Patent Description:
Buildings such as residential homes contain many devices to monitor different aspects of indoor air quality. However, conventional air management systems do not coordinate indoor air quality management across these devices. This layout makes effective user control difficult due to the decentralized nature of these different devices.

<CIT> discloses an indoor air quality system for a building including a sensor configured to measure a parameter and a mitigation module configured to: selectively turn on a mitigation device; and selectively turn off the mitigation device.

Document <CIT> discloses a central controller for an intelligent environmental air management system comprising at least one air hazard sensor, at least one environmental condition monitor, and at least one air hazard mitigation device, the central controller comprising: at least one processor; and memory storing instructions executable by the at least one processor, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the central controller to: detect which of the at least one air hazard sensor, the at least one environmental condition monitor, and the at least one air hazard mitigation device are connected to the intelligent environmental air management system; detect which of the at least one air hazard sensor, the at least one environmental condition monitor, and the at least one air hazard mitigation device are operational by determining whether the at least one air hazard sensor, the at least one environmental condition monitor, and the at least one air hazard mitigation device can communicate with and receive instructions from the central controller.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a central controller for an intelligent environmental air management system according to claim <NUM> is provided.

Optionally, the instructions further cause the central controller to: receive input data from the at least one air hazard sensor; determine whether the input data received from the at least one air hazard sensor exceeds an air hazard threshold; select at least one air hazard mitigation measure if the input data received from the at least one air hazard sensor exceeds the air hazard threshold, wherein the at least one hazard mitigation measure is determined by the at least one air hazard mitigation device detected by the central controller; and direct the at least one air hazard mitigation device to perform the at least one air hazard mitigation measure, wherein the central controller is configured to select the at least one air hazard mitigation measure based on an assigned priority level.

Optionally, the instructions further cause the central controller to receive input data from the at least one environmental condition monitor.

Optionally, the instructions further cause the central controller to detect and communicate with at least one user interface to direct the at least one user interface to display an alert.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an intelligent environmental air management system for a building according to claim <NUM> is provided.

Optionally, the intelligent environmental air management system further comprises at least one user interface and the at least one user interface comprises one or more of: a wall control device, a voice control device, a remote control device, a computer-based application, and a mobile phone application.

The central controller of the system according to the second aspect of the invention may be a central controller as disclosed herein with reference to the first aspect of the invention. The at least one air hazard sensor, at least one environmental condition monitor, and at least one air hazard mitigation device may be those disclosed with reference to the first aspect of the invention. The system of the second aspect of the invention may comprise any of the features recited herein with reference to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method according to claim <NUM>.

Optionally, the method further comprises: selecting, with the central controller, at least one air hazard mitigation measure if the air hazard level of the at least one air hazard exceeds the air hazard threshold for the at least one air hazard, wherein the at least one hazard mitigation measure is determined by the at least one air hazard mitigation device detected by the central controller; and directing the at least one air hazard mitigation device, with the central controller, to perform the at least one air hazard mitigation measure.

Optionally, the method further comprises assigning, with the central controller, a priority level based on the air hazard data.

Optionally, selecting, with the central controller, at least one air hazard mitigation measure comprises assessing the priority level of the air hazard data and selecting an air hazard mitigation measure which corresponds to the highest priority level assessed by the central controller.

Optionally, the method further comprises calculating, with the central controller, a rate of change of the air hazard level while the air hazard mitigation device is performing the at least one air hazard mitigation measure.

Optionally, the method further comprises detecting, with the central controller, a location of each of the at least one air hazard sensor, the at least one environmental condition monitor, and the at least one air hazard mitigation device.

Optionally, the method further comprises detecting, with the central controller, a location of at least one person with respect to at least one of: the at least one air hazard sensor, the at least one environmental condition monitor, and the at least one air hazard mitigation device of the intelligent environmental air management system.

Optionally, the method further comprises selecting an operating mode of the intelligent environmental air management system, wherein the central controller is configured to select the at least one air hazard mitigation measure based on the selected operating mode.

Optionally, the operating mode of the intelligent environmental air management system is selected using at least one user interface.

Optionally, the method further comprises displaying an alert with the at least one user interface, wherein the alert is selected from the group comprising: an air hazard warning and a mitigation failure alarm.

Optionally, the method further comprises periodically assessing, with the central controller, whether the central controller can detect and communicate with each of the at least one air hazard sensor, the at least one environmental condition monitor, and the at least one air hazard mitigation device.

The method may comprise providing and/or using the system as recited herein with reference to the second aspect of the invention, and may therefore comprise any of the features recited with reference thereto, as long as it comprises the features of claim <NUM>.

The method may comprise providing and/or using the central controller as recited herein with reference to the first aspect of the invention, and may therefore comprise any of the feature recited with reference thereto, as long as it comprises the features of claim <NUM>. The central controller of the first aspect of the invention and/or the system of the second aspect of the invention may be configured to perform the method of the third aspect of the invention, and comprises at least the features of claim <NUM>.

The scope of the invention is defined by the claims and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The following descriptions of the drawings are provided by way of example only and should not be considered limiting in any way as long as within the scope of the claims.

<FIG> is a schematic depiction of an intelligent environmental air management system according to the invention.

<FIG> is a schematic depiction of an intelligent environmental air management system according to the invention which includes a carbon dioxide sensor, an air exchanger, and a furnace blower.

<FIG> is a flow chart depicting an operation of an intelligent environmental air management system according to the invention.

An intelligent environmental air management system combines monitoring and mitigation measures to allow for user control across the available monitoring and mitigation devices in a building. The system can prioritize hazards detected and implement mitigation measures. The system can monitor available devices through wired or wireless networks and adapt mitigation measures accordingly.

<FIG> is a schematic view of exemplary air management system <NUM>. In the depicted example, air management system <NUM> includes mitigation/ monitoring system <NUM> and central controller <NUM>. Mitigation/ monitoring system <NUM> includes air hazard sensor <NUM>, environmental condition monitor <NUM>, air hazard mitigation device <NUM>, and user interface <NUM>. Central controller <NUM> includes processor <NUM>, memory unit <NUM>, communication device <NUM>, input device <NUM>, output device <NUM>, and alert module <NUM>. As described in more detail below, air management system <NUM> is an intelligent environmental air management system for a building.

Mitigation/ monitoring system <NUM> contains at least one air hazard sensor <NUM>, and in some embodiments can contain multiple air hazard sensors <NUM>. Each air hazard sensor <NUM> is configured to detect the presence of at least one air hazard. It should be understood that an air hazard is a harmful substance which can be present in the air. An air hazard sensor <NUM> is a carbon dioxide (CO<NUM>) sensor, a volatile organic compounds (VOC) sensor, a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor, a smoke detector, or a radon sensor. Each air hazard sensor <NUM> can be configured to measure an air hazard level of the substance(s) the air hazard sensor <NUM> is configured to detect. For example, a CO sensor can be configured to measure a CO level. Each air hazard sensor <NUM> can be further configured to communicate air hazard data to the central controller <NUM> indicative of the measured air hazard level. Mitigation/ monitoring system <NUM> can include multiple different kinds of air hazard sensors <NUM>, such as, for example, a carbon dioxide sensor and a VOC sensor. Mitigation/ monitoring system <NUM> can additionally and/or alternatively include multiples of the same kind of air hazard sensor <NUM>, such as, for example, three smoke detectors.

Mitigation/ monitoring system <NUM> includes at least one environmental condition monitor <NUM>, and in some embodiments can contain multiple environmental condition monitors <NUM>. Each environmental condition monitor <NUM> is configured to detect at least one environmental condition, which is temperature or humidity. An environmental condition monitor <NUM> is a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor. Each environmental condition monitor <NUM> can be configured to measure an environmental condition level of the environmental condition(s) the environmental condition monitor <NUM> is configured to detect. Each environmental condition monitor <NUM> can be further configured to communicate environmental condition data to the central controller <NUM> indicative of the measured environmental condition level. Mitigation! monitoring system <NUM> can include multiple different kinds of environmental condition monitors <NUM>, and can additionally and/or alternatively include multiples of the same kind of environmental condition monitor <NUM>.

Mitigation/ monitoring system <NUM> includes at least one air hazard mitigation device <NUM>. Each air hazard mitigation device <NUM> is configured to perform at least one air hazard mitigation measure. An air hazard mitigation device <NUM> is an air exchanger, an in-room air purifier, an exhaust fan, or a furnace blower. Each air hazard mitigation device <NUM> can be configured to communicate with the central controller <NUM> such that each air hazard mitigation device <NUM> can receive at least one air hazard mitigation instruction from central controller <NUM> to perform the at least one air hazard mitigation measure. In addition, each air hazard mitigation device <NUM> can be configured to communicate with the central controller <NUM> such that each air hazard mitigation device <NUM> can send to the central controller <NUM> information about the operation of the air hazard mitigation device <NUM>. Mitigation/ monitoring system <NUM> can include multiple different kinds of air hazard mitigation devices <NUM>, and can additionally and/or alternatively include multiples of the same kind of air hazard mitigation devices <NUM>.

Mitigation! monitoring system <NUM> can include at least one user interface <NUM>. Each user interface <NUM> can be configured to receive input from a user. A user interface <NUM> can be, for example, a wall control device such as a thermostat, a voice control device such as a digital assistant, a remote control device, a computer-based application, or a mobile phone application. Each user interface <NUM> can be configured to communicate with the central controller <NUM>. As described in more detail below, each user interface <NUM> can be further configured to receive a user's selection of an operating mode of the air management system <NUM>. Mitigation/ monitoring system <NUM> can include multiple different kinds of user interfaces <NUM>, and can additionally and/or alternatively include multiples of the same kind of user interface <NUM>. In some examples, user interface <NUM> can include the input device <NUM> and/or output device <NUM> described below. In other examples, user interface <NUM> can be configured to communicate with input device <NUM> and/or output device <NUM> within central controller <NUM>.

As described above, central controller <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>, memory unit <NUM>, communication device <NUM>, input device <NUM>, output device <NUM>, and alert module <NUM>. In some embodiments, controller <NUM> can include multiple processors <NUM>, memory units <NUM>, communication devices <NUM>, input devices <NUM>, and output devices <NUM>. Central controller <NUM> can additionally include more components, such as a power source.

Processor <NUM> is configured to implement functionality and/or process instructions for execution within central controller <NUM>. Processor is capable of processing instructions stored in memory unit <NUM>. Examples of processor <NUM> can include any one or more of a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry. Instructions executed by processor <NUM> can cause central controller <NUM> to perform actions, such as detect and communicate with the components of mitigation/ monitoring system <NUM>, receive and assess input data from the components, and/or direct the components to perform actions.

Central controller <NUM> also includes memory capable of storage, such as memory unit <NUM>. Memory unit <NUM> is configured to store information (and/or instructions which may be executable by processor <NUM>) within central controller <NUM> during operation. Memory unit <NUM>, in some examples, is described as a computer-readable storage medium. In some examples, a computer-readable storage medium can include a non-transitory medium. The term "non-transitory" can indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal. In certain examples, a non-transitory storage medium can store data that can, over time, change (e.g., in RAM or cache). In some examples, memory unit <NUM> is a temporary memory, meaning that a primary purpose of memory unit <NUM> is not long-term storage. Memory unit <NUM>, in some examples, is described as volatile memory, meaning that memory unit <NUM> does not maintain stored contents when power to central controller <NUM> is turned off. Examples of volatile memories can include random access memories (RAM), dynamic random access memories (DRAM), static random access memories (SRAM), and other forms of volatile memories. Memory unit <NUM> is used to store program instructions for execution by processor <NUM>.

Memory unit <NUM> can be configured to store larger amounts of information than volatile memory. Memory unit <NUM> can further be configured for long-term storage of information. In some examples, memory unit <NUM> includes non-volatile storage elements. Examples of such nonvolatile storage elements can include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable (EEPROM) memories.

Central controller <NUM> can also include communication device <NUM>. Central controller <NUM> can utilize communication device <NUM> to communicate with devices via one or more networks, such as one or more wireless or wired networks or both. Communication device <NUM> can be a network interface card, such as an Ethernet card, an optical transceiver, a radio frequency transceiver, or any other type of device that can send and receive information. For example, communication device <NUM> can be a radio frequency transmitter dedicated to Bluetooth or WiFi bands or commercial networks such as GSM, UMTS, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and others. Alternately, communication device <NUM> can be a Universal Serial Bus (USB).

Central controller <NUM> can include input device <NUM>. Input device <NUM> can include a presence-sensitive and/or touch-sensitive display, or other type of device configured to receive input from a user.

Central controller <NUM> can include output device <NUM>. Output device <NUM> can include a display device, a speaker, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, discrete switched outputs, or other type of device for outputting information in a form understandable to users or machines. In examples where central controller <NUM> is configured to transfer and store data via the cloud, the input device <NUM> and/or output device <NUM> can be a host computing system offsite and can use applications to, for example, process user input data.

Central controller <NUM> can also include alert module <NUM>. Alert module <NUM> can be configured to direct user interface <NUM> to display or announce an air hazard warning. Alert module <NUM> can be further configured to direct user interface <NUM> and/or the at least one air hazard sensor <NUM> to display a mitigation failure alarm message or emit an alarm. In examples where user interface <NUM> can visually display information to a user, alert module <NUM> can be configured to direct user interface <NUM> to display a written air hazard warning. In examples where user interface <NUM> can audibly convey information to a user, alert module <NUM> can be configured to direct user interface <NUM> to announce an auditory air hazard warning and/or mitigation failure alarm. In some examples, alert module <NUM> can be configured to suggest additional air hazard mitigation measures to a user. For example, alert module <NUM> can be configured to direct user interface <NUM> to display a message suggesting that a user open a window in their home to more effectively mitigate the air hazard(s) present.

Central controller <NUM> is configured to receive input data and direct components to carry out instructions for the operation and configuration of components within air management system <NUM>. Central controller <NUM> is configured to detect the components of mitigation/ monitoring system <NUM> (air hazard sensor <NUM>, environmental condition monitor <NUM>, air hazard mitigation device <NUM>, and user interface <NUM>). This detection of components includes detecting which components are connected, as well as detecting whether a particular component is operational (i.e. able to communicate with and receive instructions from central controller <NUM>). Central controller <NUM> is configured to detect the kind of component that is connected within mitigation/ monitoring system <NUM>. For example, central controller <NUM> can be configured to detect that air hazard sensor <NUM> is a CO sensor. Central controller <NUM> can be further configured to detect a location of each of the components of mitigation/ monitoring system <NUM> (air hazard sensor <NUM>, environmental condition monitor <NUM>, air hazard mitigation device <NUM>, and user interface <NUM>). Central controller <NUM> can be configured to detect a location of at least one person with respect to each of the components of mitigation/ monitoring system <NUM>, and can further be configured to detect a number of persons present with respect to the locations of each of the components of mitigation/ monitoring system <NUM>. Central controller <NUM> can be configured to designate zones within the building to allow for targeted air hazard mitigation measures. For example, if central controller <NUM> receives air hazard data indicating a high VOC level in a zone corresponding to the kitchen, central controller <NUM> can direct an air hazard mitigation device <NUM> in the kitchen (such as an air exchanger) to begin operating.

Central controller <NUM> is configured to communicate with air hazard sensor <NUM>, environmental condition monitor <NUM>, air hazard mitigation device <NUM>, and user interface <NUM>. This can be accomplished through communication device <NUM>, which can enable central controller <NUM> to communicate with air hazard sensor <NUM>, environmental condition monitor <NUM>, air hazard mitigation device <NUM>, and user interface <NUM> over wired or wireless networks. For example, communication device <NUM> can enable central controller <NUM> to communicate with the components of mitigation/ monitoring system <NUM> via automated commissioning (for connected smart components), proximity commissioning (using Near Field Commissioning (NFC) or Bluetooth connections), or manual commissioning (wired connections between the components and central controller <NUM>).

Central controller <NUM> can be configured to receive input data from air hazard sensor <NUM> and/or environmental condition monitor <NUM>. As described above, input data from air hazard sensor <NUM> is air hazard data, and input data from environmental condition monitor <NUM> is environmental condition data. Central controller <NUM> can be configured to assign a priority level to the input data from air hazard sensor <NUM> through a prioritization algorithm stored within memory unit <NUM>. The prioritization algorithm can designate a priority level for each air hazard to enable effective air hazard mitigation when multiple air hazards are detected. This can additionally help to avoid exacerbating air hazards by coordinating air hazard mitigation measures. Central controller <NUM> can be configured to determine whether the air hazard data received from air hazard sensor <NUM> exceeds an air hazard threshold. An air hazard threshold can be designated for each air hazard based on, for example, indoor air quality standards, manufacturer recommendations, or user selected default levels.

Central controller <NUM> can be configured to select at least one air hazard mitigation measure if the air hazard data exceeds the air hazard threshold for the relevant air hazard, and can be configured to direct air hazard mitigation device <NUM> to perform the selected at least one air hazard mitigation measure. The at least one air hazard mitigation measure can be designated by an action algorithm stored within memory unit <NUM>. The action algorithm, in combination with the prioritization algorithm, can designate and store the appropriate air hazard mitigation measures for the air hazard(s) detected. Central controller <NUM> can further be configured to assess the priority levels of the input data from air hazard sensor <NUM> and select an air hazard mitigation measure which corresponds to the highest priority level assessed by central controller <NUM>.

Central controller <NUM> can be configured to select an operating mode of air management system <NUM>. Operating modes of air management system <NUM> can include, for example, an energy efficiency mode, an optimal air quality mode, and/or a user-customized mode. In an energy efficiency mode, central controller <NUM> can initially select air hazard mitigation measures which are more thermally efficient than other air hazard mitigation measures. For example, if central controller <NUM> detects both a high CO<NUM> level and a large temperature difference between indoor and outdoor temperature, central controller <NUM> can initially select a more energy-efficient air hazard mitigation measure (using a furnace blower to circulate air) over a less energy-efficient air hazard mitigation measure (using an air exchanger to draw in outdoor air). In an optimal air quality mode, central controller <NUM> can initially select the air hazard mitigation measure which is projected to be the most effective at mitigating the detected air hazard(s), as opposed to the air hazard mitigation measure which is the most energy efficient. A user-customized mode can include selections and input from a user about their preferences. The selection of a particular prioritization and/or action algorithm can be modified based on the selected operating mode.

Central controller <NUM> can be configured to calculate a rate of change of the air hazard level while the air hazard mitigation device <NUM> is performing the at least one air hazard mitigation measure. The rate of change can be found by, for example, calculating the change in the level of the air hazard over a period of time as follows: <MAT> where ΔH is the difference between a first measured air hazard level and a second measured air hazard level, and Δt is the amount of time between a first air hazard level measurement and a second air hazard level measurement. Central controller <NUM> can be configured to direct air hazard mitigation device <NUM> to perform an air hazard mitigation measure at a variable speed based on the rate of change of the air hazard level. For example, if the air hazard level has not yet been mitigated by the air hazard mitigation measure, central controller <NUM> can direct air hazard mitigation device <NUM> to operate at a higher level in order to mitigate the air hazard. If the air hazard level is approaching a safe level, central controller <NUM> can direct air hazard mitigation device <NUM> to operate at a lower level.

In some examples, central controller <NUM> can be configured to assess whether an air hazard level is projected to exceed the air hazard threshold for that particular air hazard using the calculated rate of change of the air hazard. Central controller <NUM> can be further configured to direct air hazard mitigation device <NUM> to perform an air hazard mitigation measure in order to prevent the air hazard level of the air hazard from exceeding the air hazard threshold.

Central controller <NUM> can be configured to assess whether the air hazard level of an air hazard has dropped to below the air hazard threshold and reached a safe level. The safe level can be, for example, defined by indoor air quality standards, and can alternatively be a baseline level (defined by an average measurement, such as a <NUM> day running average within the building). The central controller <NUM> can be configured to direct air hazard mitigation device <NUM> to suspend the air hazard mitigation measure once the air hazard level is at or below the safe level.

Central controller <NUM> can be a modular component such that central controller <NUM> is a separate device from the rest of air management system <NUM>, and in some examples central controller <NUM> can be a portable device. Central controller <NUM> can be a localized controller that receives input from, and sends instructions to, the components of mitigation/ monitoring system <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view of exemplary air management system <NUM>. Air management system includes central controller <NUM>, carbon dioxide sensor <NUM>, outdoor air temperature sensor <NUM>, HVAC return air temperature sensor <NUM>, indoor air temperature sensor <NUM>, air exchanger <NUM>, and furnace blower <NUM>.

CO<NUM> sensor <NUM> can be configured to measure a CO<NUM> level and communicate CO<NUM> data to central controller <NUM>. Outdoor air temperature sensor <NUM> can be configured to measure the outdoor air temperature and communicate outdoor air temperature data to central controller <NUM>. HVAC return air temperature sensor <NUM> can be configured to measure the HVAC return air temperature and communicate HVAC return air temperature data to central controller <NUM>. Indoor air temperature sensor <NUM> can be configured to measure the indoor air temperature and communicate indoor air temperature data to central controller <NUM>. Air management system <NUM> functions in substantially the same way as air management system <NUM> described above in reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flow chart depicting a method <NUM> of operating of an air management system, such as air management systems <NUM> and <NUM>. Method <NUM> can include steps <NUM>-<NUM>.

In step <NUM>, the air management system can be powered on. This can be accomplished by, for example, a user powering on the air management system or the central controller directing the air management system to power on at a preselected time. Powering on can additionally and/or alternatively occur after a shutdown, such as in the case of a system reboot, or an event such as power loss.

In step <NUM>, a central controller of the air management system identifies components of a mitigation/ monitoring system of the air management system. As described above in reference to <FIG>, these components include at least one air hazard sensor, at least one environmental condition monitor, at least one air hazard mitigation device, and at least one user interface. The at least one air hazard sensor is a carbon dioxide sensor, a total volatile organic compounds sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a smoke detector, and/or a radon sensor. The at least one environmental condition monitor is a temperature sensor and/or a humidity sensor. The at least one air hazard mitigation device is an air exchanger, an in-room air purifier, an exhaust fan, and/or a furnace blower. The at least one user interface can be a wall control device, a voice control device, a remote control device, a computer-based application, and/or a mobile phone application. As described above in reference to <FIG>, the central controller is configured to detect which components are connected and operational. As described in more detail below with respect to step <NUM>, the status of each component (whether the component is connected and/or operable by the central controller) is also periodically checked throughout the operation of the air management system.

In step <NUM>, a user can select an operating mode of the air management system, and the central controller can verify the operating mode selected by the user. As described above in reference to <FIG>, the operating mode can be, for example, an energy efficiency mode, an optimal air quality mode, or a user-customized mode.

In step <NUM>, the central controller can configure and store the appropriate prioritization and action algorithms. The central controller can configure the prioritization and/or action algorithms based on, for example, the selected operating mode and/or the configuration of components within the air management system. These algorithms are described in detail above in reference to <FIG>.

In step <NUM>, the central controller can analyze input data from the components in the mitigation/monitoring system. This can include, for example, air hazard data from the at least one air hazard sensor and/or environmental condition data from the at least one environmental condition monitor.

In step <NUM>, the central controller can assess whether a particular air hazard threshold for each air hazard has been exceeded. If the central controller determines that no air hazard thresholds have been exceeded, the air management system can proceed to step <NUM>. If the central controller determines that a particular air hazard threshold has been exceeded, the air management system can proceed to step <NUM>.

In step <NUM>, the central controller can assess whether the configuration of the air management system has changed since step <NUM> (in which the central controller identifies the components within the air management system). The central controller identifies whether a new component has been added, or whether a component has gone offline or is otherwise disconnected from the central controller. The central controller can repeat step <NUM> periodically during the operation of the air management system. If the central controller determines that the configuration of the air management system has not changed (i.e. all initially detected components are currently connected), the air management system can proceed to step <NUM>. If the central controller determines that the configuration of the air management system has changed, the air management system can repeat steps <NUM>-<NUM> as described above.

In step <NUM>, the central controller can assess whether the operating mode selected by a user in step <NUM> has changed. If the central controller determines that the initially selected operating mode has not changed, the air management system can repeat steps <NUM>-<NUM> as described above. If the central controller determines that the selected operating mode has changed (i.e. a user has selected a different operating mode, reset or changed the initial operating mode settings, or otherwise changed the initially selected operating mode), the air management system can repeat steps <NUM>-<NUM> as described above.

In step <NUM>, the central controller can direct an alert module to annunciate an air hazard warning. This can be accomplished by, for example, displaying an air hazard warning message on the user interface that an unsafe level of an air hazard has been detected and that the system will begin performing air hazard mitigation measures.

In step <NUM>, the central controller can direct at least one air hazard mitigation devices to execute at least one air hazard mitigation measure. The air hazard mitigation measure can be selected by the central controller based on the air hazard mitigation device(s) detected by the central controller. The air hazard mitigation measure(s) can be defined by the configured prioritization and action algorithms. For example, if a VOC level above the VOC threshold has been detected in a particular room, the central controller can direct an air exchanger to begin operating.

In step <NUM>, the central controller can analyze air hazard data from the connected air hazard sensors. Using this air hazard data, the central controller can calculate the rate of change of the air hazard, and can further calculate the total time needed to mitigate the air hazard (i.e. return to a safe air quality with an air hazard level below the air hazard threshold).

In step <NUM>, the central controller can assess whether additional air hazards have been detected by a connected air hazard sensor. The central controller can further assess whether any additional air hazards detected have a higher priority level than the air hazard initially detected in step <NUM>. If no additional air hazards have been detected, or if additional air hazards detected have a lower priority level than the air hazard initially detected in step <NUM>, the air management system can proceed to step <NUM>. If the central controller determines that an air hazard with a higher priority level than the air hazard detected in step <NUM> is present, the air management system can repeat steps <NUM>-<NUM> as described above.

In step <NUM>, the central controller can assess whether the at least one air hazard mitigation measure performed by the at least one air hazard mitigation device in step <NUM> is effectively mitigating the air hazard detected in steps <NUM> or <NUM>. The central controller can assess the effectiveness of the at least one air hazard mitigation measure by, for example, measuring whether the rate of change calculated in step <NUM> is negative or positive. A negative rate of change signals that the air hazard level is decreasing over time, while a positive rate of change signals an increase in the air hazard level over time. The central controller can additionally compare the rate of change to a threshold rate of change. This threshold rate of change can be, for example, based on the volume of the building and the possible volume of air exchange. If the central controller measures a positive rate of change, the central controller can designate the at least one air hazard mitigation measure as ineffective and the air management system can proceed to step <NUM>. Additionally and/or alternatively, the central controller can designate the at least one air hazard mitigation measure as ineffective if the rate of change exceeds the threshold rate of change, which would signal that the air hazard level is decreasing less quickly than it would at a threshold rate of change. Conversely, if the central controller measures a negative rate of change, or a rate of change which is less than the threshold rate of change, the central controller can designate the at least one air hazard mitigation measure as effective and the air management system can proceed to step <NUM>.

In step <NUM>, the central controller can assess whether a secondary air hazard mitigation measure is available. This can be accomplished by the central controller determining whether a second air hazard mitigation device is connected or determining whether the air hazard mitigation device currently performing an air hazard mitigation measure can change the air hazard mitigation measure currently being performed. If the central controller determines that a secondary air hazard mitigation measure is available, the central controller can then determine whether the secondary air hazard mitigation measure is currently enabled. If the central controller determines that a secondary air hazard mitigation measure is available and not yet enabled, the air management system can proceed to step <NUM>. If the central controller determines that a secondary air hazard mitigation measure is either unavailable or already enabled, the air management system can proceed to step <NUM>.

In step <NUM>, the central controller can assess whether the air hazard level is above or below the air hazard threshold. If the central controller determines that the air hazard level is above the air hazard threshold, the air management system can repeat steps <NUM>-<NUM>. If the central controller determines that the air hazard level is below the air hazard threshold (i.e. that the previously detected air hazard has been mitigated), the air management system can proceed to step <NUM>.

In step <NUM>, the central controller can direct at least one air hazard mitigation device to enable a secondary air hazard mitigation measure. After the central controller directs the at least one air hazard mitigation device to enable the secondary air hazard mitigation measure, the air management system can repeat steps <NUM>-<NUM>.

In step <NUM>, the central controller can measure the amount of time that has passed since the at least one air hazard mitigation device began performing the at least one air hazard mitigation measure. The central controller can additionally assess whether the amount of time that has passed exceeds a maximum mitigation time. If the central controller determines that the amount of time has not exceeded the maximum mitigation time, the air management system can repeat steps <NUM>-<NUM>. If the central controller determines that the amount of time has exceeded the maximum mitigation time, the air management system can proceed to step <NUM>.

In step <NUM>, the central controller can direct the alert module to extinguish the air hazard warning annunciated by the alert module in step <NUM>. This can be accomplished by, for example, displaying a message on the user interface that the air hazard has been successfully mitigated. The central controller can additionally direct the at least one air hazard mitigation device to suspend the at least one mitigation measure. The air management system can then repeat steps <NUM>-<NUM>.

In step <NUM>, the central controller can direct the alert module to trigger a mitigation alarm. This can be accomplished by, for example, displaying a mitigation failure alarm message on the user interface that the air hazard mitigation measures have been unsuccessful, or directing one of the air hazard sensors to emit an audible alarm. The air management system can then repeat steps <NUM>-<NUM>.

Incorporating an intelligent environmental air management system into a building provides several advantages. A central controller allows for easy and effective centralized user management of the air management system. A central controller which can detect connected devices can manage device outages or connection problems while allowing the air management system to continue operating. Incorporating prioritization algorithms for the selection of air hazard mitigation measures improves the safety of the system and accounts for the devices detected by the central controller. Finally, an intelligent system allows for personalized settings based on the user's preferences and available devices.

Claim 1:
A central controller (<NUM>, <NUM>) for an intelligent environmental air management system (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising at least one air hazard sensor (<NUM>), at least one environmental condition monitor (<NUM>), and at least one air hazard mitigation device (<NUM>), the central controller (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
at least one processor (<NUM>); and
memory (<NUM>) storing instructions executable by the at least one processor (<NUM>), wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the central controller (<NUM>, <NUM>) to:
detect which of the at least one air hazard sensor (<NUM>), the at least one environmental condition monitor (<NUM>), and the at least one air hazard mitigation device (<NUM>) are connected to the intelligent environmental air management system (<NUM>, <NUM>);
detect which of the at least one air hazard sensor (<NUM>), the at least one environmental condition monitor (<NUM>), and the at least one air hazard mitigation device (<NUM>) are operational by determining whether the at least one air hazard sensor (<NUM>), the at least one environmental condition monitor (<NUM>), and the at least one air hazard mitigation device (<NUM>) can communicate with and receive instructions from the central controller (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
detect, for each of the at least one air hazard sensor (<NUM>), the at least one environmental condition monitor (<NUM>), and the at least one air hazard mitigation device (<NUM>), the type of component connected with the central controller (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein for the at least one air hazard sensor (<NUM>) the type of component comprises one or more of: a carbon dioxide sensor (<NUM>), a total volatile organic compounds sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a smoke detector, and a radon sensor;
wherein for the at least one environmental condition monitor (<NUM>) the type of component comprises one or more of: a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor; and
wherein for the at least one air hazard mitigation device (<NUM>) the type of component comprises one or more of: an air exchanger (<NUM>), an in-room air purifier, an exhaust fan, and a furnace blower (<NUM>).