Ventilation Register and Ventilation Systems

Abstract

Displacement ventilation systems are generally poor performers when it comes to heating. The instant patent application discusses devices and systems for improving heating performance while retaining the benefits of displacement ventilation without wholesale co-location of independent space conditioning systems.

1 . A ventilation system for an occupied space, comprising:
 at least one supply register configured as a displacement-type diffuser providing a flow of ventilation air at non-mixing rates;   at least one first return register configured to withdraw air at a level proximate a ceiling of said occupied space and at least one second return register configured to withdraw air from said occupied space at a level near the floor thereof;   a control system configured to control the flow of heated or cooled air to said at least one supply register and selectively to control the flow of air into said at least one first return register and said at least one second return register such that during cooling, cooled air is supplied through said at least one supply register and air withdrawn through said at least one first return register and during heating, warm air is supplied through said at least one supply register and to withdrawn through said at least one second return register.   
   
   
       2 . A system as in  claim 1 , wherein said control system is further configured to regulate a volume rate of flow through said at least one second return register such that the rate of air exchanged in said occupied space is responsive to outdoor air temperature. 
   
   
       3 . A system as in  claim 2 , wherein said control system includes a feedforward control mechanism with at least one outdoor air temperature input. 
   
   
       4 . A system as in  claim 1 , wherein said control system includes a contamination detector located in a central return duct and the control system is configured to deactivate a fan responsively to a detection of a contaminant by said contamination detector. 
   
   
       5 . A system as in  claim 1 , further comprising an air circulating fan controlled to mix air in said space during said heating mode. 
   
   
       6 . A system as in  claim 5 , wherein said air circulating fan is controlled responsively to a local temperature gradient in said occupied space. 
   
   
       7 . A ventilation system for an occupied space, comprising:
 at least one supply register configured as a displacement-type diffuser providing a flow of ventilation air at non-mixing rates;   at least one return register configured to withdraw air from said occupied space;   a mixing fan configured to mix air in said occupied space.   a control system configured to control the flow of heated or cooled air to said at least one supply register, to control said mixing fan to circulate air in said occupied space only during a heating mode.