Remote autonomous intelligent air flow control system and network

Abstract

The present invention provides one or more autonomous in-duct or register grill mounted flow control devices, each of which has the capability to restrict or boost air flow through the duct or vent to which it is attached. The individual flow control devices may be in communication with other flow control devices in the duct works, having an ability to adapt in a cooperative fashion to optimize the environment served by the ductwork. In a preferred embodiment, each of the flow control devices provides its own power and does not require changing the existing ductwork or register boxes for installation.

1 . A device for controlling air flow through a duct, the device comprising: 
 a flow control member configured to selectively control air flow through the device;    a controller member configured to autonomously control the flow control member; and    a power member for supplying power to the device.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , further including a communication device operatively attached to the controller member, the communication device is configured to enable remote programming of the controller member.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the controller member comprises a timer configured to control a time cycle of the flow control member.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1 , further including at least one sensor configured to measure a parameter in the duct.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the parameter is a pressure in the duct.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flow control member is configured to retard air flow through the device.  
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flow control member is configured to enhance air flow through the device.  
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flow control member comprises a fan or a blower.  
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flow control member comprises a generator configured to enhance or retard air flow through the device.  
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flow control member is configured to selectively control air flow through the device by enhancing air flow or retarding air flow based on an environmental condition.  
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flow control member comprises an array of fans.  
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flow control member comprises at least one device selected from the group consisting of gates, louvers, a butterfly valve, or petals.  
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the controller member comprises an internal program memory.  
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the controller member is capable of controlling the flow control member based upon an environmental condition.  
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the controller member is configured to receive data, analyze the data, and control the flow control member as a result of the analyzed data.  
   
   
       16 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the controller member is configured to store the data in a memory member.  
   
   
       17 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the power member comprises a replaceable battery.  
   
   
       18 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the power member is configured to generate power based upon airflow through the device.  
   
   
       19 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein the generated power is stored in a power storage member.  
   
   
       20 . The device of  claim 19 , wherein the power storage member is a capacitor.  
   
   
       21 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the power member is configured to generate data regarding a parameter in the duct by utilizing the airflow through the device.  
   
   
       22 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the parameter is a pressure in the duct.  
   
   
       23 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the parameter is an air pressure or a temperature in the duct.  
   
   
       24 . A method of using one or more flow control devices in a system of ducts, the method comprising: 
 placing at least one flow control device at a selected location in the system of ducts, the at least one flow control device comprising an air flow control member, a controller member, and a power member;    controlling the airflow through a portion of the system of ducts by selectively manipulating the at least one flow control flow device through the execution of a series of program instructions within the controller member; and    modifying an environmental condition in an area adjacent the selected location by an autonomous decision process within the at least one flow control device.    
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 24 , further comprising generating energy for the flow control device by utilizing the air flow through the system of ducts.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the series of program instructions is generated by a conventional algorithm.  
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the series of program instructions is generated by adaptive programming.  
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the series of program instructions is generated by utilizing a look-up table.  
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the environmental condition is modified for reducing energy consumption.  
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the environmental condition is modified to substantially prevent mold or stale air from residing in the area.  
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the series of program instructions is used to substantially prevent system damage due to over restriction of airflow in the system of ducts.  
   
   
       32 . An apparatus for controlling an environmental condition in an area, the apparatus comprising: 
 an air flow control member configured to selectively control air flow through the apparatus;    a controller member configured to autonomously control the air flow control member based upon the environmental condition;    a power member for supplying power to the device; and    a sensor member configured to measure and send data to the controller member regarding the environmental condition in the area.