 0-10 volt analog output proportional to the size of the predetermined valve opening. The Professional Fresh Air Damper will provide a 0-10 volt air flow signal to the IOB PCB 700 for the Professional Fresh Air Damper supervision function, and this air flow signal will be 0-5V for the air conditioner board 103. Can be converted into an analog signal. Typically, the professional fresh air damper air flow signal will have the following characteristics: 0 to 10 VDC proportional to the maximum pressure set during valve calibration. J25 is used for CO ₂ sensors. IOB PCB 700 may monitor the CO ₂ sensor. The CO ₂ sensor is typically converted to a 0-5 volt signal for the air conditioner board 103. J27 is used for TVOC or humidity sensors. The IOB PCB 700 may monitor the TVOC and / or humidity sensor connected to J27 and further convert the TVOC or humidity sensor signal into a 0-5 volt signal used in the air conditioner board 103.

9 shows an IOB PCB 700 plugged into the air conditioner control board 103 by a connector J10 and mounting holes, preferably nylon fasteners (not shown). The corresponding plug for J10 on the air conditioner control board 103 is not shown in FIG. While the remaining electrical connections shown on the lower portion of the air conditioner control board 103 are typically used to receive power and control the air conditioner function, in some embodiments such connectors are powered to the IOB PCB 700 via appropriate connectors and cables. It can also be used to supply. Similarly, in embodiments in which the device controlled by the IOB PCB 700 is pre-connected directly to the air conditioner board 103, the additional option board capability introduced by adding the IOB PCB 700 to the air conditioner system is provided. Cables with appropriate connectors may be connected from the IOB PCB 700 to the air conditioner board 103 connectors to facilitate input or control functions. In most embodiments, the IOB PCB 700 provides additional input / output capability and includes a microcontroller (not shown) and an air conditioner board 103 in a mixed analog-digital implementation. It is controlled by the software embedded in it. Typically, the IOB PCB 700 and the air conditioner board 103 are mounted in an air conditioner system or in a control box (not shown) that mounts itself on the air conditioner system. In other embodiments, where there is not enough space for the air conditioner board 103 in the existing housing, the IOB PCB 700 may be housed elsewhere and connected by one or more dedicated cables. The air conditioner board 103 may further include a time counter (not shown). The time counter can be used by the A / C system administrator to monitor the filter maintenance cycle. When the filter is replaced, the counter can be reset to zero hours. After any time (defined as a function of filter life), an alert may be sent to the A / C system administrator via the BMS.

In addition, the IOB PCB 700 may transmit information about the controlled system to the BMS through the main board, so that the A / C system administrator can check the TAQ parameters of each air conditioner. In addition, IOB PCB 700 may broadcast information to other IOBs via a motherboard, BMS, and using a communication bus such as a carrier communication network (CCN) system. This communication enables the building manager to reduce the installation costs in the open space, for example by installing only one CO ₂ sensor in one air conditioner for the open space. Here, the IOB PCB 700 may also transmit CO ₂ concentration information to other air conditioners installed in this open space, such as through the CCN.

While the invention has been shown and described in detail with reference to the preferred modes as shown in the drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes in detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Will know.

Claims (32)

Air conditioning system to improve indoor air quality (IAQ), An air conditioner for receiving indoor air from the indoor space to heat or cool the indoor air and then return the air conditioned to the indoor space; An air conditioner control board mounted in or on the air conditioner and electrically connected to the air conditioner for controlling the function of the air conditioner; An IAQ option board (IOB) electrically coupled to the air conditioner control board and configured to receive electrical input from at least one IAQ sensor; A fresh air damper electrically connected to the IOB and having a valve position, the valve position determining the flow of fresh air into the interior space, the IOB controlling the position of the valve; Include air purifier, The air purifier is positioned so that air from the indoor space passes through the air purifier, the air purifier is electrically coupled to the IOB and controlled by the IOB, The IOB receives input from at least one IAQ sensor, The IOB is an air conditioning system for improving indoor air quality, each commanding the operation of the air purifier and the valve position of the fresh air damper based at least in part on an input from the at least one IAQ sensor to improve the IAQ of the indoor space. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the fresh air damper is a professional fresh air damper. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the fresh air damper is a two-stage damper. The indoor air of claim 1, wherein the fresh air damper is a two stage damper, the first stage air damper provides a first air flow of fresh air, and the second stage air damper provides a second air flow of fresh air. Air conditioning system to improve quality. And an exhaust damper that opens when the fresh air damper is opened by the IOB. The air purifier of claim 1, wherein the air purifier is a UV purifier having a UV purifying lamp having an on state and an off state, wherein the UV purifier is indoors positioned such that air from the interior space passes by and near the UV purifying lamp Air conditioning system to improve air quality. The room of claim 6, further comprising a current sensing transformer (CT) for measuring the current flow to the UV purifier, the electrical output of the CT being electrically coupled to the IOB, wherein the IOB is remotely detecting breakage of the UV purifying lamp. Air conditioning system to improve air quality. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the at least one IAQ sensor is a CO ₂ sensor, a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor, a total volatile organic compound (TVOC) sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an ozone sensor, a sarin gas sensor, a bioinorganic agent sensor. And an air conditioning system selected from the group of IAQ sensors consisting of gas sensors. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising at least one IAQ sensor, an outdoor air temperature sensor for measuring outdoor air temperature, and an indoor air temperature sensor for measuring indoor air temperature, The IOB sets the condition of the fresh air damper position and the air purifier so that the air purifier is used to improve the IAQ more than the air dilution by the fresh air damper.This operation results in indoor air when the outdoor temperature is substantially higher or lower than the room temperature. An air conditioning system to improve indoor air quality, which reduces energy use by reducing the amount of energy required to control the temperature of the oven. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising at least one IAQ sensor, an outdoor air temperature sensor for measuring outdoor air temperature, and an indoor air temperature sensor for measuring indoor air temperature, The IOB sets the condition of the fresh air damper position and the air purifier so that the air purifier is used to improve IAQ less than the air dilution by the fresh air damper.This operation occurs when the outdoor temperature is substantially equal to the room temperature or when An air conditioning system to improve indoor air quality, which reduces energy use by reducing the amount of energy needed to control the temperature of the indoor air when the outdoor temperature is different from the room temperature so that the inflow causes the room temperature to change towards the desired room air temperature. . The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the IOB comprises an electrical circuit for receiving and adjusting electrical values from at least one IAQ sensor, and a plurality of output circuits for setting the position of the fresh air damper valve and the state of the air purifier. An air conditioning system for improving indoor air quality in which an air damper position and a circuit or computer program for determining the condition of the air purifier are located on the air conditioner control board. 12. The air conditioner of claim 11, wherein the IOB transmits an electrical indication (adjusted signal) of at least one IAQ sensor to the air conditioner control board, and the microprocessor on the air conditioner control board for driving a program comprising an IAQ algorithm is provided for the fresh air damper. Determine the calculated valve position and operating conditions for the air purifier to send the calculated valve position and air purifier status to the IOB, and to improve indoor air quality where the IOB sets the fresh air damper valve position and air purifier status. system. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the IOB is communicatively coupled to a building management system (BMS). 15. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising at least one outdoor air quality (OAQ) sensor, wherein when it is detected that the OAQ level is higher than the predetermined OAQ level, the BMS turns off the air handler unit (AHU) and the IOB is a fresh air damper. Air conditioning system to improve indoor air quality that shuts down the door. 15. The air conditioning system of claim 14, further comprising an auditory or visual alert to indicate that the OAQ level is detected as being above a predetermined warning OAQ level. The ozone sensor of claim 1, wherein the at least one IAQ sensor is an ozone sensor positioned downstream of the ozone generating purifier, and when the ozone sensor indicates an ozone concentration higher than the ozone reference level (threshold), the IOB is ozone for a settable amount of time. Air conditioning system to improve indoor air quality to stop production purifier. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the air purifier is a passive filter or a UV purifier comprising a passive filter and a photocatalyst. 19. The air conditioning system of claim 18, wherein a pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet of the passive filter is measured and a filter change alarm is issued when the pressure difference exceeds a threshold. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Option Board (IOB) An IOB printed circuit board (PCB) having a plurality of electrical connections, The plurality of electrical connections, An electrical connection to the air conditioner control board, the electrical connection being mounted in or on the air conditioner and electrically connected to the air conditioner to control the function of the air conditioner, Electrical inputs from at least one IAQ sensor, As an electrical connection to the fresh air damper, the fresh air damper has a valve position, determines the flow of fresh air into the interior space, and the IOB is an electrical connection to control the position of the valve, A connection to the air purifier, The air purifier is positioned so that air from the indoor space passes through the air purifier, the air purifier is electrically coupled to the IOB and controlled by the IOB, The IOB receives input from at least one IAQ sensor, IOB is an indoor air quality option board that commands the valve position of the fresh air damper and the operation of the air purifier, respectively, based at least in part on input from the at least one IAQ sensor to enhance the IAQ of the indoor space. 20. The indoor air quality option board of claim 19, wherein the IOB is mechanically mounted to an air conditioner control board. 21. The indoor air quality option board of claim 20, wherein the IOB is mechanically mounted to the air conditioner control board by nylon standoffs. 20. The air purifier of claim 19, wherein the air purifier is a UV purifier having a UV purge lamp having an on state and an off state, wherein the UV purifier is positioned such that air from the interior space passes by and near the UV purge lamp Air quality option board. 23. The room of claim 22, further comprising a current sensing transformer (CT) for measuring the current flow to the UV purifier, the electrical output of the CT being electrically coupled to the IOB, wherein the IOB is remotely detecting breakage of the UV purifying lamp. Air quality option board. The sensor of claim 19, wherein the at least one IAQ sensor is a CO ₂ sensor, a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor, a total volatile organic compound (TVOC) sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an ozone sensor, a sarin gas sensor, a bioinorganic agent sensor. And an indoor air quality option board selected from the group of IAQ sensors consisting of gas sensors. 20. The indoor air quality option board of claim 19, wherein the IOB is communicatively coupled to a building management system (BMS). 27. The system of claim 25, further comprising at least one outdoor air quality (OAQ) sensor, wherein when it is detected that the OAQ level is higher than the predetermined OAQ level, the BMS turns off the air handler unit (AHU) and the IOB is a fresh air damper. Indoor air quality option board to shut off. 27. The indoor air quality option board of claim 26, further comprising an audible or visual alarm to indicate that the OAQ level has been detected as being above a predetermined warning OAQ level. 20. The indoor air quality option board of claim 19, wherein the IOB is communicatively coupled to a building management system (BMS) by a carrier communication network (CCN). 20. The fresh air damper of claim 19, wherein the IOB comprises an electrical circuit for receiving and adjusting electrical values from at least one IAQ sensor, and an output circuit for setting the position of the fresh air damper valve and the state of the air purifier. An indoor air quality option board in which a circuit or computer program that determines the position and condition of the air purifier is at least partially located on the air conditioner control board. 20. The ozone sensor according to claim 19, wherein the at least one IAQ sensor is an ozone sensor positioned downstream of the ozone generating purifier and when the ozone sensor indicates an ozone concentration higher than the ozone reference level (threshold), the IOB is ozone for a settable amount of time. Indoor air quality option board to stop produce purifier. The indoor air quality option board of claim 19, wherein the air purifier is a passive filter or a UV purifier comprising a passive filter and a photocatalyst. 32. The indoor air quality option board of claim 31, wherein a pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet of the passive filter is measured and a filter change alarm is issued when the pressure difference exceeds a threshold.

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