Method of controlling airflow through an air diffuser

Abstract

In an air conditioning system the rate of airflow through a diffuser is controlled by varying the permitted travel of the air flow control disc. The disc is displaceable between a fully opened position in which the maximum designed airflow through the diffuser occurs and a fully closed position in which the minimum designed air flow through the diffuser occurs. The method of the present invention comprises sensing duct pressure at the diffuser and adjusting the limits of travel of the air flow control disc. Adjustment is in the direction which restricts the permitted travel of the disc towards the fully closed position and allows travel of the disc beyond the fully open position in the event that a pressure below designed duct pressure is detected. Adjustment is to permit travel of the disc beyond the fully closed position and restrict travel of the disc towards the fully opened position in the event that a pressure above designed duct pressure is detected in the ducting.

1 . A method of operating an air conditioning system which includes controlling the rate of airflow through a diffuser by controlling the permitted travel of the air flow control element which is displaceable between a fully opened position in which the maximum designed airflow through the diffuser occurs and a fully closed position in which the minimum designed air flow through the diffuser occurs, the operating method comprising sensing duct pressure at the diffuser during day-to-day operation of the air conditioning system and adjusting the limits of travel of the air flow control element in the direction which restricts the permitted travel towards the fully closed position and allows travel beyond the fully open position in the event that a pressure below designed duct pressure is detected, and permits travel beyond the fully closed position and restricts travel towards the fully opened position in the event that a pressure above designed duct pressure is detected in the ducting.