Fresh Air Intake System

Abstract

For use in residential buildings, a device to draw in outside air and have it mix with the air inside the building to improve indoor air-quality through dilution and building pressurization. Pressurizing a building even slightly inhibits air infiltration of pollutants such as pollen, mold spores, and seasonal allergens from entering penetrations ie, poor door and window seals, chimney, bathroom, dryer and stove exhaust ducts from entering the building.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention is an air intake system for use within residential buildings in conjunction with the existing air duct system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Today residential homes are equipped with heating, ventilation and air conditioning units (HVAC units) that condition the air within the home tailored to the user's needs. Air is drawn from within the house into the HVAC unit where it is then heated or cooled and through the air ducts delivered back to the house. Using and re-using the air within the home becomes a problem when entities such as pollen, mold spores and other seasonal allergens are introduced into the air. Re-using the air only re-circulates these entities. [0003] Moreover, homes that have recently been constructed typically have a “new home smell” which is essentially chemical pollutants in the air. There is a need to remove the chemical pollutants. [0004] Additionally pressurizing a building even slightly inhibits air inf...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The present invention is intended for use in residential buildings to draw in outside air and have it mix with the air inside the building to improve indoor air-quality through dilution and building pressurization. Pressurizing a building even slightly inhibits air infiltration of pollutants such as pollen, mold spores, and seasonal allergens from entering penetrations ie, poor door and window seals, chimney, bathroom, dryer and stove exhaust ducts from entering the building.

[0013] The present invention can introduce up to 100 CFM of outside air providing for 72,000 to 144,000 cubic feet of air into the home or indoor environment per day. This approach allows for pressurization of the home or indoor environment which eliminates the entry of fine particles, gasses and odors whenever the buildings' HVAC unit fan is running.

[0014] The introduction of 50 CFM of outside air (3000 ft.3 per hour) has no negative effect on the performance of the HVAC system as it represents approximately 3 to 5% of total air volume going through the HVAC unit. To increase the air ventilation and pressurization, a larger connecting air duct or an induct booster fan can be installed.

[0016] The present invention connects an external filter return grill to the return side of the central air heating and cooling system by an air duct and specialized housing / connectors. When the central air is on it will draw-in filtered outside air, which improves air quality through filtration, serialization, dilution, and pressurization.

[0017] The present invention is configured to enhance its efficiency and sterilization properties. A pre-filter which is made of polyester and carbon is used to arrest a 85% of the particles ≧5 micron and absorb gasses, such as ozone and auto exhaust, and chemicals from landscape fertilizers and pesticides. The second filter is a reusable electrostatic filter. It has anti-microbial properties combined with low airflow resistance and high particle capture ability. An optional third filter, which is a high efficiency filter or High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) and traps 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns or larger is available.

[0019] After the one-way valve there is a germicidal ultraviolet lamp. The lamps stay cleaner longer due to the air filters, this helps maintain the lamps' intensity. The 6″ round galvanized duct which houses the lamps also assist in the lamps intensity by the reflectance properties of the galvanized sheet metal duct. Also the lamps are placed parallel to the air flow which increases dwell or exposure time to the ultraviolet light increasing its effectiveness and longevity.

Problems solved by technology

Using and re-using the air within the home becomes a problem when entities such as pollen, mold spores and other seasonal allergens are introduced into the air.

Moreover, homes that have recently been constructed typically have a “new home smell” which is essentially chemical pollutants in the air.

Additionally pressurizing a building even slightly inhibits air infiltration of pollutants such as pollen, mold spores, and seasonal allergens from entering penetrations areas, i.e. poor door and window seals, chimney, bathroom, dryer and stove exhaust ducts.

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