TITLE: TEMPERATURE VENTILATION CONTROL

The present invention relates to air treatment or conditioning systems which include an air ventilation component for delivery of exterior (e.g. fresh) air to an interior space (e.g. of a building). The invention, for example, relates to air treatment systems that may provide for Heating, Ventilating, And/or Cooling (herein sometimes referred to simply as an HVAC system(s)) within or associated with an enclosed space such as the interior space of a building, of a room, etc..

The present invention in particular relates to ventilation control(ler) means that may be exploited to favorably affect (performance - efficiency of ) air ventilation (e.g. air exchange) in relation for example to a forced-air HVAC system. The ventilation control means may for example monitor forced-air HVAC system activity (including fresh and/or stale air temperature) and adjust the air exchange with exterior or outdoor air accordingly. If any undesired condition(s) is (are) present, the air exchange with outdoor air is suspended during the undesired condition (such as for example heating).

The present invention generally relates to means for the distribution of outside or exterior fresh (ventilation) air into an interior space and/or mixing fresh ventilation air with interior space air. The invention in particular relates to a ventilation control set up that may be exploited in conjunction with an (e.g. existing) non-ventilation air conditioning combination which comprises on the one hand a non-ventilation air conditioning element (e.g. such as a furnace element, cooler element, etc.) and on the other hand an air distribution fan or blower element (e.g a fan of a furnace, a fan of a cooler, etc.) . The control setup may operate the air distribution fan or blower element independently of the operation of non-ventilation air conditioning elements, namely for example with the non-ventilation air conditioning element (such as the furnace element, the cooling element, etc.) in lock up mode.

The invention more particularly relates to a control set up that (with the furnace element, cooling element etc. in lockup mode) may activate the air distribution fan and that may contemporaneously operate an outside or fresh air damper in an outside or fresh air duct of an air conditioning system for the delivery of fresh air to an

interior of an enclosed space; such control set up operating in response to air temperature such as for example in response to a sensor signal with respect to the temperature of the fresh exterior air and /or stale interior air.

While the air movement control(ler) means of the present invention will be discussed herein in more detail with respect to a fanless (i.e. passive) air ventilation means (e.g. a passive heat exchanger unit) , the air movement control(ler) means may alternatively be used with an air ventilation means having its own (i.e. dedicated) blower component. Thus an air control(ler) of the present invention may be used in conjunction with the fan of an air conditioning means (or element thereof) where the air ventilation means does not have its own blower means; or the air control(ler) means of the present invention may be used with the fan of the air ventilation means if the air ventilation means has its own blower means; and as a further alternative an air control(ler) means of the present invention may be used in conjunction with the fan or blower means of an air conditioning means (or element thereof) and the blower means of the air ventilation means when the air ventilation means has its own blower means

Air conditioning systems for residential buildings, having heating and/or cooling and/or humidifying and/or dehumidifying and/or air-cleaning modes, for conditioning air, normally operate the system air distribution fan only when the air conditioning system is operating to condition (e.g. heat) air. Alternatively, although not necessarily desirable, the air distribution fan or blower element of an (known) air conditioning system can be operated constantly.

In air conditioning systems, a heating and/or cooling and/or humidifying and/or dehumidifying and/or air-cleaning system, apparatus or device produces conditioned air. Normally, the conditioned air is distributed by a fan or blower element through various ducts throughout an interior space in order to place the conditioned air at desirable locations.

Generally, a thermostat (and/or humidistat) is used to activate the non-ventilation air conditioning system, apparatus or device. For example, when the air temperature within an interior space drops below a selected level, an air temperature sensor and switch in a thermostat can activate a heating apparatus and an air distribution fan;

likewise, when the air temperature within an interior space rises above a selected level, an air temperature sensor and switch in a thermostat can activate a cooling apparatus and an air distribution fan; and in analogous fashion humidity may be like wise controlled.

The non- ventilation conditioning system, apparatus or device and an associate air distribution fan or blower element are normally deactivated when the interior space temperature or humidity reaches the selected level.

In some air conditioning systems, while in the heating mode, the air distribution fan may continue to run after the heating apparatus has been deactivated, usually until residual heat in the heating apparatus has been removed by the circulating air. Likewise, in some air conditioning systems, while in the cooling mode, the air distribution fan may continue to run after the cooling apparatus has been deactivated, usually for a preset delay time to continue to distribute cool air while the cooling apparatus is still cold.

The running of the air distribution fan coupled with the introduction (and if desired or necessary, the removal of stale air from an interior space to the outside of the interior space) is counter-productive, in that there is an energy penalty related to heated or cooled air intended for an enclosed space being ejected from the enclosed or interior space.

It would be advantageous to have a control means or setup which could (as desired) limit the delivery of fresh air to the interior of a space to the periods when for example a heating or a cooling element of a non- ventilation system, apparatus or device is deactivated , i.e. locked out of heating or cooling mode.

It would be advantageous to have means able to exploit the existing air distribution fan and ducts of an air treatment or conditioning system having a non-ventilation air conditioning component having a non-ventilation mode (e.g., having heating and/or cooling and/or humidifying and/or dehumidifying operating modes), for the periodic distribution (e.g. mixing) of fresh or exterior air with air of an interior or enclosed air space served by the air conditioning system. It would be advantageous to have such

an air treatment or conditioning system which may additionally have a ventilation component able to operate while the non- ventilation air conditioning elements of the non- ventilation air conditioning component thereof is/are not operating, for example, due to lack of a positive signal from the thermostat or humidistat for heating or cooling or humidifying or dehumidifying or constant fan modes.

In air conditioning systems, an outside air duct connecting between the outside of an interior space and the return air side of an air distribution fan, for the purpose of drawing in ventilation air, is known. Often, motorized dampers are placed in the outside air duct to limit outside air entry to times when the air distribution fan is operating. Motorized outside air dampers are known and exist commercially. It is known to energize an outside air damper upon energizing an air distribution fan, and it is known to de-energize a damper upon de-energizing an air distribution fan. However, no known control systems exist for (independently) energizing, in response to air temperature, an air distribution fan or blower element during non-ventilation conditioning mode(s); in particular, it is also not known to periodically close and open an outside air damper based in response to air temperature for as long as the fan or blower element continues to operate

In accordance with an aspect the present invention relates to a method for treating air for an enclosed space [i.e. providing ventilation therefore] said method comprising an air treatment cycle effected or carried out with a non-ventilation air conditioning element and having an active phase and an inactive phase and said method being characterized in that ventilation of said enclosed space is effected during the inactive phase of said air treatment cycle (i.e. the active phase of the non- ventilation treatment cycle is "locked-out" during ventilation phase).

In accordance with another aspect the present invention relates to a method for treating the air of an enclosed space [i.e. providing ventilation therefore], said method comprising a primary air treatment cycle and a secondary air treatment cycle said primary air treatment cycle being effected or carried out with a non-ventilation air conditioning element and having an active phase and an inactive phase said secondary air treatment cycle being effected or carried out with a ventilation element and having a respective active phase and a respective inactive phase,

said method being characterized by effecting or carrying out the active phase of said secondary air treatment cycle during the inactive phase of the non-ventilation air treatment cycle, said active phase of said secondary air treatment cycle being put in play (i.e. activated) in response to a predetermined temperature signalization, and optionally said secondary air treatment cycle being put in said inactive phase thereof in response to a further predetermined temperature signalization.

In accordance with the method of the present invention said active phase of said secondary air treatment cycle may as mentioned be put in play (e.g. activated and/or inactivated) in response to a temperature signalization; i.e. the active phase of the secondary air treatment cycle is active out of phase with the active phase of the non- ventilation air conditioning element.

It is also to be understood herein that a reference to a non- ventilation (air treatment) cycle or the like is a reference to an (air conditioning) cycle effected or carried out with a non- ventilation air conditioning element such as for example a furnace element or unit, a cooling element or unit, etc.. It is further to be understood herein that a reference to a ventilation (air treatment) cycle or the like is a reference to an air conditioning cycle effected or carried out with a ventilation air conditioning element i.e. an air ventilator.

In accordance with the present invention, it is to be understood herein that while the invention may be referred to in respect of a single non- ventilation (on/off) cycle and a single ventilation (on/off) cycle, it is able to be exploited in the context of an air treatment method or assembly (or system) which may undergo multiple non- ventilation (on/off) cycles and multiple ventilation (on/off) cycles.

It is also to be understood herein that various elements, components, etc. may pass from one mode, state or the like by the use of appropriate or suitable (known) switching means, e.g. switching means which can react as desired in response to predetermined signalizations as described herein..

In particular, the present invention relates to a method for treating the air of an enclosed space said method comprising a primary air treatment cycle and a secondary air treatment cycle said primary air treatment cycle being effected or carried out with a non-ventilation air conditioning element and having an active phase and an inactive phase said secondary air treatment cycle being effected or carried out with a ventilation element and having a respective active phase and a respective inactive phase, said method being characterized by effecting or carrying out the active phase of said secondary air treatment cycle during the inactive phase of the non-ventilation air treatment cycle, wherein said active ventilation phase is enabled in response to a trigger signalization (i.e. a predetermined signalization) and wherein said inactive phase of the secondary air treatment cycle is enabled in response to a suppression signalization (i.e. a predetermined signalization) wherein said trigger signalization and said suppression signalizations are

(independently) selected from the signal group comprising (e.g. consisting) of a exterior (e.g. fresh) air blower usage time signalization, a temperature signalization and a combination thereof

said temperature signalization being an interior (e.g. stale) air temperature signalization, a exterior (e.g. fresh) air signalization or a combination thereof .

In accordance with the method of the present invention said signal group may further comprise an air humidity signalization, said air humidity signalization being an interior air humidity signalization, an exterior air humidity signalization or a combination thereof

In accordance with a method of the present invention at least one of said trigger and said suppression signalizations may be a temperature signalization.

In accordance with a method of the present invention said trigger and said suppression signalizations may each be an interior (e.g. stale) air temperature signalization.

In accordance with a method of the present invention said trigger signalization may be an interior (e.g. stale) air temperature signalization and said suppression signalization may be a (fresh) air blower usage time signalization.

In accordance with another aspect the present invention relates to a system for [controlling] the ventilation of an enclosed space, said system comprising an air treatment assembly for the conditioning of air for said enclosed space, wherein said air treatment assembly comprises an air conditioning component comprising an (e.g. exterior or fresh) air ventilation [member or] element for providing exterior (e.g. fresh) air to the enclosed space, said air ventilation element comprising o an exterior (e.g. fresh) air path means for delivery of exterior (e.g. fresh) air to the enclosed space, and o a [motorized, i.e. powered ] exterior (e.g. fresh) air [control] damper means displaceable between an open disposition for enabling

[allowing, permitting,... unhindered ..] the flow of air through the exterior (e.g. fresh) air path means and a blocking [or closed] disposition for [blocking or] inhibiting the flow of air through the exterior (e.g. fresh) air path means - a (fan or) blower component having a non-blowing state (i.e. a de-energized , off or non-operative state) and a blowing state (i.e. an energized , on or operative state) for forcing air through said air conditioning component and between said air conditioning component and said enclosed space and - an air treatment control component,

said system being characterized in that said air treatment control component comprises an air movement controller constituent and at least one signalization generation element selected from the group comprising (e.g. consisting of) a temperature measuring element for providing a temperature signalization in response to the temperature of interior (e.g. stale) air of the enclosed space, a temperature measuring element for providing a temperature signalization in response to the temperature of exterior (e.g. outside) air or a

temperature measuring element for providing a temperature signalization in response to the temperature of both said interior and exterior air (e.g. temperature difference)

- wherein the air movement controller constituent comprises a blower activation mode [or state] for which said blower component is in (i.e. placed or maintained in) said blowing state

- wherein the air movement controller constituent comprises a blower deactivation mode [or state] for which said blower component is in (i.e. placed or maintained in) said non-blowing state

- wherein the air movement controller constituent comprises a damper activation mode [or state] for which the exterior (e.g. fresh) air [control] damper means is in (i.e. placed or maintained in) said open disposition,

- wherein the air movement controller constituent comprises a damper deactivation mode [or state] for which the exterior (e.g. fresh) air [control] damper means is in (i.e. placed or maintained in) said blocking [or closed] disposition,

- wherein said air movement controller constituent is configured such that said air movement controller constituent in response to a predetermined exterior (e.g. fresh) air damper trigger signalization, is able to be disposed in the damper activation mode [or state] thereof for the exterior (e.g. fresh) air [control] damper means; and

in response to a predetermined exterior (e.g. fresh) air damper suppression signalization, is able to be disposed in the damper deactivation mode [or state] thereof for the exterior (e.g. fresh) air [control] damper means

and

- wherein said predetermined trigger signalizations and said predetermined suppression signalizations are (independently) selected from the signal group comprising (e.g. consisting of) said temperature signalizations.

In accordance with the present invention a system may be provided with two or more signalization generation elements.

In accordance with the present invention a system herein may thus be provided wherein said at least one signalization generation element further comprises a usage time measuring element for providing a usage time measurement signalization for the blower component, wherein said signal group further comprises said usage time measurement signalization and wherein at least one of said trigger and said suppression signalizations is a temperature signalization.

In accordance with the present invention a system herein may also be provided wherein said at least one signalization generation element further comprises an humidity measuring element for providing an humidity signalization in response to the humidity of interior air of said enclosed space, an humidity measuring element for providing an humidity signalization in response to the humidity of exterior air or an humidity measuring element for providing an humidity signalization in response to the humidity of both interior and exterior air and said signal group further comprises said humidity signalizations.

In accordance with the present invention a system for the ventilation of an enclosed space may comprise an air movement controller constituent which is configured such that said air movement controller constituent

in response to a predetermined air flow trigger signalization, is able to be disposed in the blower activation mode thereof for forcing exterior (e.g. fresh) air flow through said air conditioning component to said enclosed space and

in response to a predetermined air flow suppression signalization, is able to be disposed in the blower deactivation mode thereof.

The present in further relates to a system for [controlling] the ventilation of an enclosed space, said system comprising an air treatment assembly for the conditioning of air for said enclosed space, wherein said air treatment assembly comprises

- a primary non-ventilation air conditioning component comprising at least one non-ventilation air conditioning [members or] element, said at least one non- ventilation air conditioning element having an active state (i.e. an energized ,

on or operative state) and a non-active state (i.e. a de-energized , off or non- operative state);

- a secondary ventilation air conditioning component consisting of an (e.g. exterior or fresh) air ventilation element for providing exterior (e.g. fresh) air to the enclosed space, said air ventilation element comprising o a exterior (e.g. fresh) air path means for delivery of exterior (e.g. fresh) air to the enclosed space, and o a [motorized] exterior (e.g. fresh) air [control] damper means displaceable between an open disposition for enabling [allowing, permitting, ... unhindered ..] the flow of air through the exterior (e.g. fresh) air path means and a blocking [or closed] disposition for [blocking or] inhibiting the flow of air through the exterior (e.g. fresh) air path means

- a (fan or) blower component having a non-blowing state and a blowing state for forcing air through said air conditioning components and between said air conditioning components and said enclosed space (i.e. for forcing air flow between said enclosed space and said primary air conditioning component and/or for forcing exterior (e.g. fresh) air flow through said exterior (e.g. fresh) air path means to said enclosed space), and - an air treatment control component,

said system being characterized in that said air treatment control component comprises a primary air conditioning controller [member or] element, an air movement controller constituent, and at least one signalization generation element

said at least one signalization generation element being selected from the group comprising (e.g. consisting of) a temperature measuring element for providing a temperature signalization in response to the temperature of interior (e.g. stale) air of the enclosed space, a temperature measuring element for providing a temperature signalization in response to the temperature of exterior (e.g. outside) air or a

temperature measuring element for providing a temperature signalization in response to the temperature of both said interior and exterior air (e.g. temperature difference),

- wherein said primary air conditioning controller [member or] element comprises an air conditioning activation mode [or state] for which said at least one non-ventilation air conditioning element is in said active state thereof and for which said blower component is in said blowing state (i.e. simultaneously or independently, i.e. at the same time or at different times) for forcing air flow between said enclosed space and said primary air conditioning component in response to an activation signalization from a predetermined activation signalization generation means,

- wherein said primary air conditioning controller [member or] element comprises an air conditioning deactivation mode [or state] for which said at least one non- ventilation air conditioning element is in said non-active state thereof and for which said blower component is in said non-blowing state (i.e. simultaneously or independently, i.e. at the same time or at different times) in response to a deactivation signalization from a predetermined deactivation signalization generation means,

- wherein the air movement controller constituent comprises a respective blower activation mode [or state] for which said blower component is in (i.e. placed or maintained in) said blowing state for forcing air flow through said exterior (e.g. fresh) air path means to said enclosed space,

- wherein the air movement controller constituent comprises a respective blower deactivation mode [or state] for which said blower component is in (i.e. placed or maintained in) said non-blowing state,

- wherein the air movement controller constituent comprises a damper activation mode [or state] for which the exterior (e.g. fresh) air [control] damper means is in (i.e. placed or maintained in) said open disposition,

- wherein the air movement controller constituent comprises a damper deactivation mode [or state] for which the exterior (e.g. fresh) air [control] damper means is in

(i.e. placed or maintained in) said blocking [or closed] disposition,

- wherein said air movement controller constituent is configured such that when said air conditioning deactivation mode [or state] of said primary air conditioning

controller member is in play (i.e. is the operative mode thereof), said air movement controller constituent

in response to a predetermined air flow trigger signalization, is able to be disposed in the blower activation mode thereof for forcing exterior (e.g. fresh) air flow through said exterior (e.g. fresh) air path means to said enclosed space

in response to a predetermined air flow suppression signalization, is able to be disposed in the blower deactivation mode thereof

in response to a predetermined exterior (e.g. fresh) air damper trigger signalization, is able to be disposed in the damper activation mode [or state] thereof for the exterior (e.g. fresh) air [control] damper means; and

in response to a predetermined exterior (e.g. fresh) air damper suppression signalization, is able to be disposed in the damper deactivation mode [or state] thereof for the exterior (e.g. fresh) air [control] damper means

and - wherein said predetermined trigger signalizations and said predetermined suppression signalizations are (independently) selected from the signal group comprising (e.g. consisting of) said temperature signalizations.

In accordance with the present invention a system

In accordance with the present invention a system is provided wherein said primary non-ventilation air conditioning component comprises two or more non-ventilation air conditioning [members or] elements, said non-ventilation air conditioning elements each having a respective active state and non-active state.

In accordance with the present invention a system is provided wherein the (e.g. exterior or fresh) air ventilation [member or] element of said secondary ventilation air conditioning component may be a blowerless (i.e. fanless, no dedicated fan or blower therefore) exterior (e.g. fresh) air ventilation [member or] element.

In accordance with the present invention a system is provided wherein said exterior (e.g. fresh) air ventilation element may comprise a interior (e.g. stale) air path means for removal of interior (e.g. stale) air from the enclosed space.

The present invention additionally relates to a system for [controlling] the ventilation of an enclosed space, said system comprising an air treatment assembly for the conditioning of air for said enclosed space, wherein said air treatment assembly comprises - a primary non-ventilation air conditioning component comprising at least one non-ventilation air conditioning (member or) element, said at least one non- ventilation air conditioning element having an active state (i.e. an energized , on or operative state) and a non-active state (i.e. a de-energized , off or non- operative state); - a secondary ventilation air conditioning component consisting of a (e.g. exterior or fresh) air ventilation element for providing exterior (e.g. fresh) air to the enclosed space, said air ventilation element comprising o a exterior (e.g. fresh) air path means for delivery of exterior (e.g. fresh) air to the enclosed space, and o a [motorized] exterior (e.g. fresh) air [control] damper means displaceable between an open disposition for enabling [allowing, permitting,... unhindered ..] the flow of air through the exterior (e.g. fresh) air path means and a blocking [or closed] disposition for [blocking or] inhibiting the flow of air through the exterior (e.g. fresh) air path means o a interior (e.g. stale) air path means for removal of interior (e.g. stale) air from the enclosed space, and o a [motorized] interior (e.g. stale) air [control] damper means displaceable between an open disposition for enabling [allowing, permitting,... unhindered ..] the flow of air through the interior (e.g. stale) air path means and a blocking [or closed] disposition for [blocking or] inhibiting the flow of air through the interior (e.g. stale) air path means

- a (fan or) blower component having a non-blowing state and a blowing state for forcing air through said air conditioning components and between said air conditioning components and said enclosed space (i.e. for forcing air flow between said enclosed space and said primary air conditioning component, for forcing exterior (e.g. fresh) air flow through said exterior (e.g. fresh) air path means to said enclosed space and/or for forcing interior (e.g. stale) air flow through said interior (e.g. stale) air path means from said enclosed space), and an air treatment control component,

said system being characterized in that said air treatment control component comprises a primary air conditioning controller (member or) element an air movement controller constituent and at least one signalization generation element

said at least one signalization generation element being selected from the group comprising (e.g. consisting of) a temperature measuring element for providing a temperature signalization in response to the temperature of interior (e.g. stale) air of the enclosed space, a temperature measuring element for providing a temperature signalization in response to the temperature of exterior (e.g. outside) air or a temperature measuring element for providing a temperature signalization in response to the temperature of both said interior and exterior air (e.g. temperature difference),

- wherein said primary air conditioning controller [member or] element comprises an air conditioning activation mode [or state] for which said at least one non-ventilation air conditioning element is in said active state thereof and for which said blower component is in said blowing state (i.e. simultaneously or independently, i.e. at the same time or at different times) for forcing air flow between said enclosed space and said primary air conditioning component in response to an activation signalization from a predetermined activation signalization generation means,

- wherein said primary air conditioning controller [member or] element comprises an air conditioning deactivation mode [or state] for which said at least one non-

ventilation air conditioning element is in said non-active state thereof and for which said blower component is in said non-blowing state (i.e. simultaneously or independently, i.e. at the same time or at different times) in response to a deactivation signalization from a predetermined deactivation signalization generation means,

- wherein the air movement controller constituent comprises a respective blower activation mode [or state] for which said blower component is in (i.e. placed or maintained in) said blowing state for forcing air flow through said exterior (e.g. fresh) air path means to said enclosed space and for forcing air flow from said enclosed space through said stale air path means,

- wherein the air movement controller constituent comprises a respective blower deactivation mode [or state] for which said blower component is in (i.e. placed or maintained in) said non-blowing state,

- wherein the air movement controller constituent comprises a damper activation mode [or state] for which the exterior (e.g. fresh) air [control] damper means is in (i.e. placed or maintained in) said open disposition,

- wherein the air movement controller constituent comprises a damper deactivation mode [or state] for which the exterior (e.g. fresh) air [control] damper means is in (i.e. placed or maintained in) said blocking [or closed] disposition,

- wherein the air movement controller constituent comprises a damper activation mode [or state] for which the interior (e.g. stale) air [control] damper means is in (i.e. placed or maintained in) said open disposition,

- wherein the air movement controller constituent comprises a damper deactivation mode [or state] for which the interior (e.g. stale) air [control] damper means is in (i.e. placed or maintained in) said blocking [or closed] disposition,

- wherein said air movement controller constituent is configured such that when said air conditioning deactivation mode (or state) of said primary air conditioning controller member is in play (i.e. is in the in-operative mode thereof), said air movement controller constituent

in response to a predetermined air flow trigger signalization, is able to be disposed in the blower activation mode thereof for forcing air flow through

said exterior (e.g. fresh) air path means to said enclosed space and for forcing air flow from said enclosed space through said stale air path means

in response to a predetermined air flow suppression signalization, is able to be disposed in the blower deactivation mode thereof

in response to a predetermined exterior (e.g. fresh) air damper trigger signalization, is able to be disposed in the damper activation mode [or state] for the exterior (e.g. fresh) air [controller] damper means;

in response to a predetermined exterior (e.g. fresh) air damper suppression signalization, is able to be disposed in the damper deactivation mode [or state] for the exterior (e.g. fresh) air [controller] damper means

in response to a predetermined interior (e.g. stale) air damper trigger signalization, is able to be disposed in the damper activation mode [or state] for the interior (e.g. stale) air [controller] damper means; and

in response to a predetermined interior (e.g. stale) air damper suppression signalization, is able to be disposed in the damper deactivation mode [or state] for the interior (e.g. stale) air [control] damper means

and

- wherein said predetermined trigger signalizations and said predetermined suppression signalizations are (independently) selected from the group comprising (e.g. consisting of) said temperature signalizations.

In accordance with the present invention as mentioned there is provided a system wherein the fresh or exterior air ventilation [member or] element of said secondary ventilation air conditioning component may be a blowerless (i.e. fanless, no dedicated fan or blower therefore) exterior (e.g. fresh) air ventilation [member or] element.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a system wherein the (fresh or exterior)r air ventilation element comprises a heat exchange unit for the exchange

of (latent and/or sensible) heat between said exterior (e.g. fresh) air and said interior (e.g. stale) air, said exchange unit defining a part of said exterior (e.g. fresh) air flow path means and a part of said interior (e.g. stale) air flow path means.

In accordance with the present invention as mentioned there is provided a system wherein the heat exchange unit may be blowerless (i.e. fanless, no dedicated fan or blower therefore).

Stated otherwise the present invention particularly relates to the following aspects or embodiments.

The present invention relates to an air damper control means for an air treatment or conditioning system or assembly for providing an enclosed or interior space with exterior (e.g. fresh) outside air wherein the air conditioning system has a fan or blower element for the distribution of conditioned air for (i.e. to or in) the interior space and if desired or necessary to discharge (stale) air from said air space; the control means comprising

- a [motorized] damper means for connecting and disconnecting (i.e. for allowing and for blocking air communication of ) outside air with the air of the interior space; and

- a (damper) control means for controlling the damper in response to temperature of air inside said interior space and/or air outside said interior space (i.e. outside ambient fresh air) - (e.g in response to one or more (periodic) air temperature signal(s) generated with respect thereto ).

In particular the present invention provides an air damper control means for an air treatment system for providing an enclosed space with exterior air wherein the air treatment system has a fan or blower element for the distribution of exterior air for the enclosed space; the control means comprising

- a motorized damper means having a first (i.e. open) configuration for allowing air communication of outside air with air of the enclosed space and a second (i.e. blocking) configuration for blocking air communication of outside air with air of the

enclosed space; and

- a damper control means for inducing the damper means to pass between said first and second configurations in response to temperature of air inside said enclosed space.

The damper control means may further comprise mans for controlling both the air conditioning system and/or the fan or blower element.

The damper control means may be exploited in relation to an air ventilation means, wherein the air ventilation means is configured for at least one of the following air treatments, namely

- in general, the delivery of exterior (e.g. fresh) air to said interior space (e.g. with or without exchange of stale interior air for exterior (e.g. fresh) interior air, with or without moisture exchange between stale interior air for exterior air and with or without (sensible) heat exchange between stale interior air for exterior (e.g. fresh) air, etc.);

- in particular, the exchange of air between the interior and exterior of said interior space; - in particular, the transfer of water moisture between exhaust air taken from said interior space and exterior (e.g. fresh) air taken from the exterior ambient air; and

- in particular, the transfer of sensible heat between exhaust air taken from said interior space and exterior (e.g. fresh) air taken from the exterior ambient air.

The damper control means may be exploited in relation an air conditioning system or assembly which may further includes at least one air conditioning means selected from the group consisting of

- an air cooling means,

- an air heating means,

- an air humidifying means,

- an air dehumidifying means, and

- an air cleaning means (e.g. air filter means).

In accordance with the present invention damper means may be provide with an electric motor element which may be energized and/or deenergized for the control of the open and closed disposition of the damper means.

In accordance with the present invention the damper control means may be used in conjunction with a central air conditioning system.

In accordance with the present invention the ventilation means of an air treatment or conditioning assembly or system may be passive in the sense that it des not have a dedicated blower or fan element. Alternatively, as desired or as necessary the air conditioning assembly or system may comprise an air ventilation means which includes a dedicated ventilation fan or blower element (e.g. a stale and/or fresh air blower(s)).

In a further example aspect the present invention relates to a method of injecting fresh outside air into an interior space for mixing with interior air of the interior space when not conditioning air by one or more non-ventilation air conditioning elements of an air conditioning system (in particular when not conditioning air with an air cooling means or an air heating means), the system having a non-ventilation air conditioning component comprising a fan or blower in addition to one or more non- ventilation air conditioning elements. The method may in particular be applied to a assembly or system further comprising an air ventilation component having an outside air damper for opening the interior space to outside air. The method may comprise the steps of:

deactivating the non- ventilation air conditioning mode or modes of said one or more non-ventilation air conditioning elements (in particular deactivating any air cooling means or any air heating means as the case may be),

activating the fan or blower element (if not already activated) and in response to a temperature signal from a predetermined temperature sensor activating an outside air damper for the delivery of air to the interior of an enclosed space. As desired or as necessary the method may, for example, provide for periodically closing and opening

the damper dependent on the operating time of the fan and/or or in response to temperature of air inside said interior space and/or air outside said interior space (i.e. outside ambient fresh air) - (e.g in response to one or more (periodic) air temperature signal(s) generated with respect thereto )

The method of exterior (e.g. fresh) air injection may further include selecting the temperatures for opening and closing of the damper.

In accordance with the present invention the method of exterior (e.g. fresh) air injection may be exploited in conjunction with an air ventilation component which comprises an air ventilation means, said air ventilation means being configured for at least one of the following air treatments, namely in general, the delivery of fresh air to said interior space [ a)with or without exchange of stale interior air for fresh interior air, b) with or without moisture exchange between stale interior air for fresh interior air and c) with or without

(sensible) heat exchange between stale interior air for fresh interior air];

- in particular, the exchange of air between the interior and exterior of said interior space; in particular, the transfer of water moisture between exhaust air taken from said interior space and fresh air taken from the exterior ambient air; and

- in particular, the transfer of sensible heat between exhaust air taken from said interior space and fresh air taken from the exterior ambient air.

In accordance with the present invention the method of fresh air injection may be exploited in conjunction with one or more air conditioning elements which are selected from the group consisting of :

- an air cooling means,

- an air heating means, - an air humidifying means,

- an air dehumidifying means, and

- an air cleaning means .

In accordance with the present invention the method of fresh air injection may be exploited in conjunction with the air conditioning system which comprises an air ventilation means which is a passive means (i.e. no dedicated blower element) or which may include a dedicated fan or blower element (e.g. a stale and/or a fresh air blower(s)).

The present invention in an aspect further relates to an air movement control(ler) means, unit, component or element for an air treatment or conditioning assembly or system for an enclosed space, the air movement control means comprising a fan or blower control means for a fan or blower element (to distribute conditioned air in or to an interior space and if desired or necessary to discharge (stale) air from said air space) and a fresh air damper control means, the air conditioning assembly system comprising an air conditioning component comprising said fan or blower element and one or more non-ventilation air conditioning elements, the air conditioning system further comprising an air ventilation component and at least fresh air damper means for controlling the delivery of fresh air to the interior of the enclosed space:

the air conditioning component comprising one or more elements selected from the group consisting of

- a cooling apparatus,

- a heating apparatus,

- a humidifying apparatus,

- a dehumidifying apparatus, and an air cleaning apparatus ;

said air ventilation component being configured for at least one of the following air treatments namely - in general, the delivery of fresh air to said interior space [ a)with or without exchange of stale interior air for fresh interior air, b) with or without moisture exchange between stale interior air for fresh interior air and c) with or without (sensible) heat exchange between stale interior air for fresh interior air];

- in particular, the exchange of air between the interior and exterior of said interior space; in particular, the transfer of water moisture between exhaust air taken from said interior space and fresh air taken from the exterior ambient air; and - in particular, the transfer of sensible heat between exhaust air taken from said interior space and fresh air taken from the exterior ambient air

said air ventilation component further comprising an outside air duct connecting outside of a building to said fan and if desired or necessary an inside air duct connecting inside of a building to said fan;

said air damper means comprising an outside air damper in the outside air duct; and if desired or necessary an inside air damper in the inside air duct

the air movement control comprising a thermostat and/or humidistat for activating and deactivating said air conditioning elements and the fan or blower element;

the fan or blower element control means being configured to periodical activate and deactivate only said fan or blower in said air conditioning system in response to a (predetermined) temperature signal when not conditioning the air by said one or more non-ventilation air conditioning elements (in particular when deactivating any air cooling means or any air heating means as the case may be),

and

an (outside and/or inside) air damper control means being configured to open the outside and/or inside air damper means when the non-ventilation air conditioning elements are in lock down each time the fan or blower begins to operate in response to the fan or blower element control means, and for as long as said fan continues to so operate, cycles, periodically closes and opens, the outside air damper (and as desired or necessary the inside air damper) based the temperature signalization .

In accordance with the present the air movement control(ler) may be exploited in conjunction with an air conditioning system wherein the air ventilation means thereof

has no dedicated blower or fan element or which alternative does have such a dedicated air movement element (e.g. a stale and/or fresh air blower(s)).

The fan or blower control means of the present invention provides a means for operating the air distribution fan or blower element, where the last operation of the air distribution fan could have been due to a positive signal from the thermostat or humidistat for heating or cooling or humidifying or dehumidifying or constant fan modes of the air conditioning system, or due to fan operation initiated by the fan recycling control on its own. The present invention includes as described herein for example a fresh air damper control means which may have a means to open a motorized outside air damper, for the purpose of drawing in ventilation air, each time the air distribution fan operates, and if desired for as long as the air distribution fan continues to operate; it may also have a means to cycle, periodically close then open, the outside air damper based on temperature, and having a means to cause the motorized outside air damper to close at the end of each such operation of the air distribution fan.

The fan or blower element control means and fresh air (i.e. exterior air outside of the enclosed space) damper control means can be effective on many different types of air conditioning systems. For example, the invention can be equally applied to a cooling only air conditioning system for cooling and dehumidifying, a cooling air conditioning system with electric beat for cooling and dehumidifying and heating, a heat pump air conditioning system for cooling and dehumidifying and heating, a gas or oil furnace system with or without a humidifier for heating and humidifying, and any combination of these systems.

With respect to control in response to temperature such control may be facilitated by the use of temperature sensors, for example, of the thermistor type. The thermistor may for example be located inside the stale air intake (i.e. duct) for monitoring the temperature coming from the air handler such as a furnace or cooling air conditioner (i.e. from the interior of the space) and may transmit the information (i.e. a temperature signal) to the predetermined controller. With this information the appropriately configured predetermined controller may be able to determine when the air handler is in cooling or heating mode A thermistor may also be placed inside the

fresh air intake (duct) for monitoring the temperature coming from outside the space and may likewise transmit the information to the controller. The predetermined controller according to its programmation (i.e. having the aspect of a control processor unit of a computer type device or unit) will decide when it is appropriate to ventilate and when it is not. Based on the information received by the thermistors the predetermined controller may also be able to decide when it is appropriate to defrost the energy or heat recovery core. The predetermined controller may further be suitably configured (i.e. programmed in case of a programmable controller) to ensure that, as long as it is possible, the periods of ventilation and/or defrosting are outside the cooling and heating periods and also the minimize ventilation duration itself.

A predetermined controller may be programmable by the installer or the user to provide the desired amount of ventilation for the enclosed space (e.g. house). This could for example be done by two different ways. First by entering the amount of CFM (cubic feet per minute) required by the building code and the amount of CFM that the unit is capable of (measured by the installer). This will give the percentage of ventilation time that we will have. The second way is to enter directly the percentage of ventilation that the unit will work.

The following will discuss in more in more detail example embodiment(s) of the present invention and in particular embodiment(s) where the air ventilation means (e.g. an air ventilation (e.g. heat) exchanger unit) is passive. As shall become apparent from below a passive air ventilation (e.g. heat) exchanger unit, in the sense of the present invention is a air ventilation means or unit ,which has no (dedicated) fan or blower means of its own for independently inducing air movement but relies on the blower element of another component of the air treatment system to move air through the unit and between it and an enclosed space. It is however, as mentioned above, to be understood herein that an air treatment system of the present invention may comprise an air ventilation (e.g. heat) exchanger unit and a non-ventilation air conditioner unit (i.e. for heating, cooling, etc.) which each have their own dedicated blower means for the displacement of air. Alternatively it is also to be understood that the air ventilation (e.g. heat) exchanger unit may have a blower means but the non-ventilation air conditioner unit (i.e. for heating, cooling, etc.) may be a passive

unit having no blower (i.e. as in the case of heating exploiting a hot water circulation system, etc.)

Various (i.e. known) systems, units, apparatii as well as devices and structures which may be used in the context of the present invention to deliver fresh air to an interior space (e.g. to exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air). The air exchange with outdoor air may as mentioned be exploited in conjunction with air handling systems (e.g. (air) of a forced-air HVAC system type for the conditioning (e.g. heating, cooling) of air in an enclosure such as a building, a room of a structure such as a residence, and the like.

An (air) ventilation component, element or unit of the present invention may have means which is configured or provided for the delivery of fresh air to an enclosed space. As desired or necessary, an (air) ventilation component, element or unit may also have means which is configured or provided for the expulsion or removal of stale enclosure air from an enclosed space. An (air) ventilation component, element or unit may as mentioned herein be passive in the sense that it may not have any dedicated air blower element or member for the displacement of fresh (and as the case may be stale) air. In the case of such a passive air ventilation component, element or unit, air movement through the ventilation unit may as shall be explained herein be brought about by exploiting the blower element or member of another component of the air treatment system. On the other hand, an air ventilation unit may for example include it's own (dedicated) blower component or element for moving stale air from inside an enclosure (e.g. a building) for expulsion into outside ambient air and for drawing fresh outside (ambient) air into the enclosure (e.g. building).

The delivery of fresh air and the removal of stale air with respect to an enclosed space may or may not as desired or as necessary include for example an element(s) for the transfer of heat and/or humidity between exhaust or stale air (taken from inside an enclosure (e.g. a building, room, etc.) and exterior fresh air (for delivery into the enclosure (e.g. building, room, etc).

Exchanging stale air with fresh outdoor during operation of a non- ventilation air conditioning component (e.g. heating, cooling) of, for example, a forced-air HVAC

system in an enclosure such as a building, a room of a structure such as a residence, and the like may have undesired consequences in relation (forced-air HVAC) air treatment system efficiency.

In the figures which illustrate example embodiments of the present invention:

Figure 1 illustrates in schematic fashion a known type of basic air treatment assembly; Figure 2 illustrates in schematic fashion in more detail the air treatment assembly of figure 1 ; Figure 3 illustrates in graphic format the effect on energy loss of operating the ventilation component at the same time as operating the non-ventilation air condition elements of the primary non- ventilation component for an assembly as shown in figure 1;

Figure 4 illustrates in schematic fashion an air treatment assembly in accordance with the present invention; Figure 4a illustrates in graphic format the effect on energy loss for the assembly of figure 4 wherein the ventilation component is operated out of phase with the non- ventilation air condition elements of the primary non- ventilation component; Figure 5 schematically illustrates in block format an example bridging controller element of the present invention, namely a modified air-to-air exchanger controller for forced-air HVAC systems;

Figure 6 is the same schematic representation of an air treatment assembly as shown in figures 1 and 2 but it includes a stale air return path connecting the stale air output path 14a to the fresh air path input 1 ; and Figure 7 illustrates in graphic format the effect on energy loss for the assembly of figure 4 having a defrost stale air recycle means of figure 6 and wherein the defrost cycle is operated out of phase with the non- ventilation air condition elements of the primary non- ventilation component and without a ventilation cyce.

In the following, reference will be made to figures 1 to 7 wherein the same reference numerals are used to refer to common elements or components.

Figure 1 illustrates in schematic fashion a known type of basic air treatment assembly which comprises a primary non- ventilation air conditioning component 1 , and

a secondary ventilation air conditioning component 2.

The primary non-ventilation air conditioning component 1 is configured for the non- ventilation treatment of air of an enclosed space (not shown) and may for this purpose comprise one or more non- ventilation air conditioning elements. However, for the purposes of description herein the non- ventilation air conditioning component 1 may be taken as including a heating and/or cooling element or unit 3 such as for example a forced air furnace, a central forced air cooling unit or a combination thereof. As shown the non-ventilation air conditioning component 1 further comprise an air filter unit 4 for filtration of the enclosure air prior to heating or cooling by the heating and/or cooling element 3.

The non-ventilation air conditioning component 1 is also associated or provided with a dedicated fan or blower element 6 for forcing air through the heating and/or cooling element 3 and between the non- ventilation air conditioning component 1 and the enclosed space. Alternatively, a separate blower element could be provided which is independent from both of the components 1 and 2 but which is suitably disposed in the air path(s) to induce the desired air movement through the components 1 and 2.

The flow of air through the non- ventilation air conditioning component 1 and the (unseen) enclosed space is illustrated schematically by the air flow path indicated generally by the reference number 7. The portion of the air flow path 7 designated by the reference number 9 is indicative of the input of recycled (stale) air from the (unseen) enclosed space to the non-ventilation air conditioning component 1. The portion of the air flow path 7 designated by the reference number 11 is indicative of the (treated) air output from the non-ventilation air conditioning component 1 directed to the (unseen) enclosed space; as shall be explained below a portion of the airflow output designated by the reference numeral 11 is diverted during ventilation to the secondary ventilation air conditioning component 2.

As seen in Figure 1 , the secondary ventilation air conditioning component 2 may consist of a passive air exchanger ventilation element for providing fresh air to the enclosed space (not shown) while providing a means for exhausting stale air from the enclosed space to the outside ambient atmosphere. The secondary ventilation air

conditioning component 2 provides air communication between the outside ambient environment and the interior of the (unseen) enclosed space by the fresh air path as designated by the reference numerals 12 and 12a; if present, as desired or necessary, air communication may optionally, (as shown) also be provided by the exhaust air path designated by the reference numerals 14 and 14a. The air paths are defined by suitable air duct members or elements configured keeping in mind the purpose thereof.

The fresh air path may in part be defined by or include a motorized fresh air control damper element 15. Similarly if present the exhaust air path may in part as desired or necessary also be defined by or be provided with a motorized stale or exhaust air control damper element 17. However, even if an exhaust air path is provided if desired only one of the motorized damper elements may be used such as for example a motorized damper element only for the fresh air path (or alternatively only for the stale air path). In any case, if present any [motorized] air [control] damper member or element is configured (in any suitable known manner) so as to be displaceable between an open disposition for enabling [i.e. allowing, permitting, etc....] the desired [i.e. unhindered , substantially unhindered, ..] flow of air through the associated air path means and a blocking [or closed] disposition for

[blocking or] inhibiting the flow of air through the associated air path means.

The example secondary ventilation air conditioning component 2 is also provided with an exchanger core element 20. The exchanger core 20 has a (internal) wall structure able to define a fresh side air flow path and a separate exhaust side air flow path. The core element 20 may be of any known type of air-to-air latent and/or sensible heat exchanger core and/or desiccant exchanger core (i.e. both types of cores may be present for transfer of water moisture and latent/sensible heat) to provide heat and/or moisture exchange between fresh air from the outdoors and the stale air from indoors. The core element may be any known type of stationary exchanger core providing heat transfer across wall members thereof isolating the fresh air path from the stale air path; alternatively the exchanger core may be of the rational type.

Stationary and rotational type cores are for example discussed in U.S. patent nos. 5,771,707, 6,209,622 and 6,855,050. These US patent as well as US patent 5,193,610 also illustrate various motorizing mechanisms for damper members or elements.

As shown in figure 1 , the ventilation air conditioning component 2 further comprise an air filter unit 22 for filtration of the fresh air prior to passage through the exchanger core 20.

As may be appreciated the exchanger core element 20 is a passive exchanger in that it does not have a dedicated blower means for inducing movement of air through the secondary ventilation air conditioning component 2 nor between it and the enclosed space. Air movement through the exchanger core element 20 and between it and the enclosed space is induced by the blower or fan 6 of the primary non-ventilation air conditioning component 1 (i.e. the fan of the furnace, etc.). The same air exchanger core element 20 could however, as may be understood herein, alternatively have its own self contained or dedicated air moving capability (i.e. its own dedicated blower element).

If desired the (air-to-air) exchanger core element 20 may be eliminated and replaced by separate duct work for the fresh and stale air paths such that there will be no transfer of water moisture or sensible heat between the fresh air inflowing through the fresh air path 12/12a and the stale air inflowing through the stale air path 14/14a.. In this instance there will be a direct air exchange of indoor air with outdoor air with no intervening transfer of heat or moisture between incoming fresh air and outgoing stale air. This configuration may be desirable where climatic conditions are favorable (i.e. for sufficiently extended periods of time).

Turning to figure 2, this figure shows in more detail various elements of the air treatment assembly or system shown in figure 1 but in association with various other elements of, for example, a building for which the system is intended to treat or condition air. Thus as seen in figure 2 there is an exterior wall 30 which separates the exterior environment from the interior environment of the building. The secondary ventilation air conditioning component 2 comprises a heat exchange unit

having an internal structure which comprises a stationary heat exchange core 20a and which, with the core 20a defines part of the fresh (12/ 12a) and stale (14/ 14a) air paths, the unit internal structure being analogous to structures such as shown for example in US patent nos. 5,002,118, 5,193,610, and 6,209,622. For air communication between the interior of the building and the air of the exterior environment, the fresh air input duct element 30, fresh air output duct element 32, stale air input duct element 34 and stale air output duct element 36 interconnect the heat exchange unit with the recirculation input and output duct elements 36 and 38 connected to the primary non-ventilation air conditioning component 1 (e.g. furnace).

The primary non- ventilation air conditioning component 1 has a non-ventilation air treatment cycle which comprises an inactive phase and an active non-ventilation phase. For example, if component 1 comprises a furnace the active non- ventilation phase entails operation of the furnace to produce heat which is transferable to internal air fed to the furnace and which heated air is subsequently recalculated to the interior of the enclosed space (i.e. interior of the building). On the other hand, during the inactive phase the furnace is off and does not produce (transferable) heat.

Similarly, the blower element 6 may also have an active phase (i.e. a blowing state) and an inactive phase (non-blowing state). The blower element 6 may comprise a blower or fan member which is suitably connected (in any known manner) to an (electric) motor for inducing rotation of the blower or fan member. During the blower active phase the (electric) motor of the blower element is electrically energized to induce rotation of the blower or fan member so as to induce (desired) air movement throughout the air treatment system and between the air treatment system and the interior of the enclosed space (e.g. of the building). As may be understood during the inactive phase of the blower element 6, the motor of the blower element 6 is not energized so there is no air movement induced thereby.

Thus a thermostat 40 is provided which is directly connected to the (known) HVAC controller block 42 (e.g. a White-Rogers no. 1F83-261) which is used to connect the thermostat (for signalization purposes) to the non-ventilation air conditioning member(s) or element(s) (e.g. furnace unit, etc ) of the primary non- ventilation air conditioning component 1 as well as to the blower element 6. The thermostat 40 is

configured (in any known manner) to provide control of the heating and/or cooling element or unit 3, i.e. the thermostat 40 provides the necessary control signals for heating, (and/or cooling) as well as f or blower control. Thus the thermostat 40 may comprise a temperature sensor and a switching means for switching the non- ventilation air conditioning member(s) or element(s) (e.g. furnace unit, etc ) of the primary non-ventilation air conditioning component 1 as well the blower element 6 between their respective active and inactive phases in response to a predetermined temperature setting of the thermostat. As may be understood, when the temperature sensor detects a temperature which is below a predetermined temperature setting the thermostat will for example send a suitable signalization to the furnace as well as the blower element 6 to induce entry into the active phases thereof; as desired the signalization may include a time delay between the initiation of the active phase of the furnace and the initiation of the active phase of the blower element 6. Once the thermostat detects a temperature higher then the predetermined temperature it will produce a signalization for the furnace as well as the blower element 6 to induce each of them to enter into their respective inactive phases; as desired the signalization may as before include a time delay between the initiation of the inactive phase of the furnace and the initiation of the active phase of the blower element 6

In the above type of air treatment system, ventilation may , for example, be called for during the active phase of the primary non- ventilation air conditioning component 1 by sensing undesirable air contaminants.

Thus the control damper element 15 and if present the control damper 17 as well, are controlled by the same system controller means (not shown in figure 1) that controls the startup and shut down of for example the furnace - see above. In other words, (as shall be described below) in the above known example air treatment system ventilation occurs simultaneously with non- ventilation conditioning (i.e. heating, cooling, humidification etc.) of air for the enclosed space

In some instances, air inlet/outlet damper elements 15 and 17 may be controlled by a humidity controller 43. In that case, air inlet/outlet may be opened or closed depending on the humidity controller set point.

During operation of the known type of air treatment system illustrated in figures 1 and 2 when ventilation is called for (i.e. the active phase of the ventilation cycle is called) at the same time that there is a call for example for heat from the furnace, (a call for the non-ventilation component active phase) air movement through the entire air treatment assembly is induced by placing the blower element 6 into its active phase. Additionally the control damper element 15 and if present the control damper 17 are also placed in their respective open dispositions for the passage of air through the fresh and stale air paths.

With the call for fresh air for the assembly as shown in figures 1 and 2 air movement is as follows: a) stale air flow:

A (predetermined) portion of the (heafλcool) treated or conditioned airflow leaving the primary non-ventilation air conditioning component 1 (i.e. the furnace) is diverted from duct element 38 through the air path 14 to the exchanger core 20 where it passes through the exhaust side air flow path thereof, then past damper element 17 (if present) and thereafter is exhausted to the exterior ambient environment (i.e. exterior air) through the air path 14a via duct element 36; and b) fresh air flow: Fresh airflow is drawn into air path 12 from the outdoor ambient environment thru duct element 30, past damper element 15 to pass through air filter unit 22 then through the exchanger core 20 where it passes through the fresh side air flow path thereof and thereafter is exhausted through the air path 12a via the recirculation input duct element 36 for subsequent (i.e. insertion and) mixing with recirculating interior air followed by passage of the obtained air mixture through the primary non- ventilation air conditioning component 1.

In other words the active ventilation phase of the air conditioning ventilation cycle occurs at the same time as the active non- ventilation phase of the non-ventilation air conditioning cycle.

As may be understood the mechanical work required to move air through the air treatment assembly and between the air treatment assembly and the enclosed space (of the building) is created by the blower element 6 associated with the primary non-

ventilation component 1. For example, when the blower element 6 is in its active phase the air flow 11 may build a positive air static pressure of around 0.3" (water gauge - w.g.). The air return flow 9 may, for example, build a negative air static pressure of 0.1" (w.g.). This pressure differential may used to replace inside air with air outside the enclosed space (e.g. outside a dwelling)

Turning to figure 3 the following is a list of various reference symbols mentioned in this figure which have the following connotations:

Referring to figure 3 this figure illustrates in graphic format the effect on energy loss of operating the ventilation component 2 at the same time as operating the non- ventilation air condition elements of the primary non- ventilation component 1. Thus the figure 3 illustrates the relationship between the non-ventilation cycle and the ventilation cycle of the air treatment assembly or system shown in figures 1 and 2; the non-ventilation element(s) such as a furnace following the non-ventilation cycle and the damper elements and exchanger core following the ventilation cycle. Both cycles have an active phase and an inactive phase.

The line designated by the reference numeral 50 is indicative of the inactive phase of the non- ventilation air conditioning element(s) while the line 50a is indicative of the active phase of the non- ventilation air conditioning element(s), e.g. line 50a is indicative of the thermostat calling for heating or cooling from the heating and/or cooling unit 3.

The line designated by the reference numeral 52 is indicative of the inactive phase of the blower element 6 while the line 52a is indicative of the active phase of the blower element 6, e.g. line 52a is indicative of the thermostat or other control member calling for displacement of air by the blower element 3.

The line designated by the reference numeral 54 is indicative of the inactive phase of the damper elements (15 and 17) while the line 54a is indicative of the active phase of the damper elements (15 and 17); e.g. line 54a is indicative of the thermostat or other control member calling for disposition of the damper elements into their open disposition for the passage of air through the air paths of the secondary ventilation air conditioning component 2 for ventilation.

The line designated by the reference numeral 56 is indicative of the inactive phase of the ventilation air conditioning component 2 (i.e. no ventilation) while the line 56a is indicative of the active phase of the ventilation phase of the air treatment assembly e.g. line 56a is indicative of active ventilation on the part of the ventilation air conditioning component 2.

Still referring to figure 3 (but also to figures 1 and 2 as well) a draw-back of an air treatment assembly or system as shown in figures 1 and 2 is that the total energy efficiency in very cold or very warm climate is almost null over a long period a time. This is due to the fact as may be seen from lines 56 and 56a air ventilation takes place mainly when the heating and/or cooling unit 3 and the blower element 6 are running and the damper control elements 15 and 17 are in open disposition i.e. components 1 and 2 are both in their respective active phases; see lines 50a, 52a, and 54a. This means that the air exchange or ventilation occurs during the heating or cooling process. This results in an energy penalty as a portion of the airflow output (e.g. heated air from the furnace, etc.) designated by the reference numeral 11 is diverted

during ventilation to the secondary ventilation air conditioning component 2 from which the stale air is exhausted to the outdoor atmosphere (see figure 3 for the penalty zone. The diverted portion of the airflow output (e.g. heated air from the furnace, etc.) designated by the reference numeral 11 , as may be understood, has a heat / energy content different (e.g. higher if from the furnace) than the air of the enclosed space (e.g. the dwelling). In other words for example a portion of the energy used by the furnace to heat the recycled airflow 9 may be sent to the exchanger core 20 but may not be fully recovered thereby and so be lost to the outside ambient air.

As described herein, the present invention seeks to attenuate the energy shortfall or penalty of an air treatment assembly as shown in figures 1 and 2 (i.e. energy penalty). Thus in accordance with the present invention the air treatment assembly shown in figures 1 and 2 may be modified to achieve the desired results by providing a ventilation control means whereby the ventilation phase of the ventilation cycle is induced to occur while the non- ventilation air conditioning element(s) (such as the furnace) is(are) inactive, e.g. ventilation is induced while the non-ventilation air conditioning element(s) is/are (e.g. locked) in the inactive phase of the non- ventilation air conditioning cycle.

Referring to Figure 4, this figure illustrates an example embodiment of an air treatment assembly which is in accordance with the present invention. Thus the air treatment assembly of figure 4 comprises an intervening or bridging controller element 70. The controller (element) 70 of the present invention may be an independent unit or be part of an overall air treatment controller of the air treatment assembly

The intervening or bridging controller element 70 is disposed, for example, between the thermostat 40 and the HVAC controller block 42. non- ventilation air conditioning member(s) or element(s) (e.g. furnace unit, etc ) of the primary non- ventilation air conditioning component 1 as well as the blower element 6. In other words the thermostat 40 is indirectly connected to the non-ventilation air conditioning member(s) or element(s) (e.g. furnace unit, etc ) of the primary non- ventilation air conditioning component 1 as well as to the blower element 6 such that the thermostat trigger and suppression (i.e. activation and deactivation) signalizations (i.e. for the

furnace and for the blower element 6) are intercepted by the bridging controller element 70.

In accordance with the present invention the bridging controller element 70 may be configured to respond to temperature for controlling the air dampers 15 and 17 as well as the blower element 6 of the air ventilation unit.

The bridging controller element 70 may influence ventilation (i.e. air exchange between the enclosed space and the exterior ambient air) based upon an internal\external (temperature) trigger (as well as suppression) parameters such as for example: Temperature Based Functions reflecting temperature signalization(s) from the thermostat and if desired also in conjunction with Time Based Functions. The bridging controller element 70 may itself use various Temperature Based Schemes (e.g. interior temperature) to regulate and/or optimize air exchange accordingly.

The bridging controller element 70 may in addition to (or in place of) the thermostat use one or more other temperature sensors to monitor temperature for regulation of air exchange between the exterior atmosphere and the interior of the enclosed space; on the other hand, other environmental parameters may as desired or necessary be used in addition to temperature (such as humidity, gaseous pollutant or particles) to regulate air exchange accordingly. Thus as may be seen from figure 4 an air assembly may also comprise outdoor climatic sensors: Outdoor temperature sensor 72 Outdoor humidity sensor 74 Outdoor gas sensor (CO ₂ , VOC, CO) 76

and\or indoor climatic sensors disposed, on the downstream side of the non- ventilation air conditioning elements, beside or adjacent to the stale air intake port for the stale air path means:

Indoor temperature sensor 78

Indoor humidity sensor 80

Indoor gas sensor (CO ₂ , VOC, CO) 82

The bridging controller element 70 may be configured to detect the activity of additional Air Moving Devices in the dwelling or enclosed space such as bathroom fans, range-hoods, cloth dryers or fans. Such example detectors are shown in figure 4, namely air moving device 30; air moving device detector 31.

The bridging controller element 70 may be configured in any suitable manner to maintain the fresh air inlet damper element 15 and if present the stale air outlet damper element 17 in the blocking [or closed] disposition thereof for [blocking or for] inhibiting (i.e. essentially restricting) the flow of (fresh) air through the ventilation air conditioning component 2 during periods when for example the furnace/cooler is in lock down (i.e. during the inactive phase thereof). This type of controller system may be configured in any (suitable) manner to avoid exchanging inside air with outside air when it is less recommendable to do so (i.e. to avoid the energy penalty zone). In order to do so the air-to-air exchanger control may be configured in any (suitable) manner so as to be able to sense and control the Heating / Cooling Unit Fan upon specific request complementary (e.g. independent) to the Heating / Cooling Unit thermostat, (e.g. in response to the interior temperature of the enclosed space i.e. in response to a predetermine minVmax temperature of interior air )

By way of example the present invention may be exploited by implementing the following steps:

The first step is to have a means associated with the bridging controller element 70 enabling the thermostat activity to be monitored so as to enable the bridging controller element 70 to be able to react accordingly, i.e. to monitor the thermostat (temperature dependant) control signals for Heating, Cooling and Fan control as well as controlling ventilation activity.

The second step is to enable the bridging controller 70 to be able to react to predetermined temperature signalizations from the thermostat (see below). For example the bridging controller 70 may be configured to be able to react to a (monitored) predetermined temperature signalization so as to activate (or maintain in the activated state) the Heating / Cooling Unit Fan or blower element 3 outside the

normal Heating / Cooling phases of the non — ventilation air conditioning cycle. A ventilation suppression signalization is also to be generated once a predetermined suppression temperature is reached, once a predetermined time period has elapsed or once a predetermined temperature is reached and sensed by a temperature sensor which makes a call for heat. During the active ventilation phase the bridging controller element 70 may be configured for continuous ventilation for example as long as a suppression temperature is not reached. As an alternative the bridging controller element 70 may be configured to react by generating, (at predetermined timed intervals) trigger - suppression signalization(s), for the damper elements 15 and 17 to alternately place them in respective open and closed dispositions. Finally once an end (or ventilation off) suppression signalization is generated the bridging controller element 70 is configured to react by generating suppression signalization(s) to the damper elements 15 and 17 to place them in respective closed or blocking dispositions.

The ventilation control operation may be achieved with the use of a CPU, electromechanical relays (switches) and voltage/current sensors and environmental sensors wherein -Electromechanical relays controlled by the CPU do Signals commutation; - Voltage / current sensors do the Signals detection ;

- CPU software does the Signals arbitration; and

- Environmental sensors, provide additional information necessary to the operation.

The following is an example ventilation scenario in the context of the present invention wherein the non-ventilation air conditioning element is a heating element (e.g. furnace element 3).

The operation of the air treatment assembly of figure 4 may generally proceed in accordance with the following steps or stages:

1) the temperature sensor of the thermostat 40 detects (in known manner) a predetermined interior temperature ti indicative of the need to heat\cool air and sends a "ti - heat signalization" (which is a trigger signalization) to the furnace element 3 and the blower element 6 calling for heat i.e. for the placing the non- ventilation air conditioning element in the activation mode thereof as well as for the placing of the blower element 6 in the blowing state

thereof; the bridging controller element 70 monitoring and taking note of the generation of such trigger signal; 2) in response to the "ti - heat signalization", the CPU of the bridging controller element 70 which is connected to damper positioning means such as for example disclosed in US patent no. 7328883 makes a determination that the damper elements 15 and 17 are (placed) in respective closed dispositions for blocking the passage of air there past and if not generates a suppression signal for the damper elements 15 and 17 for placing them in respective closed dispositions for blocking the passage of air there past; 3) the temperature sensor of the thermostat 40 detects a predetermined interior temperature t ₂ indicative of the need to stop heating air and sends a "t ₂ - stop heat signalization" (which is a suppression signalization) to the furnace element 3 and the blower element 6 calling for the placing of the non- ventilation air conditioning element (i.e. furnace element 3) in the inactive mode thereof as well as for the placing of the blower element 6 (if desired after a predetermined time delay) in the non-blowing state thereof; the bridging controller element 70 monitoring and taking note of the generation of such suppression signal; 4) with the non- ventilation air conditioning element thus in standby, the indoor temperature sensor 78 detects (in known manner) a predetermined interior temperature t ₃ which may be the same as t ₂ but not be the same as ti or be a temperature between t ₂ and tj, (the temperature t ₃ being indicative of the need to ventilate) and sends a "t ₃ .ventilation temperature signalization" to the bridging controller element 70 calling for ventilation 5) in response to the "t ₃ -ventilation temperature signalization " the bridging controller element 70 (i.e. the CPU 106 thereof) makes a determination (in similar manner as in step 2 above) that the damper elements 15 and 17 are (placed) in respective open dispositions for the passage of air there past and if not generates a trigger signalization for the damper elements 15 and 17 for placing them in respective open dispositions for the passage of air there past;

6) in response to the "t ₃ -ventilation temperature signalization" the bridging controller element 70 also generates a trigger signalization (i.e. an override signal) for the blower element 6 to activate the blower state thereof;

7) optionally with the non-ventilation air conditioning element still in standby, in response to a predetermined time delay signalization from a timer means (the timer delay thereof being initiated in response to the "t ₃ - ventilation temperature signalization") the bridging controller element 70 generates a suppression signalization for placing the blower element 6 in the non-blowing state thereof and\or generates a suppression signal for the damper elements 15 and 17 for placing them in respective closed dispositions for blocking the passage of air there past;

8) optionally with the non- ventilation air conditioning element still in standby, the indoor temperature sensor 78 detects (in known manner) a predetermined interior temperature t ₄ which may be the same as t _\ , be a temperature between t ₂ and U, but not be the same as t ₃ and sends a "t ₄ - stop ventilation temperature signalization" to the bridging controller element 70 in response to which the bridging controller element 70 generates a suppression signalization for placing the blower element 6 in the non-blowing state thereof and\or generates a suppression signal for the damper elements 15 and 17 for placing them in respective closed dispositions for blocking the passage of air there past

9) go back to step 1.

The above ventilation process (i.e. above stages 5 to 11) may be turned off and on manually by suitable switch means or by suitable automatic timer means provided with predetermined timer signalizations. As may be appreciated analogous steps may be used if the non-ventilation air conditioning element is a cooling element.

As a particular example embodiment and having regard to figure 4, when the thermostat 40 calls for heat or cool the thermostat 40 may send a U - heafλcool signalization to the bridging controller element 70 indicative for the heat and/or cooling unit (e.g. furnace) 3 and blower element 6 to be in respective active phases. Rather than relying on being signalled by the thermostat that heat is being called for the bridging controller element 70 the present invention 9 may alternatively know (for stage 2 above) by the Indoor temperature sensor 78 beside the stale air intake port that cooling or heating mode is in progress (i.e. due to detected temperature signal level as compared to a predetermined temperature signal level). For example, if the

temperature signal from the sensor 78 is indicative of air heating (i.e. the detected temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold temperature) the bridging controller element 70 it will in response make sure the dampers (15, 17) will be closed. When the cooling or heating time will be finished (i.e. detected by a predetermined lower or higher temperature signal from sensor 78 as the case may be), the bridging controller element 70 may be suitably configured to ask the furnace or air handler blower to continue to run (extended fan call) for a determined period of time (Td) to ensure ventilation in the most energy effective period. In the mean time the bridging controller element 70, by relying on other temperature signalizations from the sensor 78, may provide the necessary signalizations for the above mentioned ventilation stages (e.g. stages 5 to 11), in other words by relying on temperature signalizations provided by the sensor 78 the bridging controller element 70 may induce the damper elements 15 and 17 to be in respective open dispositions as well as blower element 6 to be in the blowing or non-blowing state and proceed as noted above for ventilation during lock-up of the non- ventilation air conditioning elements (e.g. furnace, etc) mentioned .

Turning to figure 4a the following is a list of various reference symbols mentioned in this figure which have the following connotations:

Referring to Figure 4a this figure schematically shows in graphic form similar to figure 3 the avoidance to the energy penalty shown in figure 3 for an air treatment assembly using an extended call for blower element activity after the non-ventilation air conditioning element(s) are no longer actively heating, cooling etc.. Still referring to figure 4a this figure illustrates in graphic format the effect on energy loss

of operating the ventilation component 2 while at the same time the non- ventilation air condition element(s) of the primary non- ventilation component 1 are in lock-down.

Thus the figure 4a illustrates the relationship between the non-ventilation cycle and the ventilation cycle of the air treatment assembly or system shown in figure 4; the non-ventilation element(s) such as a furnace following the non-ventilation cycle having an active cycle out of phase with respect to the active phase of the ventilation cycle followed by the damper elements 15 and 17 and exchanger core 20.

The line designated by the reference numeral 90 is indicative of the inactive phase of the non-ventilation air conditioning element(s) while the line 90a is indicative of the active phase of the non- ventilation air conditioning element(s), e.g. line 90a is indicative of the thermostat calling for heating or cooling from the heating and/or cooling unit 3.

The line designated by the reference numeral 92 is indicative of the inactive phase of the blower element 6 while the line 92a is indicative of the active phase of the blower element 6, e.g. line 92a is indicative of the thermostat or other control member calling for displacement of air by the blower element 3. As may be seen the blower element 6 does not pass to the active blower state nor to the inactive non-blowing state at the same time as the furnace/cooler element passes to the active or inactive states thereof.

The line designated by the reference numeral 94 is indicative of the inactive phase of the damper elements (15 and 17) while the line 94a is indicative of the active phase of the damper elements (15 and 17); e.g. line 94a is indicative of the bridging controller element 70 or other control member calling for disposition of the damper elements into their open disposition for the passage of air through the air paths of the secondary ventilation air conditioning component 2 for ventilation.

The line designated by the reference numeral 96 is indicative of the inactive phase of the ventilation air conditioning component 2 (i.e. no ventilation) while the line 96a is indicative of the active phase of the ventilation phase of the air treatment assembly e.g. line 96a is indicative of active ventilation on the part of the ventilation air conditioning component 2.

As may be appreciated form the above, when the cooling or heating time is finished the air handler blower element continues to run (extended fan call) for a determined period of time (Td) to ensure subsequent ventilation is in the most energy effective period, e.g. after the air leaving the furnace is in a cooler state.

The bridging controller element 70 may be a stand-alone device or be embedded into various systems and apparatus as well as devices and structures which may be used or to exchange air with outdoor.

Referring to Figure 5 this figure schematically illustrates in block format an example bridging controller element 70, i.e. a modified Air-to-Air exchanger Controller for a Forced -Air HVAC system. The thermostat to HVAC forced-air system signal arbiter (TSA) 100 (sometimes referred to simply as TSA 100) monitors the operating conditions of the forced-air HVAC system. The thermostat to HVAC forced-air system signal arbiter (TSA) 100 is configured to monitor activity such as for example,

1. Heating activity;

2. Cooling activity; and

3. HVAC system Fan/Blower activity.

The thermostat to HVAC forced-air system signal arbiter (TSA) 100 is configured so to be able to control the HVAC system Fan independently from the HVAC SYSTEM thermostat 40 outside a heating or a cooling call by the thermostat 40.

The HVAC thermostat 40 connects (via the thermostat to air exchange controller terminal blocks 102) to the input of the TSA 100 and the TSA output connects (via the air exchange controller to HVAC forced-air system terminal blocks 42) to the HVAC system thermostat terminals.

The microcontroller (CPU) 106, provides the necessary combination of electronic components to ensure the functionality of the system.

The outdoor air inlet /air outlet control module 108 provides the necessary means to control air openings (i.e. air damper elements 15 and 17) to the outdoor environment.

It can provide ON/OFF signals or a more sophisticated control as a proportional aperture control for example.

The optional blower control 110 may be used to control optional air-to-air exchange blower elements 112 and 114 (see figure 4) disposed respectively in the fresh air path or the stale air path for the displacement of air in such respective air paths; in this case the exchanger unit would not be a passive unit but would be capable of independent displacement of air there through.

The optional indoor/outdoor environmental sensors 112 may monitor a single or any combination of the following parmeters

1. Outdoor temperature

2. Outdoor relative humidity 3. Outdoor gaseous pollutant

4. Indoor temperature

5. Indoor relative humidity

6. Indoor gaseous pollutant

The air exchange with the outside can therefore be based on levels of environmental conditions as stated above.

In addition there are various air exchange strategy based on the operating conditions of the Heating / Cooling Unit activity and time based related functions.

The optional air moving devices detection and control module 120 can be used to implant alternate ventilation strategies exploiting the detection and or control of air moving devices inside the dwelling (see air moving device 122 - e.g. bathroom exhaust fan, kitchen hood fan, etc...) which may input detection signals to the bridging controller 70

During cold weather, prior to expelling the relatively warm exhaust air, the equipment provides for the transfer of heat from the relatively warm exhaust air to the relatively cool (fresh) outside air by the use of a suitable heat exchange element. However, since

the warm interior air will usually contain a certain amount of moisture, the cooling of the interior air can result in the formation not only of water but of ice if the exterior air is below the freezing point of water. An uncontrolled buildup of ice on the exhaust air side of the system can result in decreased heat transfer, and even outright blockage of the exhaust air path. Accordingly a means of periodically defrosting such a system is a requirement in order to maintain its efficiency. U.S. patent no. 5,002,118 describes a system and method whereby warm stale air which has passed through a heat exchanger core is not exhausted to the exterior air but is diverted so as to pass back into the enclosed space by passing through the fresh air path side of the exchanger core. Figure 6 is the same schematic representation of an air treatment assembly as shown in figures 1 and 2 but it includes a stale air return path 14b connecting the path means 14a to the air input 12.

Thus, as may be appreciated from figure 6, the present invention also provides a defrostable ventilation means (e.g. defrost system, method, etc.) wherein air from the interior of the building is used as defrost air to defrost the air exchanger core . Furthermore as in the case of the ventilation process in accordance with the present invention the defrost cycle functions independent of the heating / cooling unit active phase (see Figure 7 which shows a defrost cycle in conjunction with a ventilation cycle).

Turning to figure 7 the following is a list of various reference symbols mentioned in this figure which have the following connotations:

As may be appreciated form figure 7:

The line designated by the reference numeral 130 is indicative of the inactive phase of the non- ventilation air conditioning element(s) while the line 130a is indicative of the active phase of the non- ventilation air conditioning element(s), e.g. line 130a is indicative of the thermostat calling for heating or cooling from the heating and/or cooling unit 3.

The line designated by the reference numeral 132 is indicative of the inactive phase of the blower element 6 while the line 132a is indicative of the active phase of the blower element 6, e.g. line 132a is indicative of the thermostat or other control member calling for displacement of air by the blower element 3. As may be seen the blower element 6 does not pass to the active blower state nor to the inactive non- blowing state at the same time as the furnace/cooler element passes to the active or inactive states thereof.

The lines designated by the reference numerals 134 and 135 are indicative of the inactive phase of the damper elements (15 and 17) while the lines 134aand 135a are indicative of the active phase of the damper elements (15 and 17); e.g. lines 134a and 135 a are indicative of the bridging controller element 70 or other control member calling for disposition of the damper elements into their open disposition for the passage of air through the air paths of the secondary ventilation air conditioning component 2 for ventilation. During defrost (the area indicated by the numeral 136) the dampers are both closed.

The line designated by the reference numeral 140 is indicative of the inactive phase of the ventilation air conditioning component 2 (i.e. no ventilation) while the line 140a is indicative of the active phase of the ventilation phase of the air treatment assembly e.g. line 140a is indicative of active ventilation on the part of the ventilation air

conditioning component 2. As indicated during a period of no air exchange the defrost cycle is active.