Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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AN AIR DIFFUSER AND AN AIR CIRCULATION SYSTEM
Technical Field
An air diffuser and an air circulation system including the air diffuser are
disclosed.
Background Art
Many buildings with large volume spaces contain air delivery systems in
which the air is delivered to and mixed into the occupancy space via one or
more side
blow diffusers, which may be located in a sidewall or bulkhead.
Such systems can deliver supply air through grilles, each of which delivers
the
supply air largely as a single jet of air into the space. Discharge direction
adjustahility
of the jet of air is via horizontal and/or vertical vanes that may be
manually. swivelled
about vertical ancVor horizontal axes. Hence, the discharge direction may be
manually
. adjusted in up to two planes¨tip and down, and left and right¨and horizontal
throw
may be increased or decreased by arranging vane direction to converge or
diverge,
thereby concentrating or dispersing the discharged airflow pattern,
respectively.
In order for an isothermal air stream to achieve a given axial throw at a
fixed
terminal velocity, the requisite velocity of the air stream, as it is
discharged axially from
a grille, Is largely inversely proportional to the volume flow rate of the
discharged air
stream. Consequently, in order to achieve a given throw from a grille, the
effective
discharge diameter of the grille needs to be increased largely in proportion
to the
increase in volume flow rate to realise the requisite inverse discharge
velocity
relationship. This results in an increased grille opening discharge size (and
hence a
"thicker" supply air stream) and in reduced discharge velocity (causing a more
"limp"
supply air stream), the larger the airflow rate to be discharged from the
grille.
These factors can, in turn, reduce the stability of the discharged air stream
(such as by increasing uncontrolled air stream trajectory deviations in non-
isothermal
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applications, or due to air motion from other sources in the space). These
factors can
also increase temperature and velocity deviations from the average in the
space (such as
a tendency towards hot and stuffy, and cold and draughty spots). In other
words, the
suitability of side blow grilles to spaces requiring uniform temperature and
velocity
distribution decreases, the greater Is the volume flow rata to be discharged
by each
especially if draught-free comfort is required. To overcome this limitation,
when
each side blow grille is to discharge a large volume flow rate of air, or when
high levels
of comfort are required, high induction side blow diffusers, such as multi-
nozzle
diffusers, can be used as an alternative to grilles. This is because multi-
nozzle diffusers
induce large quantities of room air into the supply air stream. This can bring
about
rapid discharge velocity decay, thereby allowing relatively high discharge
velocities to
be used that stabilise the discharged air stream, whilst reducing draught-risk
through
rapid air stream deceleration.
Additionally, multi-nozzle diffusers can break down the temperature
differential between supply and room air, thereby reducing air stream
trajectory
deviation in non-isothermal applications to further stabilise the air stream
trajectory,
whilst simultaneously minimising temperature deviations in the space. Such
highly
inductive discharge, even of large airflow rates, can produce MOM stable
horizontal
throws with low terminal velocities, whilst rapidly equalising supply air
stream
temperature with room air temperature, achieving more uniform temperature and
velocity distribution and less draught risk than would generally be possible
if the same
airflow rate were To be discharged from a grille of similar throw.
High induction multi-nozzle diflbsers can supply air streams to a space that
largely have high mass flow rates (primary air plus large quantities of
induced
secondary air) travelling at low velocities (duo to rapid discharge velocity
decay
brought about by high induction). These air streams can be suitable both for
throws that
are relatively short, as the low velocity air-streams prevent draughts, and
relatively long,
as the high momentum of the high mass flow rate air streams ensures relatively
high
maximum throw. This is in contrast to air streams from grilles, which have a
relatively
narrow allowable throw band for each alzflow rate and diffuser vane setting,
thereby
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further compromising comfort, as well as increasing HVAC conunissioning costs
and
occupant complaints.
The high induction characteristics of multi-nozzle diffusers can also improve
system heating performance, by virtue of strongly diluting the warm supply air
with
large quantities of cooler room air, thereby reducing the degree of buoyant
supply air
stream stratification to a high level.
The discharge direction of prior art multi-nozzle diffusers may be manually
adjustable, such as by swivelling the individual nozzles in a ball-in-socket
arrangement,
or by integrating nozzles with a fixed incline into rotatable discs that are
parallel to and
that protrude from or are recessed into the diffuser discharge face. in prior
art multi-
nozzle diffusers, the diffuser discharge face of ball-In-socket and rotatable
disc designs
is neither flush nor uniform in discharge pattern. This often leads to such
multi-nozzle
diffusers being rejected due to unsightliness.
Further, as the discharge nozzles are usually made of plastic, colour choice
tends to be limited, especially where small quantities of difflisers arc
involved, which is
in contrast to the large range of colours usually available for grilles (e.g.
when made
from powder coated metal vanes),
The vanes of grilles can suffer from dirt deposits, called "smudging", that
settle
onto the visible grille surfaces, including the recessed surfaces of the
vanes. Not only is
2 o this unsightly, but these surfaces are also difficult to clean, and
cleaning generally
results in the inadvertent re-adjustment of vanes, thereby compromising
airflow to the
space, hence causing discomfort and poor performance.
Similarly, wiping clean prior art multi-nozzle diffusers can result in
inadvertent
discharge direction adjustment due to the vulnerability of the protruding
nozzles or
nozzle discs to accidental re-adjustment.
Grilles may also suffer from condensation when used in high humidity
environments, such as lobbies in. the tropics, or in restaurants. The high
induction of
multi-nozzle diffusers can reduce the condensation risk, by ensuring strong
air motion
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at the diffuser face, thereby raising the diffuser face temperature, and also
by raising the
supply air stream temperature through dilution with warmer room air.
A reference to prior rut herein is not to be taken as an admission that the
prior
art is common general knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in the art
Summary of the Disclosure
Disclosed herein is a high induction air diffuser assembly. The air diffusor
assembly can find use in combination with a sidewall, bulkhead, window sill,
parapet,
floor or ceiling air delivery system.
The air diffuser comprises a plurality of discharge elements. The discharge
elements arc configured such that they are able to be arranged in the diftbser
to form a
tessellation of discharge elements in a plane. The discharge elements ere also
able to be
adjusted into a new orientation in the tessellation plane. This configuration
enables a
number of possible orientations of at least one of the discharge elements to
be achieved,
as will become apparent hereafter.
The perimeters of the discharge elements may largely abut to largely form a
single plane tessellation of the discharge elements.
In an embodiment, at least one discharge element may discharge a primary air
stream largely inclined to the perpendicular axis of the tessellation plane.
In an embodiment, the primary air stream may be discharged by at least one
discharge canal integrated into the at least one discharge element.
In an embodiment, the at least one discharge canal may be inclined
substantially to an axis that extends perpendicularly of the tessellation
plane of
discharge elements, The discharge direction of the primary air stream may
largely be
2S determined by the discharge canal orientation (e.g. angle of inclination
of its central
axis).
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In an embodiment, the perimeter of at least one discharge element, when
viewed in the tessellation plan; may substantially take the form of a polygon.
In an embodiment, the polygon may be mathematically regular (e.g. the sides
and angles of the polygon are all equivalent).
5 In an embodiment, the perimeters of the discharge elements may largely
form
an Archirnedean tessellation (e.g, the perimeters of the discharge elements
may largely
have disposed thereat a variety of regular polygons, the arrangements of which
can be
identical at every vertex).
In an embodiment, the perimeters of the discharge elements may largely form a
1.0 regular tessellation (e.g. the perimeters of the discharge elements may
largely fomi
congruent regular polygons, in which "congruent" can indicate that the
polygons are all
the same size and shape).
In an embodiment, the at least one discharge element with the at least one
discharge canal may be engaged into the tessellation of discharge elements in
any one
3.5 of at least two unique orientations when rotated about an axis
perpendicular to the
tessellation plane.
In an embodiment, the number of sides, which the discharge element has, that
largely abut other discharge elements can correspond to (equal) or be a
multiple of the
number of unique orientations, about the perpendicular axis.
20 In an embodiment, the orientation, about the perpendicular axis, of at
least one
of the primary discharge elements may be manipulable to vary the airflow
direction of
the primary air stream.
In an embodiment, the primary air stream may be discharged through at least
one of a plurality of discharge perforations located in a discharge plate of
the diffusor,
25 The discharge plate may generally lie in a plane that Ls parallel to the
tessellation plane
of discharge elements.
In an embodiment, the downstream discharge edge of the at least one discharge
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canal largely may abut or closely face the discharge plate (i.e. at its inside
face),
In an embodiment, the centre points of the discharge perforations may largely
be coincident with the vertices of a largely Archimedean tessellation (i.e. a
tessellation
formed largely of a variety of regular polygons, the arrangements of which are
identical
5 at every vertex).
In an embodiment, the centre points of the discharge perforations may largely
be coincident with the vertices of a largely regular tessellation (i.e. a
tessellation
comprising largely congruent regular polygons, in which "congruent" means that
the
polygons are all the same size and shape).
In an embodiment, the number of sides that at lout one discharge element has,
which largely abut other discharge elements, may be a multiple of the number
of unique
orientations, about the perpendicular axis, in which the centre points of all
discharge
canal discharge openings of that discharge element may largely be coincident
with the,
centre points of discharge perforations.
In an embodiment, the number of sides, which at least one discharge element
has, which largely abut other discharge elements, may be equal to the number
of unique
orientations, about the perpendicular axis, in which the centre points of all
discharge
canal discharge openings of that discharge element are largely coincident with
the
centre points of discharge perforations.
In an embodiment, the centre point of at least one discharge canal discharge
opening may largely be coincident with the centre point of a discharge
perforation
(though not necessarily the seine discharge perforation) for at teak that
number of
unique orientations of the discharge clement, about the perpendicular axis, in
which the
discharge element may be engaged into the tessellation of discharge elements.
In an embodimen.t, the discharge edge of at least onc discharge canal may
either be largely coincident with, or may largely be contained within the
perimeter of
one of the discharge perforations.
In an embodiment, the diffhser may discharge at least one secondary air stream
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In close proximity to a primary air stream.
In an embodiment, the secondary air stream may be of substantially lower
momentum than the primary air stream to which it is in close proximity.
In an embodiment, the secondary air stream may be Induced by the primary air
stream to which it is in close proximity to form one combined air stream.
In an embodiment, the discharge direction of the combined air stream may
largely be determined by the discharge direction of the primary air stream to
which the
secondary air stream is in close proximity. In an embodiment, the throw of the
combined air stream may largely be determined by the throw of the primary air
stream
to which the secondary air stream is in close proximity. For example, the
discharge
direction and throw of the combined air stream may largely be determined by
the
discharge direction and throw of the primary air stream to which the secondary
air
stream is in close proximity.
In an embodiment, the secondary air stream may be discharged by at least one
opening integrated into at least one discharge element.
In an embodiment, the secondary air stream may be discharged by at least one
opening between largely abutting discharge elements.
In an embodiment, the secondary air stream may be discharged through at least
one of the discharge perforations.
In an embodiment, an Inlet plate may be located upstream of the tessellation
of
primary air supply discharge elements.
In an embodiment, at least one discharge element may be attached to the inlet
plate.
In an embodiment, the inlet plate may be located clear of the tessellation of
primary discharge elements.
In an embodiment, the plane of the inlet plate may largely be parallel to the
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tessellation plane of the discharge elements.
In an embodiment, the inlet plate may largely be perforated.
In an embodiment, at least one biasing mechanism may be provided. This
mechanism can communicate with (e.g. bias against) a given discharge element
so as to
S exert an engaging force directed towards the inlet plate, pushing that
discharge element,
when engaged in the tessellation of discharge elements, towards e.g. the
discharge plate
(when present). The biasing mechanism may e.g. take the form of a coil or leaf
spring.
In an embodiment, a disengaging force that is greater than the engaging force
and that is directed from e.g. the discharge plate towards the inlet plate can
disengage
that discharge element from the tessellation of discharge elements.
In an embodiment, the disengaging force may be applied to the discharge
element via an adjustment tool inserted through a discharge perforation.
In an embodiment, rotation of the adjustment tool about the axis generally
perpendicular to the tessellation plane of discharge elements (e.g. whilst
maintaining a
disengaging force against the discharge element) can rotate the discharge
element about
the same axis.
In an embodiment, the discharge element may be re-engaged back into the
tessellation plane of discharge elements, but now in a new orientation, when
the
disengaging force is removed.
Also disclosed herein is an air diffUser comprising a plurality of discharge
elements. The discharge elements are configured such that they are able to be
arranged
in a plane. At least one discharge element is able to be displaced from the
plane, rotated
about an axis that is generally perpendicular to the plane and, once a given
rotational
position has been reached, re-displaced back into the plane. The discharge
elements are
able to be adjusted into a new orientation in the plane. This air diffuser may
otherwise
be configured as set forth above.
Also disclosed herein is a ducting system and/or an air supply system
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incorporating at least one air diffuser as act forth above.
Also disclosed herein is an air diffuser comprising a frame, and a plurality
of
discharge elements positioned within or adjacent to the frame. Each discharge
element
abuts against or closely faces at least one other discharge element. The
discharge
elements have a plan shape of a polygon. The discharge elements are able to be
adjusted
Into a new orientation in the frame.
At least one of the discharge elements may be configured to discharge an air
stream in a direction that is inclined with respect to an axis that extends
generally
perpendicularly from a downstream face of the discharge element, The air
diffuser may
be otherwise configured as set forth above.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the air
diffitser as set forth in the Summary, specific embodiments will now be
described, by
way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figures 1-I to are respective
diagrams, each illustrating front, rear and side
section views of diffuser element embodiments for an air diffuser to provide
highly
inductive discharge to an occupancy space;
Figures 2-I to as well as
sections A-A and B-B, are diagrams illustrating
the front, rear and side section views of a diffuser embodiment with a
perforated
discharge surface and hexagonal discharge elements as well as part-hexagonal
discharge
elements;
Figure 3 Illustrates mar, side section and front views of a two hexagonal
discharge element embodiments, one embodiment with an upstream locating pin
and
one embodiment with a downstream locating ring, and each embodiment with an
Integrated spring;
Figure 4 illustrates diffuser embodiments having discharge elements with a
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number of different discharge angles, as well as diffbser embodiments with
differing
diffuser face dimensions achieved by altering the number, combination and
arrangement of hexagonal and part-hexagonal discharge elements;
Figure 5 illustrates a front view of adjacent hexagonal discharge element
embodiments, each with differing discharge angles;
Figure 6 illustrates front, rear and side section views of a diffuser
embodiment
with a perforated discharge surface and perforated inlet surface together with
an
adjustable slide damper;
Figure 7 illustrates front, side and end views of a diffuser embodiment with a
10 perforated discharge surface and a cut-away to reveal rows of hexagonal
and part-
hexagonal discharge elements, and indicating dimensions of the diffuser that
can be
varied;
Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of a diffuser embodiment together with
an Allan key in a number of positions, to illustrate how a user can adjust a
given
discharge element in use;
Figures 9A and 913 schematically Illustrate, each in a perspective view, the
airflow patterns that may be achieved when different discharge elements have
each been
arranged in a number of differing positions, to thereby illustrate airflows
into an
occupancy space.
Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments
General Diffuser Overview
High induction sidewall diffusers are used to better mix a supply of air into
a
given space (e.g. a room). High induction diffusers can break up the supply
air inrcem
into a multitude of highly inductive air streams, each one of which strongly
mixes and
dilutes the supply air with large quantities of room air. This can cause rapid
temperature
equalisation of each supply air stream with that of the room air, along with
intense
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discharge velocity decay. The resultant low velocity air motion in the space
can
provide Largely draught-free and generally uniform temperature distribution,
as each
supply air stream is not only of almost equal temperature to the room air, but
is also
largely equal in density, preventing air "dumping".
Issues with air "under-throw" and "over-throw" may also be more easily
overcome, as the air streams are low in velocity and are Largely at room air
temperature,
preventing draughts if nearby obstructions deflect them into the occupancy
space, whilst
their high mass flow rate, due to the large quantities of entrained room air,
provides
them with sufficient momentum, despite their low velocity, to travel over long
distances. Hence, stable, draught-free operation with uniform temperature
distribution
and a high level of comfort can be achieved, regardless of changes in air
supply fan
speed or fluctuations in supply air temperature, even when used to deliver air
from a
low temperature supply air system. However, high induction sidewall diffusers
of the
prior art are expensive, tend to be aesthetically unappealing and, at the same
operating
pressure, discharge substantially less air than their low induction
counterparts of a
similar face size. These shortcomings have largely curtailed their widespread
use.
The present disclosure rotates generally to an air diffuser assembly for
placement in a wall, bulkhead, duct or window sill penetration. The assembly
comprises an optional rectangular mounting frame to be secured in the
penetration. The
mounting frame may be thermally decoupled from other difltser components. A
perforated discharge plate forms the visible face of the diffuser. This plate
may
comprise a powder-coated metal for aesthetic and structural benefits.
Upstream of the discharge plate, regular and/or irregular polygonal discharge
elements can be employed, which can be arranged in a tessellated pattern and
in a
planar configuration. For example, generally hexagonal or generally square
discharge
elements can be employed.
The discharge elements can be arranged in the diffuser to abut or closely face
the discharge plate, and can abut one another in various tessellated patterns,
such as
regular tessellated patterns, semi-regular or Archimedean tessellated
patterns, etc,
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When, in plan-shape, hexagonal or square discharge elements are employed, a
600
staggered or square array, respectively, can be formed. Part-hexagonal or part-
square
discharge elements, respectively, can be located along the diffuser perimeter
to provide
rectangular bounding (perimeter) edges to the array, as well to enable
separation of the
array from the bounding edges of the discharge plate.
Each discharge element comprises one or, more generally, a plurality of
discharge openings, hi one example these can take the form of individual
canals which
can generally be Arranged in e.g. a honeycomb, square, circular, etc pattern.
The
element discharge openings can align with perforations formed in the discharge
plate
such that, when the discharge element array abuts or closely faces the
upstream face of
the discharge plate, air directed by the discharge openings passes In that
direction
straight through the perforations (i.e. its direction is not altered by the
perforations/discharge plate). When an axis of each discharge opening is
inclined to a
perpendicular axis extending front the discharge plate, jets of air can be
discharged
generally in the direction of incline, The discharge opening angle of
inclination can
also be selected to differ between sets of the discharge elements.
Discharge element sets with a largest angle of inclination (relative to the
perpendicular axis of the discharge plate) may in general be located closest
to the
diffuser outer edges that are furthest apart whilst those with the smallest
angle of
inclination (relative to the perpendicular axis of the discharge plate) may in
general 'be
located closest to the centre of the diffuser. This can help with air flow
mixing and
induction in the apace to be supplied with air.
Some of the discharge element can have larger (i.e. bore with larger effective
diameter) discharge openings, for discharging a "primary" air stream (or an
"inducing"
air stream). Discharge openings that are substantially smaller (i.e. bore with
smaller
effective diameter) can discharge a "secondary" air stream (or a "to-be-
induced" or
"inducted" air stream).
In a given discharge element, the smaller discharge openings may be less
densely spaced than the larger discharge openings. The smaller discharge
openings may
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or may not be Inclined, and may be inclined differently to the larger
discharge openings.
The smaller discharge openings may also be formed by notches in the perimeter
edges
of discharge elements, which can form an opening when discharge elements abut.
The
smaller discharge openings may also be located "clear" of the upstream face of
the
perforated discharge plate, to thereby discharge air into a chamber bounded by
the
discharge element array, the perforated discharge plate and the diffuser
rectangular edge
or frame.
Springs can be integrated into the discharge elements which can be compressed
and thus push against a perforated inlet plate. This can "lock" the discharge
elements
into the array, and urge the discharge element perimeters to abut one another
in the
array. The discharge elements may additionally be guided (e.g. by pins, rings,
notches)
into respective openings in the discharge plate, to thereby accurately align
the discharge
openings of each discharge element with perforations in the discharge plate,
For
example, some discharge elements may be provided with a locating ring formed
by
protrusions projecting downstream of its edges, the diameter of which is
largely equal to
the distance between e.g. parallel outer edges of a given regular discharge
element.
Some discharge elements may be provided with a locating pin formed by a
protrusion
projecting upstream and generally centrally from the element.
A screwdriver slot, Hex socket or similar can be formed and located generally
centrally in a given discharge element. This slot, socket, etc can align with
a discharge
face perforation such that a screwdriver head, 1-lax key or similar tool may
be inserted
by a user located in the space to be supplied with air. The discharge element
can be
displaced inwardly of the diffuser (i.e. out of its array, and out of its
abutment with
adjacent discharge element(s)) and, once so displaced, can be rotated via the
screwdriver, Hex key or similar tool. When being displaced, thc discharge
element can
push (compress) against the force of a spring, which otherwise urges it into
locking
configuration in the array. After the discharge element is rotated (c.g, about
a central
axis that extends perpendicularly to the discharge face) to a desired new
rotational
orientation, it is re-engaged into the array, by releasing the force on the
screwdriver
head, Hex key or similar tool. It may then re-displace (e.g. under the action
of the
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spring) into one of a number of orientations (e,g, one of six in the case of
hexagonal
discharge elements, or one of four in the case of square discharge elements,
etc). When
so re-displaced, the perimeters of the discharge element re-abut and lock with
its
adjacent discharge elements, to now provide new and unique air discharge
directions
from its e.g. inclined discharge openings. The Locating pin or ring can also
function to
retain the discharge element in its array, and can support the element once
disengaged,
as it is being rotated.
When given discharge elements in the tessellated array have a mathematically
regular polygon plan shape, the number of new orientations to which the
element can be
o rotated can corresponds to or is a fraction of its number of sides,
Further, one or more given discharge elements can be configured such that the
centre points of all discharge canal discharge openings of that discharge
clement may
Largely coincide with the centre points of discharge perforations (though not
necessarily
the same discharge perforation), regardless of the orientation to which the
element has
been rotated. Further, the discharge edge of at least one discharge canal may
either
coincide with or be contained within the perimeter of a given one of the
discharge
perforations.
A perforated slide damper may also be located against the perforated inlet
plate. Both the perforated slide damper and the perforated inlet plate may
largely be
provided with the same perforation pattern and size, with openings of the
former able to =
align with those of the perforated inlet plate when, for example, the
perforated slide
damper is set to open. Sliding the perforated inlet damper such that its holes
are out of
alignment with those of the perforated inlet plate can then close the
perforated slide
damper. The perforated slide damper may include out-outs that may be of
similar size
and shape to the discharge elements and that may be aligned with some of the
discharge
elements. This can prevent airflow to these select disoharge elements from,
for example,
being throttled when the slide damper is closed, so as to provide high
momentum,
highly Inductive and stable supply air discharge from these select discharge
elements,
even when the slide damper is closed. This can also maintain highly inductive
supply
air discharge into the space at low airflow rate settings. It can also induce
supply air,
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e.g. that leaks through a. remainder of the slide damper and that is then
discharged at
low momentum from the dltfliser, to be mixed into the stable, high momentum
supply
air streams discharged by selected discharge elements. The perforated slide
damper may
be accessible for adjustment through openings in the discharge elements and
via aligned
5 openings in the perforated discharge plate.
Embodipents as Shown in the FigaeI
Reference numerals in the following description and throughout the Figures
represent similar or like components or features.
Figure 1 shows three embodiments (Figures 1-I, 1-II and 1-III) of a sidewall
3.0 diffuser in accordance with the teachings herein. The sidewall diffuser
is mounted in a
wall, duct or bulkhead penetration (1), or similar, and discharges supply air
from a duct
or pressure plenum (2) into an occupancy space (3).
The sicievvall diffuser comprises a discharge element (4) having a plate-like
form and configured for discharging both primary and secondary air streams.
The
15 discharge element (4) has at least one and, in this case, a plurality of
discharge canals in
the form of inclined discharge openings (5) formed therein. The openings (5)
arc angled
relative to an axis that extends perpendicularly from a discharge plate (8).
The discharge
plate (8) is arranged to abut or closely face the discharge side of the
discharge element
(4).
The inclined discharge openings (5) are configured to discharge air at a high
velocity to create high momentum air jets (6a) ¨ i.e. primary air streams. The
high
momentum air jets (6a) pass through perforations (7) in the discharge plate
(8).
Air also passes from the duct or pressure plenum (2) through smaller openings
(9) formed in the discharge element (4) and into a discharge chamber (10) of
the
discharge element (4) ¨ i.e. secondary air streams. From discharge chamber
(10) the air
Is discharged at a low velocity and hence as a low momentum airflow (6b)
through
perforations (11) the discharge plate (8), and thence into the occupancy space
(3).
The high momentum air jets (6a) are configured so as to induce room air (12)
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as well as to induct the low momentum airflow (6b) discharged through
perforations
(11) from discharge plenum (10). This induction creates air streams of mixed
air that
travel away from the diffuser in the general direction of the discharge jets
(6a). In the
sidewall diffuser embodiments of Figures 1-1 and 1-III, the high velocity air
jets (6a)
can have an equal angle of discharge relative to one another, whereas in the
sidewall
diffuser embodiment of Figure 1-II the high velocity air jets (6a) can have
unequal
angles of discharge relative to one another. Further, in the sidewall diffuser
embodiments of Figures 1-I and 1-II, the high velocity air jets (6a) can be
well spaced
from one another, whereas in the sidewall diffuser embodiment of Figure 1-111
the high
velocity air jets (6a) are "bundled" together.
Figure 2 shows another embodiment (le. in Figures 2-1, 241 and 2-111, and in
sections A-A and B-B) of a sidewall diffuser in accordance with the teachings
herein.
The sections A-A and 13-B in Figure 2 indicate the tessellation plane ((.e. as
viewed
end-on) in which the discharge elements lie.
Figure 2-1 shows the diffuser discharge face (i.e. with a discharge plate (8)
arranged thereat), Figure 2-11 shows the diffuser discharge chamber inlet
face,
illustrating one example of a tessellation of a number of diffuser elements
(such as (4a)
to (4d)). Figure 2411 shows various front and side sections of the diffuser,
including
those taken on the lines A-A and B-B, as well as illustrating adjustment of a
given
primary air diffuser element (4a).
Again, air passes from the duct or pressure plenum (2), but in this embodiment
via e. perforated inlet plate (13) and into a pressure plenum (14) defined
thereby. From
pressure plenum (14) the air passes to the discharge elements (such as (4a) to
(4d)). At
least one of the discharge elements (e.g. 4b to 4d) can be attached to the
inlet plate (13),
However, usually the inlet plate (13) is located so as to be clear of the
tessellation of
primary air discharge elements (4a), so as not to interfere with their
movement/adjustment.
Each discharge element has a generally plate-like profile. Further, each
primary air discharge clement (4a) has at least one and, in this case, a
plurality of
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discharge canals in the form of a plurality of inclined discharge openings (5)
located
therein. In this embodiment, each primary air discharge element has a
generally
hexagonal form. The inclined discharge openings (5) disoharge air at high
speed, as
high momentum air jets (6a), and thence through the perforations (7) in the
discharge
S .. plate (8) ¨ i.e. primary air streams.
Air also passes from pressure plenum (14) through inlet openings (9) formed in
the hexagonal (4a) and part-hexagonal discharge elements (4b, 4c and 4d) and
into
distribution chamber (10) to be discharged at low momentum into the occupancy
space
(3) via discharge plate perforations (II) ¨ i,e. secondary air streams.
An optional mounting frame (8a) may be attached to the discharge plate (8)
which may be folded to form the bounding edges of discharge chamber (10) 30 as
to
abut the generally hexagonal (4a) and part-hexagonal (4b, 4e and 4d) discharge
elements as shown in Figure 2-11, A-A and B.B. The mounting frame (8a) may, as
shown in Figure 2-111, also be folded so as to define at least some of the
part-hexagonal
.. discharge elements (4b, 4c and 4d).
Insulating material (not shown for the sake of clarity) may additionally be
sandwiched between mounting frame (8a) and discharge plate (8) to thermally
&couple
them from one another, thereby reducing the threat of condensation on the
mounting
frame.
A biasing mechanism in the form of a locking spring (15) may be provided for
each of the primary air discharge elements (4a), The locking spring (15) may
comprise
a coil spring, or may comprise a leaf spring (e.g. that may be integrated with
the
discharge element, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 3). Each locking
spring (15)
is located between so as to push against both the perforated inlet plate (13)
and the
.. upstream face of its respective discharge element (4a). This urges and
locks that
discharge element (4a) into place in tessellated plane, in a sixty degree
staggered array,
of the hexagonal discharge elements (4a), whereby at lout two of its hexagonal
edges
each abut an adjacent respective edge of an adjacent respective hexagonal
discharge
element (4a). In addition, others of its edges abut one or more of the part-
hexagonal
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discharge elements (4b, 4c and 4d). Similar locking springs (not shown for the
sake of
clarity) may also be employed to lock the part-hexagonal discharge elements
(4b, 4c
and 4d) into place.
In accordance with the teachings herein, a force may be applied against the
discharge element to further compress the locking spring (15). This force may
be
applied via a Ilex key, screwdriver or similar tool (16) respectively inserted
into a Hex
socket, screwdriver slot or similar interface (for example, interface (16a) as
shown in
Figures 3 and 4, although not shown in Figure 2 for the sake of clarity). The
tool may be
first inserted through an aligned perforation in the discharge plate (8).
The interface may be generally centrally located in the discharge element (4a)
whereby, when it is engaged by the suitable tool, unlocks that discharge
element (4a)
from the tessellated plane (i.e. unlocks it from Its sixty degree stagger
pattern), whereby
the discharge element (4a) is moved towards the perforated inlet plate (13).
Having
been released from engagement with adjacent discharge elements (i.e. displaced
out of
the tessellated plane formation), the hexagonal discharge element (4a) is now
freed to
be rotated by twisting (17) the Ilex key, screwdriver or similar tool (16)
into any one of
five additional possible orientations. Having selected a given one of those
orientations,
the Hex key, screwdriver or similar tool (16) can be progressively withdrawn,
whereby
the retained bias in the compressed locking spring (15) will urge the
discharge element
(4a) to be displaced back into the tessellated plane, whereby the discharge
element
relocks with adjacent respective edges of adjacent discharge elements (4a).
Figure 2-1 shows an array of primary air discharge elements (4a) having been
positioned whereby those discharge elements (4a) located adjacent to a
respective
comer have been orientated so that the primary airstream discharges towards
that
respective corner. Three of the four centrally located discharge elements (4a)
have been
orientated so that the primary airstream discharges upwardly, whereas the
lowermost
one of the four centrally located discharge elements discharges downwardly. Of
course
a whole range of other combinations and permutations are possible.
Figure 3 shows two embodiments of a hexagonal discharge element (4a) in
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which the locking spring (15) is integrated into the discharge element.
Additionally, the
left-side discharge clement embodiment includes a locating pin (18), whereas
the right-
side discharge element embodiment includes a locating ring (19). Each of the
locating
pin (18) and locating ring (19) helps to fix its respective discharge element
(4a) into the
sixty degree staggered array of discharge elements (4a), and may even "tether"
it to the
array when the discharge elements (4a) has been unlocked/displaced from the
array and
whilst it is being rotated by twisting (17) the tool (16). Each of the
locating pin (18) and
locating ring (19) can also help guide its respective element back into the
array. A
discharge element embodiment may be provided that incorporates both a locating
pin
(18) and a locating ring (19).
Figure 4 shows examples of different tessellation configurations, and
resulting
diffuser rectangular face dimensions that can be realised by varying the
combination
and location of the discharge elements (4a) and part-hexagonal discharge
elements (4b,
4c and 4d), Also shown are three different sets (A, R and C) of largely
hexagonal
discharge elements (4a), where each set has a different angle of inclination
(a, p and 0,
respectively) of its inclined discharge openings (5) (a <13 < 0). This of
course changes
the direction of the high momentum air jet (6a) relative to an axis that is
perpendicular
to the discharge plate (8).
Discharge elements (4a) with smaller angles of inclination are typically
arranged and located closer towards a diffuser centreline than those with
larger angles
of inclination. This serves to reduce the likelihood of groups of high
momentum air jets
(6a) from "bundling" or colliding together, whereby Instead induction of room
air (12)
and low momentum airflow (6b) into the individual high momentum air jets (6a)
is
maximised. While three different sets of angle of inclination (cc, ri and 0)
have been
shown, many other angles of inclination are possible.
Referring now to Figure 5, a front view of two further configurations (I and
II)
of the discharge element (4a) are shown. Each of these embodiments is
configured to
reduce bundling of high momentum air Jets (6a), so as to maximise induction of
both
room air (12) and low momentum airflow (61,) into the individual high momentum
air
jets (6a).
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In this regard, Figure 5-1 shows inclined discharge openings (5) directed
towards the hexagonal edge located at the 3 o'clock position, relative to the
central axis
of the discharge element (4a). Figure 5-11 shows inclined discharge openings
(5)
directed towards the hexagonal corner at the two o'clock position, relative to
the central
5 axis of the discharge element (4a). The two angles of Inclination differ
by 30 (or may
differ by up to 30 in further embodiments). It has been observed that the
combining of
the discharge elements (4a) as shown in Figure 5-1 with those as shown in
Figure 5-11
Into the same diffuser further minimises the risk of high momentum air jets
(6a) from
bundling/colliding together.
20 In further diffuser embodiments that include generally hexagonal
discharge
elements (4a), the side-view angles of inclination (as shown in Figure 4) may
differ
from one set of discharge elements (4a) to another. In addition, the front-
view angles of
Inclination (as shown in Figure 5) may differ between sets.
Figure 6 shows front (Figure 6-1), rear (Figures 6-11 and 6-III) and side
section
15 views (Figures 6-IV, 6-V and 6-VI) of a fluffier embodiment of a
ciiffUser. In this
embodiment an adjustable slide damper plate (20) may be slid relative to the
perforated
inlet plate (13) to increase diffuser airflow, by maximising the relative open
area of the
two plates as shown in Figures 6-IL 6-IV and 6-V (i.e. "Open"). Alternatively,
the slide
damper plate (20) may be slid relative to the perforated inlet plate (13) to
reduce
20 diffuser airflow, by minimising the relative open area of the two plates
as shown in
Figure 6-111 and Figure 6-VI (i.e. "Closed").
The access to the adjustable slide damper (20) can be from the front of the
diffuser, such as via perforations (7) in the face of discharge plate (8).
Adjustable slide
damper plate (20) may also include one or more pilot openings (21) that
prevent slide
damper plate (20) from restricting airflow to one or more of the hexagonal
discharge
elements (4a), which therefore remain active even when adjustable slide damper
plate
(20) is closed. This allows the discharge elements (4a) that remain active to
continue to
discharge high momentum air jets (6a), thereby providing stable diffuser
operation and
discharge direction control, such as by continuing to induce room air (12) and
low
momentum airflow (6b) (e.g. that escapes or leaks through slide damper plate
(20), even
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when damper (20) is closed).
Referring now to Figure 7, an air diftliser is illustrated to show which
dimensions of the diffuser may typically be varied, depending on the given
application,
For example, each of the following dimensions may be varied:
LN ¨ the overall length of the diffuser (discharge plate (8));
LK ¨ the length of the diffuser perforated area (discharge perforations (7),
length of the perforated inlet plate (13));
FIN ¨ the overall height of the diffuser (discharge plate (8));
HK ¨ the height of the diffuser perforated area (discharge perforations (7),
length of the perforated inlet plate (13));
T ¨ the thickness of the diffuser, but which may also be fixed for any given
length/height combination,
As can also be seen in Figure 7, the centre points of some the discharge plate
perforations (7) generally coincide with vertices of discharge elements (4a
and 4b)
arranged in the tessellation pattern as shown.
Referring now to Figure 8, a given discharge element (e.g. a primary air
element (4a)) may be rotated for air discharge direction adjustment. In this
case a
suitable tool such as an Allen key A (or screwdriver, etc) is inserted through
one of the
perforations (7) in the face of the discharge plate (8). The Allen key A first
pushes the
element towards the rear of the diffuser so as to unlock it from a tessellated
plane of
discharge elements (e.g. by further compressing spring (15)). The Allen key A
Is then
used to rotate the clement to one of a number of possible orientations (e.g.
five
additional orientations in the case of a hexagonal element). The Allen key A
Is then
released to allow the element to be moved (e.g. by the extension of spring
(15)) and
2 5 lock back Into the tessellated plane.
The Allen key A may be configured such that it may only be inserted in one
direction to engage the given discharge element. This can be such that the
Allen key
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lateral shaft L points in the direction of discharge of the particular element
being
moved, Thus, the shaft L provides visual feedback to a user of the current
discharge
direction and final discharge direction after adjustment.
As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, when different discharge elements in a
diffuser have each been arranged in a number of differing positions, the
airflow patterns
P that may flow into an occupancy space S can be varied and altered. Figures
9A and
913 show one such configuration and, of course, many other airflow patterns
are
possible by filtering different ones of the discharge elements.
Whilst regular tessellated discharge element patterns have been shown and
described, it should be understood that other tessellated patterns are
possible, such as
Arehimedean. In this regard, the part-hexagonal discharge elements may, for
example,
readily be replaced by triangular-shaped and/or diamond-shaped elements, etc,
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations
and/or modifications nuty be made to the air diffuser as shown in the specific
embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the air diffuser 89
broadly
described. The present embodiments arc, therefore, to be considered in all
respects as
Illustrative and not restrictive.
Advantageous Fsgiures of the Embodiments as Described Heroin
The tessellated pattern of the discharge elements in the diffuser as described
herein allows for easy locking in of elements in the plane, and ease of
displacement,
rotation, and realignment of a given element back into the plane. The
tessellated pattern
of the discharge elements can be in a plane having a regular or Archimedean
pattern,
etc.
Primary and/or secondary air jets, etc can be integrated into the discharge
elements.
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The elements may take the form of e.g. polygonal disc-like elements, such as a
regular polygon (e,g, hexagonal, square, eto) and an irregular polygon (e.g.
part-
hexagonal, half-square, etc).
The discharge elements may be moulded of plastic, whereby the air jets can be
more readily integrated into the elements.
The discharge elements can be located behind a powder-coated metal
perforated discharge face, such. as can improve aesthetics, structural
integrity, etc.
Each discharge element may be rotated (for air discharge direction adjustment)
by inserting a suitable tool (e.g. Allen key) screwdriver, etc) through the
perforated
discharge face, to first push the element towards the rear of the diffuser so
as to unlock
It from the tessellated plane of discharge elements, and to then rotate it to
a number of
orientations (e.g. five additional orientations in the case of a hexagonal
element; three
additional orientations in the case of a square element, eto), before
releasing it to lock
back into the tessellated plane.
When e.g. an Allen key is employed, it may only be inserted such that its
shaft
points in the direction of discharge of the particular clement being moved,
providing
visual feedback of discharge direction during and after adjustment.
An air delivery system incorporating the diffirser 43 described herein can
provide the potential for substantial energy savings and enhanced indoor air
quality, as
well as for improved thermal comfort.
The highly inductive discharge pattern of the diffuser can provide greater
uniformity of temperature distribution in the occupied space than prior art
standard
grilles, thereby saving energy through improved temperature control, as well
as
improving thermal comfort,
The highly inductive discharge pattern of the diffuser can improve mixing of
the fresh air supplied by the diffuser with room air. thereby improving the
removal of
pollutants and contaminants by dilution, resulting in improved indoor air
quality in
comparison to prior art standard grilles.
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The highly inductive discharge pattern of the diffirser can reduce the
vertical
temperature gradient in the occupancy space In heating mode, thereby Improving
heating performance, enhancing comfort, and reducing energy consumption in
comparison to prior art standard grilles.
The highly inductive discharge pattern of the diffuser can provide stable,
draught-free airflow patterns even when low temperature (less than 10 C)
supply air Is
discharged, thereby allowing fan energy savings to be achieved, due to the
reduced
airflow requirements of such systems in comparison to the performance of a
prior art
standard grilles.
The highly inductive discharge pattern and thermally decoupling design of
discharge elements from the perforated face and mounting frame can reduce the
risk of
condensation in high humidity applications, such as the tropics, In comparison
to both
prior art standard grilles and prior art high induction diffusers.
The adjustability of the discharge pattern allows airflow patterns to be
manually adjusted to suit the shape of the occupancy space, without a visible
impact on
the aesthetics of the diffuser, unlike both prior art standard grilles and
prior art high
Induction diffusers.
The shallow depth of the diffuser can allow for installation in restricted
spaces.
The design of the diffuser can allow larger supply air quantities to be
discharged with respect to the face area of the diffuser than is realised by
prior art high
induction side-wall diffusers.
The low operating pressure of the diffuser can reduce energy consumption and
can make the diffuser suitable for low pressure HVAC systems, such as fan-coil
units.
The low regenerated noise of the diffuser can make It suitable for noise
sensitive applications, such as hotel rooms.
The suitability of the diffuser to both short throw and long throw
applications,
without creating draughts or stagnation in the occupancy space, can improve
thermal
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comfort and reduce commissioning costs,
The suitability of the diffuser to HVAC systems with varying airflow tale,
without creating draughts or stagnation in the occupancy space, can improve
thermal
comfort.
5 The flush and uniformly perforated face of the diffuser is both
aesthetically
appealing and easy to clean.
The diffuser discharge pattern can reduce the rate at which dirt accumulates
on
the flout face of the diffuser (known as "smudging") thereby further improving
the
aesthetics of the diffuser and reducing cleaning costs,
10 As the adjustable components of the diffuser are only accessible via a
tool,
unintended adjustment of the diffuser discharge pattern can be averted, such
as may
OCCUT for example by cleaners wiping the face of the diffuser.
The design of the diffuser can allow low cost fabrication to be achieved due
to
the simplicity of the components and the ability to achieve economies of scale
from the
15 mass production of the discharge elements, thereby making the diffUser
affordable for
standard side-wall applications, such as hotel rooms.
The term "comprising" (and its grammatical variations) as used herein are used
in the inclusive sense of "including" (i.e. not limited just to the listed
features) and thus
is not to be interpreted in the sense of "consisting only of'.
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