Method and device for measuring airflows through HVAC grilles
US7174791B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 7, 2005 |
| Grant date | Feb 13, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 7, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F1/363
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fan powered by a controlled external energy source and a flow measurement device measure the airflow exiting or entering grilles/registers of an HVAC system without impeding the airflow being measured. A flow straightening element is preferably employed to overcome any effects of a non-uniform or swirled airflow profile on the fan. Preferably, the RPM of the fan is measured to determine the airflow. The RPM/flow calibration of the fan is insensitive to pressure differentials or the fan is a pressure-sensitive fan submitted to appropriate pressure differentials. Alternatively, the voltage or current supplied to the external energy source is used to determine the airflow. Finally, the pressure differential across the flow straightening element can be measured to determine airflow, eliminating the impact of pressure differential across the flow measurement device and fan.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.