The ScentralAire® System is an innovative new "Smart Appliance" designed to precisely diffuse a variety of fragrances, treatment media, or simple water vapor into the HVAC air handling systems of residential or commercial spaces. ScentralAire operates as simply or elegantly as one prefers. It can be activated and deactivated manually, or can be completely and easily programmed for output over a 7-day repetitive cycle. The means for programming the system is the keypad/display mounted in the living space. The programming options include on/off times, choice of media, and intensity of output. The keypad/display not only serves to operate the functions of the ScentralAire System, but also functions as a 7-day programmable HVAC thermostat.
ScentralAire Media Products are specially formulated water-soluble liquid concentrates that are precisely mixed with domestic supply water within the system's dispensing control unit. That mixture is then precisely diffused into the HVAC airstream. The intended media products are fragrances intended to produce an aesthetic effect; odor neutralizers; and also treatments capable of pesticidal, bactericidal, fungicidal, sporicidal effect within the air handling system or living space.
The ScentralAire System's patented technology and on-board microcontroller enable consistent, reliable diffusion in all climates. Airstream sensors continuously monitor the conditions of the passing air, and communicate that data to the microcontroller for adjustments to the output. The result is failsafe, reliable output.
The state of the art in central humidification devices for living & working environments is best characterized as passive evaporation of water from a reservoir adjacent to the HVAC airstream. While this basic technology is effective and simple, it does not offer precise control by the user. This existing technology also provides only singular the function of humidification, and does not provide for diffusion of other media.
Many different products exist for the purpose of delivering pleasant fragrance to the living spaces of residences, commercial spaces, and industrial workspaces. They range from heated diffusers of oils & gels, to scented candles, to potpourri, and aerosols. All of these products are ineffective at sustaining a desired level of fragrance, and none operate in an automatic way. Most are only effective in the immediate vicinity of the dispenser, and for all of them, a preference for a change in fragrance means the user must replace the dispenser or its contents.
The object of the ScentralAire System is to apply contemporary microcontroller, sensor and electromechanical technologies to a dispensing device that will be more effective, controllable and convenient for the user, and have broader application.
The ScentralAire System consists of a dispensing control unit, airstream sensor & dispenser module, programming keypad/display, and three fragrance/media reservoirs. Each media reservoir represents a “channel” from which the control unit receives and dispenses. The system's three “channels” (reservoirs) can represent either three different media selections or additional capacity of a single media. The reservoirs are replaceable and conveniently integrated into the control unit's housing.
The control unit can be mounted in a discrete location convenient to the user. The sensor & dispenser module attaches to the warm air, effluent side of conventional forced-air HVAC systems. The location of the module determines whether the media is dispensed in a zone, or throughout the living space.
The ScentralAire System is programmable from the living space by means of an integrated keypad/display that also functions as the HVAC system’s thermostatic control. The ScentralAire System is interactive with the HVAC system so as to dispense media only when there is airflow, and to only such an extent as the conditions of the airstream will allow.
The keypad/display is the user interface. From the keypad/display the user programs the media dispensing profile, also known as "ScentScape". The ScentScape is created by the user by choosing the following parameters: dispensing schedule and duration; choice of media (or humidification only) for each dispensing interval; and intensity level for each dispensing interval. The display provides a graphical assist to the programming sequence. Once programmed, the display graphically reveals the system status, the chosen profile, date/time, and media “gauges” indicating the remaining media in each reservoir.
The ScentralAire System is also intended to be compatible with popular “smart house” home automation & control systems and can thereby utilize such systems as an alternative means for the user to control the system as they would otherwise do using the keypad/display.
ScentralAire is “retrofittable” to any existing forced air HVAC system as well as new construction. Standard installation requires no special skills, and can be done with basic household tools. Installation for use with a home automation & control system requires assistance from that system's installer.
Easy installation
“Zone-able” according to the design of the HVAC system
Active dispensing of media
Wide variety of media from which to choose.
“Smart” keypad/display/thermostatic control module recognizes and displays the chosen “media” name
Design your own "ScentScape" by programming the media, the intensity level, and delivery schedule
Simple & robust design
Modular design for easy serviceability (module replacement approach to service)
System self-diagnostics, fault detection & fault locator
Intuitive programming functions and media replenishment procedures.
Interactive with HVAC system
Keypad/display/thermostatic control module with LCD Text-Display
Low reservoir indication at the keypad.
Controllable by popular “smart house” home automation & control systems.
Auto-ranging intensity scale & output based on sensed airstream parameters.
Failsafe -- Output is only enabled when sensed conditions are met.
Pleasant fragrance throughout the living/work space; aroma-therapeutic effect
Operates according to user lifestyle & preferences.
Concurrent humidification
Capable of delivering bactericidal/fungicidal agents to reduce allergenic bioburden.
Low operating costs
More convenient and effective than passive room-fresheners or aerosols
Consistent dosage throughout the living space.
Efficient operation; low energy consumption; no wasted media.
Display Reminders to replenish media reservoirs
Long service life expectancy of 10+ years for hardware.
Low-to-No maintenance operation
Serviceable by the user. “Plug’N’play” component replacement
Low or no “down-time”.
Only operates if and when main HVAC is operating
Broad control capability as enabled by the home’s automation & control system.
Auto-ranging intensity scale provides consistent media levels in the living space.
Risk of output malfunction is minimized with multiple sensor inputs.
Residential
Commercial Buildings - Retail & Professional
Industrial