FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to pressure creation devices and specifically,
to a system to maintain a negative pressure within an enclosed space. The present
disclosure also relates to manage negative pressure unit from a remote location to
maintain a negative pressure within enclosed space.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, people only spend a limited amount of time in any particular indoor facility.
Such an indoor facility can comprise their homes, schools, offices, favourite cafes,
and the like. Thus, such indoor facilities only suffer a moderate amount of wear and
tear from regular usage, only requiring repairs or renovations once every few years
or so. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic started affecting the global population
in late 2019, governments-imposed lockdowns to ensure safety of people, necessitating
everyone to self-quarantine by staying indoors for extended durations. Further, once
the COVID-19 transmission rates decreased and the imposed lockdowns were lifted, various
indoor facilities where the people had self-quarantined had suffered substantial wear
and tear, requiring urgent repairs and renovations.
[0003] It will be appreciated that numerous repairs and renovations of adjacent indoor facilities,
if performed simultaneously, can have a major adverse effect not only on users of
such indoor facilities but also an external environment outside the indoor facilities.
For example, particulate manner including PM2.5 and PM10 that gets expelled during
repair and renovation of one uninhabited facility may enter a neighbouring facility
that may be inhabited by occupants such as children, geriatrics, pets, and the like,
leading to such occupants potentially suffering adverse health effects such as allergic
reactions, asthmatic attacks, breathing difficulties and so forth.
[0004] Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists an urgent need for
solutions that enable reconstruction processes to be undertaken without adversely
effecting neighbouring facilities or the environment.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present disclosure seeks to enable management of a negative pressure generating
device from remote location. The present disclosure further seeks to provide a method
for managing a negative pressure within an enclosed space. An aim of the present disclosure
is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered
in prior art.
[0006] The present disclosure relates to a system to maintain a negative pressure within
an enclosed space. The present disclosure also relates to a method to maintain a negative
pressure within an enclosed space.
[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system to maintain a
negative pressure within an enclosed space. The system comprises a negative pressure
unit disposed within the enclosed space. The negative pressure unit creates an internal
pressure within the enclosed space. The system further comprises an internal pressure
determination unit disposed within the enclosed space. The internal pressure determination
unit determines an internal pressure information of the enclose space. Moreover, the
system comprises a data logger coupled to the negative pressure unit and the internal
pressure determination unit. The data logger receives the internal pressure information
from the internal pressure determination unit; analyses the internal pressure information
to calculate a change to be made to an operating characteristic of the negative pressure
unit; and manages the negative pressure unit to regulate the operating characteristic
of the negative pressure unit to maintain the enclosed space at a predefined negative
pressure.
[0008] In one embodiment, the system further comprises an external pressure determination
unit disposed outside the enclosed space. The external pressure determination unit
determines an external pressure information associated with an environment outside
the enclosed space. The data logger adjusts the operating characteristic of the negative
pressure unit based on the determined external pressure information.
[0009] In another embodiment, the system further comprises at least one secondary negative
pressure device coupled to the data logger. The data logger receives an operating
parameter from each secondary negative pressure device or the operating characteristic
of the negative pressure unit and regulates the operating parameter of at least one
secondary negative pressure device or the operating characteristic of the negative
pressure unit to maintain the enclosed space at the predefined negative pressure.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, the at least one secondary negative pressure device is
disposed at a sub-region of the enclosed space.
[0011] In still another embodiment, the data logger is implemented in a cloud server arrangement.
The cloud server arrangement stores a historical information associated with the negative
pressure maintained within the enclosed space.
[0012] In a further embodiment, the internal pressure determination unit comprises a sensor
unit to detect a motion event within the enclosed space. The data logger determines
a change in the internal pressure information based on the detected motion event within
the enclosed space and recalibrates the operating characteristic of the negative pressure
unit based on the determined change in the internal pressure information.
[0013] In another embodiment, the sensor unit is implemented using a motion sensor or a
sound pulse detector.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, the data logger receives a weather forecast information
from a server platform.
[0015] In still another embodiment, the system further comprises an input unit that receives
a user input. The user input comprises a time input corresponding to a specific duration.
The data logger maintains the negative pressure within the enclosed space for the
specific duration.
[0016] In a further embodiment, the input unit receives a control command from a user to
control the negative pressure unit.
[0017] In another embodiment, the operating characteristic of the negative pressure unit
is selected from an electrical power supplied to the negative pressure unit, a rotational
speed of a motor associated with the negative pressure unit, and an orientation of
the negative pressure unit within the enclosed space.
[0018] In yet another embodiment, the system further comprises a data transceiver for transmission
of information between an operator accessible computing unit, the data logger, and
the negative pressure unit.
[0019] In still another embodiment, the data logger transmits an alert signal comprising
an operational status of the negative pressure unit.
[0020] In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method to maintain
a negative pressure within an enclosed space. The method comprises disposing a negative
pressure unit within the enclosed space. The negative pressure unit creates an internal
pressure within the enclosed space. The method further comprises determining an internal
pressure information of the enclosed space. Moreover, the method comprises analysing
the internal pressure information to calculate a change to be made to an operating
characteristic of the negative pressure unit. The method also comprises operating
the negative pressure unit to regulate the operating characteristic of the negative
pressure unit to maintain the enclosed space at a predefined negative pressure.
[0021] In one embodiment, the method further comprises regulating the operating characteristic
of the negative pressure unit based on a particle count information derived from a
particle counter.
[0022] Additional aspects, advantages, features, and objects of the present disclosure would
be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative
embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
[0023] It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to
being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0024] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative
embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.
For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of
the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited
to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those skilled
in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible,
like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only,
with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a system to maintain a negative pressure
within an enclosed space as per one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of the system of FIG. 1 according to another
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a system to maintain a negative pressure
within enclosed spaces as per one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 shows a pressure difference vs. time graph for operation of a system to maintain
a negative pressure within an enclosed space (such as the system of FIG. 1) according
to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 5 shows a flowchart illustrating a method to maintain a negative pressure within
an enclosed space as per one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item
over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined
number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line
linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and
accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify
a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0027] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure
and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the
present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that
other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible.
[0028] The present disclosure relates to a system to maintain a negative pressure within
an enclosed space. The term "enclosed space" as used throughout the present disclosure
relates to a building having walls enclosing a particular volume to allow people or
animals to reside within the building. Such a building may be a residential building
such as a house (or a residential apartment in an apartment complex), a pet shelter
and the like or a commercial establishment including a hotel (or a particular room
within a hotel), a movie hall (or a single movie hall within a multiplex movie theatre),
a pet shop and so forth. Further, the term "negative pressure" as used throughout
the present disclosure relates to an amount of pressure inside the enclosed space
such that the amount of pressure is lower than pressure outside the enclosed space.
Such a pressure outside the enclosed space can relate to atmospheric pressure. For
example, the enclosed space is a convenience store attached to a petrol bunk such
that the convenience store has an entry and an exit towards a street outside the petrol
bunk. Further, the pressure outside the enclosed space would be atmospheric pressure
having a value of 101325 Pa (or 1 atm). In such an example, the negative pressure
within the enclosed space can be 100311.75 Pa (or 0.99 atm), 99298.5 Pa (or 0.98 atm),
96258 Pa (or 0.95 atm), 91192.5 Pa (or 0.9 atm), 81060 Pa (or 0.8 atm), 75993.75 (or
0.75 atm) and the like. Alternatively, the pressure outside the enclosed space, such
as a first enclosed space, can relate to pressure inside an adjacent enclosed space,
such as a second enclosed space with which the first enclosed space is fluidically
coupled (such that air can flow between the first enclosed space and the second enclosed
space). For example, the first enclosed space can be an office room having an entry
and an exit into an enclosed lobby that comprises the second enclosed space. The pressure
inside the enclosed lobby can be 91192.5 Pa (or 0.9 atm). In such an example, the
negative pressure inside the office room can be 90179.25 Pa (or 0.89 atm) or 86126.25
Pa (or 0.85 Pa), 81060 Pa (or 0.8 atm), 70927.5 Pa (or 0.7 atm) and the like.
[0029] The system comprises a negative pressure unit disposed within the enclosed space.
The negative pressure unit creates an internal pressure within the enclosed space.
The term "negative pressure unit" as used throughout the present disclosure relates
to an electromechanical device that is capable of being operated, such as by supplying
electrical power to the device, to create negative pressure inside the enclosed space
in which the negative pressure unit is disposed. Such a negative pressure unit operates
by drawing air containing contaminants such as dust from inside the enclosed space
and depositing the drawn air out of the enclosed space, for example, into a collection
tank. Optionally, a filter is arranged in a flow path between the negative pressure
unit and the collection tank or between the collection tank and an output port, such
that the filter is capable of removing contaminants from the air that is transmitted
out of the enclosed space or the negative pressure unit. Consequently, the filter
can be disposed within the enclosed space to prevent escape of the contaminants from
the enclosed space. Optionally, a current state of the filter can be monitored, such
as, to enable timely changing or cleaning of the filter as and when needed. The negative
pressure unit creates the internal pressure within the enclosed space such that the
internal pressure is lower than an external pressure outside the enclosed space. It
will be appreciated that creation of such an internal pressure to be lower than the
external pressure outside the enclosed space inhibits natural flow of air from the
enclosed space to an external environment out of the enclosed space due to pressure
difference between the enclosed space and the external environment. Consequently,
contaminants such as dust and debris that are expelled during repair or renovation
of the enclosed space are retained within the enclosed space for controlled discarding
of the contaminants later. Thus, the negative pressure unit reduces air pollution
(due to fine dust/particle of contaminants), prevents damage to other surfaces of
the enclosed space, maintain hygienic environment for humans (such as, working personals
or occupants of the enclosed space) or animals (such as, pets including dogs, cats,
parrots, and the like).
[0030] The system comprises an internal pressure determination unit disposed within the
enclosed space. The internal pressure determination unit determines an internal pressure
information of the enclose space. The term "internal pressure determination unit"
as used throughout the present disclosure refers to an electronic device that is capable
of detecting an amount of pressure within the enclosed space in which the internal
pressure determination unit is disposed. It will be appreciated the enclosed space
that is being subjected to repairing or renovation may experience changes in the internal
pressure within the enclosed space. Such changes in the internal pressure can be caused
by operation of the negative pressure unit disposed within the enclosed space, movement
of air into or out of the enclosed space (such as, due to opening of doors or windows),
changes in weather (such as, precipitation outside the enclosed space) and the like.
The internal pressure determination unit enables to determine the amount of pressure
within the enclosed space to enable detection of any changes in the amount of pressure,
thereby, enabling to reliably maintain the negative pressure within the enclosed space.
The internal pressure determination unit enables real-time or near real-time monitoring
of the enclosed space, thereby, enabling automatic or semi-automatic control of the
negative pressure unit based on the determined internal pressure information.
[0031] In one example, the internal pressure determination unit can be a pressure sensor
(such as a barometer, an absolute pressure sensor, a gauge pressure sensor, a differential
pressure sensor, a sealed pressure, and the like) that is disposed within the enclosed
space such that the internal pressure determination unit detects the internal pressure
inside the enclosed space. The internal pressure determination unit can output analogue
data corresponding to the detected internal pressure. Optionally, the internal pressure
determination unit can be operably coupled to a microcontroller. The internal pressure
determination unit transmits the analogue data corresponding to the detected internal
pressure to the microcontroller such that the microcontroller subsequently converts
the analogue data to digital information corresponding to internal pressure information
of the enclose space. Optionally, the microcontroller can be configured to process
the analogue data for generating the internal pressure information. In one example,
the internal pressure determination unit transmits the analogue data to the microcontroller
after a predefined duration. Such a predefined duration can be, for example, 0.01
second (or 1 ms), 0.05 seconds (or 50 ms), 0.1 second (or 100 ms) and the like. In
such an example, the microcontroller determines a change in the internal pressure
within the enclosed space by calculating a difference between a latest detected internal
pressure and a previously detected internal pressure within the enclosed space. Subsequently,
the microcontroller stores the difference and the latest detected amount of pressure
as the internal pressure information of the enclosed space.
[0032] The system comprises a data logger coupled to the negative pressure unit and the
internal pressure determination unit. The term "data logger" as used throughout the
present disclosure relates to an electronic device that is communicably coupled to
the negative pressure unit and the internal pressure determination unit. For example,
the data logger can be implemented as a hardware device that includes a memory and
a processor or preferably, a combination of multiple hardware devices and software
modules. The data logger handles functions and operations by utilizing the hardware
devices, the software modules or preferably, a combination of the hardware devices
and software modules.
[0033] In one embodiment, the data logger is implemented in a cloud server arrangement.
The cloud server arrangement stores a historical information associated with the negative
pressure maintained within the enclosed space. The data logger implemented in the
cloud server arrangement enables access to a cloud computing service to a user (such
as a resident of a house in which the negative pressure unit is disposed) or an operator
(such as a construction worker) or an operator (such as a system administrator that
manages the operation from a remote location). The cloud computing service may allow
temporary or permanent storage of information within the cloud server arrangement
by connecting to an external network such as the Internet. The term "historical information"
as used throughout the present disclosure refers to stored negative pressure information
of the enclosed space and the stored operating characteristic information corresponding
to the negative pressure unit disposed within the enclosed space. Such stored negative
pressure information and the operating characteristic information relates to operation
of the negative pressure unit at a previous time (for example, a previous hour, a
previous day, a previous month, and the like). For example, the cloud server arrangement
stores the historical information associated with operation of the negative pressure
unit within the enclosed space in a chronological order, thereby, enabling convenient
retrieval of such information at present time.
[0034] The communicable coupling between the data logger, the negative pressure unit and
the internal pressure determination unit can be established via a wired communication
interface or a wireless communication interface. For example, the data logger can
be communicably coupled to the negative pressure unit and the internal pressure determination
unit using Ethernet communication or fibre-optic communication. In another example,
the data logger can be communicably coupled to the negative pressure unit and the
internal pressure determination unit using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, fifth-generation wireless
communication, sixth-generation wireless communication and the like. Optionally, the
data logger can transmit an input to the negative pressure unit and the internal pressure
determination unit and in response, receive a corresponding output. In one example,
the input can comprise a command for changing an operating characteristic of the negative
pressure unit. The term "operating characteristic" of the negative pressure unit relates
to a parameter associated with an operation of the negative pressure unit. It will
be appreciated that the negative pressure unit can be operated at different operating
characteristics to allow negative pressure associated with different internal pressures
to be created within the enclosed space. Optionally, the negative pressure can be
created at different rates within the enclosed space. In one embodiment, the operating
characteristic of the negative pressure unit is selected from: an electrical power
supplied to the negative pressure unit, a rotational speed of a motor associated with
the negative pressure unit, ON/OFF the negative pressure unit, time duration during
which negative pressure unit remain active or inactive, an orientation of the negative
pressure unit within the enclosed space. The electrical power supplied to the negative
pressure unit can be varied to modify operation of various electrical components of
the negative pressure unit. Further, the rotational speed of the motor associated
with the negative pressure unit can be varied to change a rate at which a desired
negative pressure is created within the enclosed space. For example, the electrical
power supplied to the motor can be reduced to decrease the rotational speed of the
motor, such as, to decrease the rate at which the desired negative pressure is created
within the enclosed space. In such an example, the corresponding output received by
the data logger can comprise a confirmation associated with the changed operating
characteristic of the negative pressure unit. In another example, the negative pressure
unit can be rotatably coupled to a base, such as, using a swivel coupling. Further,
an auxiliary motor can be operably coupled to the swivel coupling such that the auxiliary
motor is controlled by the data logger to cause rotation of the negative pressure
unit coupled to the base. In such an example, the orientation of the negative pressure
unit within the enclosed space can be changed such that an intake port of the negative
pressure unit faces a wall, thereby, decreasing an amount of air drawn into the negative
pressure unit. Consequently, the rate at which the desired negative pressure is created
within the enclosed space is reduced.
[0035] In one embodiment, the system comprises a drive unit coupled to the negative pressure
unit or secondary negative pressure device. The drive unit can be coupled to multiple
wheels disposed at a base of the negative pressure unit such that activation of the
drive unit causes movement of the negative pressure unit or secondary negative pressure
device within the enclosed space. In one example, the drive unit can be implemented
using a direct current motor and the multiple wheels of the negative pressure unit
can be implemented as omnidirectional wheels. In such an example, the drive unit is
activated to change the orientation of the negative pressure unit within the enclosed
space such that the intake port of the negative pressure unit faces a source of dust,
pollutants, debris, and the like. It will be appreciated that such an orientation
of the negative pressure unit towards the source of the dust, pollutants, debris,
and such like results in entrapment of particles of the dust, pollutants, debris and
so forth with higher efficiency, thereby, preventing contamination of an entire environment
of the enclosed space. Further, drive unit enables reorientation of either negative
pressure unit or secondary negative pressure device in specific events such as mechanical
failure, requirement of high-power negative pressure creating device, alteration in
characteristics (such as area/volume due to construction of partition or demolition
thereof) of enclosed space, sudden increase in dust level and the like. Thus, the
drive unit-based reorientation of negative pressure unit or secondary negative pressure
device results in improvement in overall efficiency. The data logger receives the
internal pressure information from the internal pressure determination unit. The data
logger can transmit a request to the internal pressure determination unit for a latest
determined internal pressure information. In response, the data logger can receive
a digital signal associated with the determined internal pressure information. The
data logger can receive real-time internal pressure information from the internal
pressure determination unit. The term "real-time" is used to describe a system or
process in which information is collected, processed, and acted upon immediately or
within a minimal time delay such as 1-10 microseconds or 10-100 milliseconds and the
like. In the context of present description, it refers to a feature or functionality
that enables execution of task, respond to input, or produce output with negligible
latency, closely approximating the actual time at which the event occur. This enables
efficient and timely decision-making, control, or communication. Further, the data
can receive real-time operational characteristic information of the negative pressure
unit. Alternatively, the data logger can receive the internal pressure information
from the internal pressure determination unit after pre-set time intervals. For example,
the pre-set time intervals can be once every half second, once every second, once
every 15 seconds, once every 60 seconds and the like. In another example, the data
logger receives the internal pressure information from the internal pressure determination
unit upon detection of a change in the amount of pressure within the enclosed space
by the internal pressure determination unit. For example, the negative pressure unit
is set up to maintain a negative pressure of 70927.5 Pa (or 0.7 atm) within the enclosed
space. The internal pressure information detects an increase in the internal pressure
within the enclosed space from 70927.5 Pa (or 0.7 atm) to 75993.75 (or 0.75 atm).
Consequently, the internal pressure determination unit transmits the internal pressure
information to the data logger, such that the internal pressure information is indicative
of the change in the internal pressure inside the enclosed space. The data logger
can store the received internal pressure information and operational characteristic
information of the negative pressure. Alternatively, logger can perform various pre-processing
functions such as encryption, filtering, noise removal and the like before storing
the data. In one embodiment, the internal pressure determination unit comprises a
sensor unit to detect a motion event within the enclosed space. The data logger determines
a change in the internal pressure information based on the detected motion event within
the enclosed space and recalibrates the operating characteristic of the negative pressure
unit based on the determined change in the internal pressure information. It will
be appreciated that the internal pressure within the enclosed space can suddenly change
based on movement of persons and/or equipment into and out of the enclosed space.
For example, numerous construction workers may move into and out of the enclosed space
for depositing materials into the enclosed space (such as, by moving a trolley having
the equipment into the enclosed space), for taking a break by exiting the enclosed
space and the like. Further, the motion event associated with such a movement of persons
and/or equipment into and out of the enclosed space is detected by the sensor unit.
Subsequently, the data logger transmits a request to the internal pressure determination
unit for the internal pressure information of the enclosed space. In response to receiving
the internal pressure information, the data logger recalibrates, such as, by changing
the operating characteristic of the negative pressure unit.
[0036] In one embodiment, the sensor unit is implemented using a motion sensor or a sound
pulse detector. For example, the sensor unit is implemented using a motion sensor
such that the motion sensor is an infrared sensor, tomographic sensor, an ultrasonic
sensor, a vibration sensor, or a microwave sensor. In another example, the sensor
unit is implemented using a sound pulse detector that detects sound pulses associated
with opening or closing or doors and windows, footsteps, ratting of metal or wood
and the like. Further, the data logger detects the motion event based on the sound
pulses detected by the sound pulse detector. Alternatively, the sound pulse detector
emits acoustic waves into the enclosed space. The sound pulse detector determines
the motion based a change in the acoustic waves that get reflected back towards the
sound pulse detector, such that the change is associated with presence of a moving
object within the enclosed space.
[0037] The data logger analyses the internal pressure information to calculate a change
to be made to an operating characteristic of the negative pressure unit. The data
logger analyses the internal pressure information, such as, by correlating the detected
internal pressure within the enclosed space with the operating characteristic of the
negative pressure unit. For example, the internal pressure within the enclosed space
as indicated by the internal pressure information is 91192.5 Pa (or 0.9 atm) and a
rotational speed of a motor associated with the negative pressure unit is 1500 rpm.
However, a desired negative pressure within the enclosed space is 81060 Pa (or 0.8
atm), such that the negative pressure is achieved when the rotational speed of the
motor is 1800 rpm. Consequently, the data logger calculates that the operating characteristic
associated with rotational speed of the motor is required to be increased by 300 rpm
to achieve the desired negative pressure.
[0038] The data logger can transmit the required operating characteristic to the negative
control unit. Upon receipt of the required operating characteristic, onboard control
unit (e.g., controller) may alter operating characteristic to manage the negative
pressure unit to regulate the operating characteristic of the negative pressure unit
to maintain the enclosed space at a predefined negative pressure. The data logger
can regulate the operating characteristic of the negative pressure unit, such as,
by varying an amount of electrical power supplied to the motor associated with the
negative pressure unit. For example, the data logger increases the electrical power
supplied to the motor. Such an increase in the electrical power supplied to the motor
increases a reactivity associated with the negative pressure unit, such that the reactivity
is associated with a time taken by the negative pressure unit to start creating the
negative pressure within the enclosed space. Consequently, a volume of air drawn per
unit time by the negative pressure unit from the enclosed space to be discharged out
of the enclosed space is increased, thereby, lowering the internal pressure within
the enclosed space (or increasing the internal pressure within the enclosed space).
In another example, the data logger decreases a size of an intake port associated
with the negative pressure unit, such as, by manipulating a valve that is disposed
with the intake port. Consequently, airflow into the negative pressure unit per unit
time is decreased, thereby, decreasing the rate at which the negative pressure is
created within the enclosed space.
[0039] According to one embodiment, the data logger determines a nature of the enclosed
space. The term "nature of the enclosed space" as used throughout the present disclosure
relates to a shape (or volume) of the enclosed space, dimensions (or area) of the
enclosed space, number of openings (such as doors and windows) within the enclosed
space, openings created in the enclosed space as a result of repair or renovation
being performed (such as, subsequent to removal of a wall) and the like. Optionally,
the system comprises a sensor, such as an optical sensor or a three-dimensional scanner,
to enable determination of the nature of the enclosed space. In one embodiment, the
data logger receives information corresponding to the nature of the enclosed space
from an external server (such as a third-party service). The data logger regulates
the operating characteristic of the negative pressure unit to maintain the enclosed
space at the predefined negative pressure based on the determined nature of the enclosed
space. For example, the data logger operates the negative pressure unit at higher
rotational speed of the motor within an enclosed space having a larger volume compared
to rotational speed of the motor employed within an enclosed space having a relatively
smaller volume.
[0040] In one embodiment, the data logger employs information associated with a nature of
operation to regulate the operating characteristic of the negative pressure unit to
maintain the enclosed space at the predefined negative pressure. The term "information
associated with nature of operation" as used throughout the present disclosure relates
to a type of operation being performed within the enclosed space, a duration of the
operation being performed within the enclosed space, information corresponding to
common types of contaminants expelled during the type of operation being performed
within the enclosed space and the like. Optionally, the data logger receives an input
corresponding to one parameter for the nature of operation being performed within
the enclosed space, such as, the type of operation being performed within the enclosed
space. Subsequently, the data logger extracts information associated with other parameters
from an external source (such as, using a web-based search engine), such as, information
corresponding to common types of contaminants expelled during the type of operation
being performed within the enclosed space. Subsequently, the data logger employs the
information associated with the nature of operation to regulate the operating characteristic
of the negative pressure unit, such as, by increasing or decreasing the rotational
speed of the motor associated with the negative pressure unit. In one example, the
nature of operation corresponds to a woodworking operation within the enclosed space.
In such an example, the data logger determines that the common types of contaminants
expelled during the woodworking operation would be sawdust having a low density and
consequently, the sawdust is prone to easily spread to other areas of the enclosed
space due to action of a fan of the negative pressure unit. In such an example, the
data logger maintains the orientation of the negative pressure unit such that the
fan of the negative pressure is always oriented away from a source of the sawdust.
[0041] Optionally, the negative pressure unit may associate with a misting device that is
designed to spray very fine mist/aerosol of water to settle down ultrafine dust particles.
Water mist may result in flocculation/agglomeration of fine dust particles, and flocculated
particles may be removed with ease using negative pressure unit.
[0042] Optionally, the data logger considers a rate of change of the internal pressure within
the enclosed space to change the operating characteristic of the negative pressure
unit. For example, the internal pressure within the enclosed space experiences a sudden
decrease such that the internal pressure becomes lower than the predefined negative
pressure. In such an example, the data logger regulates the operating characteristic
of the negative pressure unit, such as, by decreasing the rotational speed of the
motor or manipulating the valve disposed with the intake port to compensate for the
sudden decrease.
[0043] In one embodiment, the system comprises an external pressure determination unit disposed
outside the enclosed space. The external pressure determination unit determines an
external pressure information associated with an environment outside the enclosed
space. The data logger adjusts the operating characteristic of the negative pressure
unit based on the determined external pressure information. It will be appreciated
that an amount of pressure outside the enclosed space influences the negative pressure
created within the enclosed space. For example, the enclosed space can be a house
in which negative pressure is required to be created for exhausting dust particles
expelled during renovation of the house. Further, the pressure outside the enclosed
space can be atmospheric pressure having a value of 101325 Pa (or 1 atm). In such
an example, an amount of pressure required to be created within the enclosed space
will be higher than when the pressure outside the enclosed space drops to (or 0.8
atm), such as, due to precipitation. The external pressure determination unit can
be disposed inside an adjacent enclosed space that is fluidically coupled to the enclosed
space or in an external environment. For example, the external pressure determination
unit can be disposed inside an adjacent room within a house or outside the house.
The external pressure determination unit determines the external pressure information
associated with the adjacent room or an environment outside the house. Subsequently,
the data logger adjusts the electrical power supplied to the negative pressure unit,
the rotational speed of the motor associated with the negative pressure unit and/or
the orientation of the negative pressure unit based on the determined external pressure
information.
[0044] According to an embodiment, the data logger receives a weather forecast information
from a server platform. The data logger receives the weather forecast information
associated with a location of the enclosed space for a predefined duration. For example,
the predefined duration can be 6 hours, 12 hours, 1 day, 3 days or the duration until
a planned ending of the repair or renovation of the enclosed space. The data logger
extracts external pressure information of the environment outside the enclosed space
from the weather forecast information and subsequently, employs the extracted external
pressure information to adjust the operating characteristic of the negative pressure
unit.
[0045] Optionally, the data logger employs a real-time price of electrical power to adjust
the operating characteristic of the negative pressure unit. For example, when the
real-time price of electrical power obtained from grid is high, the data logger reduces
the amount of electrical power supplied to the motor of the negative pressure device.
Similarly, when the real-time price of electrical power obtained from grid is low,
the data logger increases the amount of electrical power supplied to the motor of
the negative pressure device. Consequently, the data logger enables to efficiently
reduce operating costs associated with operation of the system, further, enabling
efficient usage of the electrical power for operation of the system. In an embodiment,
the system comprises at least one secondary negative pressure device coupled to the
data logger that receives an operating parameter from the each secondary negative
pressure device or the operating characteristic of the negative pressure unit and
regulates the operating parameter of at least one secondary negative pressure device
or the operating characteristic of the negative pressure unit to maintain the enclosed
space at the predefined negative pressure. It will be appreciated that a volume of
the enclosed space may be bigger than that corresponding to an operating capacity
of the negative pressure unit, preventing the negative pressure unit from creating
the desired negative pressure within the enclosed space. Consequently, one or more
secondary negative pressure devices can be disposed within the enclosed space to operate
in conjunction with the negative pressure unit to create the desired negative pressure
within the enclosed space. The data logger receives the operating parameter from each
secondary negative pressure device or the operating characteristic of the negative
pressure unit and subsequently analyses the received operating parameter or the operating
characteristic. Such an analysis enables the data logger to determine if the received
operating parameter or the received operating characteristic will respectively allow
the secondary negative pressure device or the negative pressure unit to create the
desired negative pressure within the enclosed space, for example, within a specified
duration. The data logger regulates the operating parameter or the operating characteristic,
such as a rotational speed of a motor associated with the secondary negative device
or the rotational speed of the motor associated with the negative pressure unit, to
maintain the enclosed space at the predefined negative pressure. Optionally, the negative
pressure unit or one or several of the secondary negative pressure devices may experience
failure during repair or renovation operation of the enclosed space. For example,
when the negative pressure unit experiences the failure and stops operation, the operating
parameter of one or more secondary negative pressure devices can be adjusted to compensate
for the failure of the negative pressure unit. In such an example, rotational speeds
of motors associated with one or more secondary negative pressure devices can be increased
to compensate for stopping of operation of the negative pressure unit.
[0046] As per one embodiment, the at least one secondary negative pressure device is disposed
at a sub-region of the enclosed space. The term "sub-region of the enclosed space"
can relate to a physically discernible region of the enclosed space that is separated
from other regions of the enclosed space by walls, doors, windows and so forth. Alternatively,
the term can refer to a virtually separate region of the enclosed space, such as,
a top-left corner of a room, a middle portion of the room and the like. In one example,
the at least one secondary negative pressure device is disposed at an antechamber
leading into a lobby.
[0047] In one embodiment, the system further comprises an input unit that receives a user
input. The user input comprises a time input corresponding to a specific duration.
The data logger maintains the negative pressure within the enclosed space for the
specific duration. The term "input unit" used throughout the present disclosure relates
to an electronic device that can be employed to provide inputs to the data logger.
Such inputs can be obtained by the input unit in real-time as a result of actions
performed by a user (such as, due to the user tapping on a touchscreen or typing using
a keypad). In one example, the input unit can include keyboards, mice, styluses, touchscreens,
microphones, cameras, and the like that are either standalone devices or are implemented
within other devices such as desktop computers, cellular telephones, smartphones,
personal digital assistants, laptop computers, tablet computers and so forth. The
input unit can comprise a display unit to present information to the user. The display
unit can present such information on a graphical user interface (such as, on a web
interface). In an example, a user such as a resident of a home may wish to operate
the negative pressure unit within the home as long as the resident is not present
at home. However, upon return of the resident, the resident may wish to halt operation
of the negative pressure unit until such a time when the resident is away again. In
such an example, the resident can provide user input to operate the negative pressure
for the duration of 12 hours when the resident is not at home. The data logger maintains
the negative pressure within the enclosed space by operating the negative pressure
unit for the duration of 12 hours and subsequently, halts operation of the negative
pressure unit after completion of the 12-hour duration.
[0048] As per an embodiment, the input unit receives a control command from a user who may
present at a remote location to control the negative pressure unit. The term "control
command" as used throughout the present disclosure relates to a request to change
the operating characteristic of the negative pressure unit. In one example, the input
unit receives the control command from the user to increase the rotational speed of
the motor associated with the negative pressure unit. In another example, the input
unit receives the control command from the user to switch on or switch off the negative
pressure unit. In yet another example, the input unit receives the control command
from the user to change the duration of operation of the negative pressure unit.
[0049] In one embodiment, the system further comprises a data transceiver for transmission
of information between an operator accessible computing unit, the data logger, and
the negative pressure unit. The term "data transceiver" as used throughout the present
disclosure relates to an electronic device comprising a transmitter and a receiver
for respectively transmitting and receiving information. The data transceiver can
be implemented within the operator accessible computing unit, such as a mobile phone,
a smartphone, a tablet computer, and the like that is associated with the operator.
The operator can be a construction worker that is responsible for ensuring reliable
operation of the negative pressure unit within the enclosed space. Alternatively,
the data transceiver can be implemented within the cloud server arrangement, such
as, to transmit and receive information via the Internet. Such a data transceiver
can periodically transmit and/or receive the information from the data logger and
the negative pressure unit.
[0050] As per an embodiment, the data logger transmits an alert signal comprising an operational
status of the negative pressure unit. The term "alert signal" as used throughout the
present disclosure refers to a notification (such as email, SMS, push notification,
voice call and the like) transmitted to the input unit and/or the operator accessible
computing unit, such that the notification corresponds to the operational status of
the negative pressure unit. The term "operational status" of the negative pressure
unit corresponds to an on/off status of the negative pressure unit. Optionally, the
operation status also corresponds to device failure of the negative pressure unit.
It will be appreciated that the negative pressure unit can be associated with an operating
life, such that the negative pressure unit is likely to stop operating after completion
of the operating life or at any time before completion of the operating life. Such
a stoppage of operation of the negative pressure unit may be experienced during ongoing
of the repair or renovation operation of the enclosed space. The data logger detects
such a stoppage of operation of the negative pressure unit associated with device
failure and transmits the alert signal to the operator accessible computing unit to
enable the operator to repair or replace the negative pressure unit.
[0051] The present disclosure also provides a method to maintain a negative pressure within
an enclosed space. The method comprises disposing a negative pressure unit within
the enclosed space. The negative pressure unit creates an internal pressure within
the enclosed space. The method further comprises determining an internal pressure
information of the enclosed space. Moreover, the method comprises analysing the internal
pressure information to calculate a change to be made to an operating characteristic
of the negative pressure unit. Further, the method comprises operating, from remote
location, the negative pressure unit to regulate the operating characteristic of the
negative pressure unit to maintain the enclosed space at a predefined negative pressure.
The user/operator may provide input command (through a computing device such as smartphone)
from remote location to manage/operate negative pressure unit.
[0052] In one embodiment, the method further comprises regulating the operating characteristic
of the negative pressure unit based on a particle count information derived from a
particle counter. The particle counter is deposed within the enclosed space. Further,
the particle counter determines analogue data corresponding to a number of particles
associated with particulate matter such as PM2.5 and PM10. Further, the data logger
receives the analogue data and converts the analogue data to obtain digital information,
such that the digital information forms the particle count information within the
enclosed space. The data logger regulates the operating characteristic, for example,
the rotational speed of the motor associated with the negative pressure unit based
on the particular count information. In one example, the data logger increases the
rotational speed of the motor based on the particle count information indicating presence
of a high number of PM2.5 and PM10 within the enclosed space.
[0053] The disclosed system and method enable to conveniently maintain the enclosed space
at a required negative pressure (such as, a negative pressure prescribed by national
laws when construction, repair, renovation, or restoration operations are conducted
for an enclosed space) to prevent contaminants such as dust, small debris, mould and
the like from escaping into an atmosphere outside the enclosed space, thereby contaminating
the atmosphere and other spaces near the enclosed space. The data logger is capable
of automatically managing the negative pressure unit to maintain the desired negative
pressure without necessitating presence of operators and/or other users (such as residents)
to manage the negative pressure units, thereby, saving time and effort for the operators
and/or users as well as ensuring safety and well-being of such operators and/or other
users by preventing a need for their continued presence within a contaminated environment
of the enclosed space. The system also considers external factors (such as external
pressure information) for operation of the negative pressure unit, thereby, ensuring
reliable operation of the negative pressure unit even during changes in external factors
(including but not limited to, rain, storm, wind, and the like). The system and method
also enable management of multiple negative pressure devices by a single data logger
(and further, by the operator accessible computing unit), thereby, allowing convenient
and low operating cost (such as, low requirement of electricity) management of both
small-scale operations (such as, renovation of a single home) and largescale operations
(such as, repair of multiple homes within a building). The system also enables operating
characteristics of negative pressure units to be manipulated remotely (such as, by
accessing a web interface on the input unit and/or the operator accessible computing
unit) and in real-time (such as, upon determination of a change in the internal pressure
information). Consequently, the system and the method enable to conveniently and remotely
manage construction operations such that environments or habitats around a location
of the construction operations are not negatively affected by uncontrolled expulsion
of contaminants from the construction operations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0054] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a schematic illustration of a system
100 to maintain a negative pressure within an enclosed space
102 as per one embodiment of the present disclosure. The enclosed space
102 is a room having an entrance/exit
104 and a window
106. The entrance/exit
104 of the enclosed space
102 is closed by a seal
108 to prevent air, dust, and other contaminants from exiting from the enclosed space
102. Further, the window
106 is maintained in a closed state to also prevent air, dust, and other contaminants
from exiting from the enclosed space
102. As shown, a negative pressure unit
110 is disposed within the enclosed space
102. The negative pressure unit
110 is fluidically coupled to a collection tank
112 arranged outside the enclosed space
102 using a hose
114 such that air, dust and other contaminants drawn by the negative pressure unit
110 are deposited into the collection tank
112 via the hose
114. Moreover, an internal pressure determination unit
116 is disposed within the enclosed space
102. Further, a data logger
118 is coupled to the negative pressure unit
110 and the internal pressure determination unit
116.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a schematic illustration of the system
100 of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the
system
100 further comprises an external pressure determination unit
200 disposed outside the enclosed space
102 (such as, in an adjacent room). The external pressure determination unit
200 is coupled to the data logger
110.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a schematic illustration of a system
300 to maintain a negative pressure within enclosed spaces
302-308 as per one embodiment of the present disclosure. The enclosed spaces
302-308 are located within a same building (not shown). However, the enclosed spaces
302-308 are different rooms (such as a bedroom, a bathroom, a living room, and a storeroom,
respectively) belonging to various users
310-316. The system
300 comprises negative pressure units
318-324 respectively disposed within the enclosed spaces
302-308. Further, the system
300 comprises a data logger
326 coupled to each of the negative pressure units
310-316. Moreover, the system
300 comprises input units
328-334 associated with the users
310-316, respectively. The input units
328-334 are coupled to the data logger
326.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a pressure difference vs. time graph
400 for operation of a system to maintain a negative pressure within an enclosed space
(such as the system
100 of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a created
pressure difference (real-time) is lower than a predefined negative pressure as well
as a pressure difference indicated by negative pressure information. Consequently,
an operating characteristic of a negative pressure unit (such as the negative pressure
unit
110 of FIG. 1) is required to be regulated to maintain an enclosed space (such as the
enclosed space
102 of FIG. 1) at the predefined negative pressure.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a flowchart illustrating a method
500 to maintain a negative pressure within an enclosed space as per one embodiment of
the present disclosure. At a step
502, a negative pressure unit is disposed within the enclosed space. At a step
504, an internal pressure information of the enclosed space is determined. At a step
506, the internal pressure information is analysed to calculate a change to be made to
an operating characteristic of the negative pressure unit. At a step
508, the negative pressure unit is operated to regulate the operating characteristic of
the negative pressure unit to maintain the enclosed space at a predefined negative
pressure.
[0059] Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing
are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined
by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating",
"have", "is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be
construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements
not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to
be construed to relate to the plural.
1. A system (100) to maintain a negative pressure within an enclosed space (102), the
system (100) comprising:
a negative pressure unit (110) disposed within the enclosed space (102), wherein the
negative pressure unit (110) creates an internal pressure within the enclosed space
(102);
an internal pressure determination unit (116) disposed within the enclosed space (102),
wherein the internal pressure determination unit (116) determines an internal pressure
information of the enclose space (102);
a data logger (118) coupled to the negative pressure unit (110) and the internal pressure
determination unit (116), wherein the data logger (118) receives at least one of the
following:
- the real-time internal pressure information from the internal pressure determination
unit (116);
- the real-time operational characteristic information of the negative pressure unit
(110); and wherein the data logger (118) records at least one of the following:
- the received internal pressure information;
- the received operational characteristic information of the negative pressure unit
(110); and
analyses the internal pressure information to calculate a change to be made to an
operating characteristic of the negative pressure unit (110);
and regulate the operating characteristic of the negative pressure unit (110) to maintain
the enclosed space (102) at a predefined negative pressure.
2. The system (100) according to claim 1, further comprising an external pressure determination
unit (200) disposed outside the enclosed space (102),
wherein the external pressure determination unit (200) determines an external pressure
information associated with an environment outside the enclosed space (102); and
wherein the data logger (118) adjusts the operating characteristic of the negative
pressure unit (110) based on the determined external pressure information.
3. The system (100) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one secondary negative
pressure device coupled to the data logger (118) that:
receives an operating parameter from each secondary negative pressure device or the
operating characteristic of the negative pressure unit (110); and
regulates the operating parameter of at least one secondary negative pressure device
or the operating characteristic of the negative pressure unit (110) to maintain the
enclosed space (102) at the predefined negative pressure.
4. The system (100) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one secondary negative
pressure device is disposed at a sub-region of the enclosed space (102).
5. The system (100) according to any of the preceding claims 1-3, wherein the data logger
(118) is implemented in a cloud server arrangement, wherein the cloud server arrangement
stores a historical information associated with the negative pressure maintained within
the enclosed space (102).
6. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the internal pressure determination
unit (116) comprises a sensor unit to detect a motion event within the enclosed space
(102), wherein the data logger (118):
determines a change in the internal pressure information based on the detected motion
event within the enclosed space (102); and
recalibrates the operating characteristic of the negative pressure unit (110) based
on the determined change in the internal pressure information.
7. The system (100) according to claim 6, wherein the sensor unit is implemented using:
a motion sensor or a sound pulse detector.
8. The system (100) according to any of the preceding claims 1-3 or 5-6, wherein the
data logger (118) receives a weather forecast information from a server platform.
9. The system (100, 300) according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit (328-334)
that receives a user input, wherein the user input comprises a time input corresponding
to a specific duration, wherein the data logger (118) maintains the negative pressure
within the enclosed space (102) for the specific duration.
10. The system (100, 300) according to claim 9, wherein the input unit (328-334) receives
a control command from a user remotely to control the negative pressure unit (110,
318-324).
11. The system (100) according to any of the preceding claims 1-3 or 6, wherein the operating
characteristic of the negative pressure unit (110) is selected from: an electrical
power supplied to the negative pressure unit (110), a rotational speed of a motor
associated with the negative pressure unit (110), an orientation of the negative pressure
unit (110) within the enclosed space (102).
12. The system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a data
transceiver for transmission of information between an operator accessible computing
unit, the data logger (118) and the negative pressure unit (110).
13. The system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the data logger
(118) transmits an alert signal comprising an operational status of the negative pressure
unit (110).
14. A method (500) to maintain a negative pressure within an enclosed space, wherein the
method (500) comprising:
disposing (502) a negative pressure unit within the enclosed space, wherein the negative
pressure unit creates an internal pressure within the enclosed space;
determining (504) an internal pressure information of the enclosed space;
analysing (506) the internal pressure information and the operational characteristic
of the negative pressure unit to calculate a change to be made to an operating characteristic
of the negative pressure unit; and
operating (508) remotely the negative pressure unit to regulate the operating characteristic
of the negative pressure unit to maintain the enclosed space at a predefined negative
pressure.
15. The method (500) according to claim 14, further comprising regulating the operating
characteristic of the negative pressure unit based on a particle count information
derived from a particle counter.