초록 ▼

A method and system for controlling the environment of storage facilities, including produce and livestock storage facilities, and the like. Movement of air within the facility is accomplished by air-handling units or fans. The speed of each fan is controlled by a variable-speed drive, allowing the

A method and system for controlling the environment of storage facilities, including produce and livestock storage facilities, and the like. Movement of air within the facility is accomplished by air-handling units or fans. The speed of each fan is controlled by a variable-speed drive, allowing the fans to run at speeds below full capacity. Environmental parameters, such as temperature or humidity, are monitored to determine the existing state of the environment which is then compared to a desired state. The speed of the fans or air-handling units is adjusted to alter the existing environmental state, bringing it in alignment with the desired state. The fans or air-handling units are operated continuously, typically at reduced capacity. Other various facets are included with the system and method, including the control of the admittance of external air into the storage facility.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A system for controlling an internal environment of a storage facility having an air plenum, the system comprising:at least one fan adapted to induce air movement directly through the at least one fan, through the air plenum and within the storage facility through continuous operation; a variable

1. A system for controlling an internal environment of a storage facility having an air plenum, the system comprising:at least one fan adapted to induce air movement directly through the at least one fan, through the air plenum and within the storage facility through continuous operation; a variable-speed driver coupled to the at least one fan, wherein the variable-speed driver provides a drive signal to the at least one fan for controlling speed of the at least one fan; at least one sensor adapted to determine at least one internal environmental parameter; and at least one electrical control unit coupled to the at least one sensor and to the variable-speed driver, wherein the at least one electrical control unit receives a parameter signal indicative of the at least one internal environmental parameter from the at least one sensor and provides a command signal to the variable-speed driver based upon the parameter signal for varying an operational speed of the at least one fan.