To address the issues of stuffiness and odor accumulation in the confined spaces of space capsule homes, ventilation system design must focus on "efficient air circulation + targeted odor control." Taking into account the small size and tight sealing, this system balances ventilation efficiency and comfort, avoiding the ineffectiveness of relying solely on a single ventilation method. The airtight nature of space capsule homes makes air stagnant, especially when people are active, generating heat, moisture, and odors. Without adequate ventilation, these substances accumulate indoors, causing both a stuffy feeling and odor retention. Therefore, the ventilation system requires a multi-dimensional design encompassing air flow paths, power sources, and purification processes.
Passive ventilation is fundamental, leveraging natural airflow and thermal pressure to create a basic ventilation channel. Typically, a space capsule is equipped with an openable electric skylight or ventilation louvers at the top, while concealed air inlets are reserved at the bottom, creating a "bottom-in, top-out" air convection path. Cool outdoor air enters through the bottom inlet, while hot indoor air, due to its low density, flows upward and is discharged through the top skylight. Natural thermal pressure creates air circulation, reducing the feeling of stuffiness. Furthermore, adjustable invisible ventilation windows can be designed on the side walls. Dust and insect screens and soundproofing pads can be installed on the inside of the window sashes to ensure cleanliness during natural ventilation while preventing outdoor noise from entering. The opening angle of the ventilation windows can be adjusted according to the weather, closing them on rainy days and opening them on sunny days, achieving both ventilation and protection.
Active ventilation systems should complement passive ventilation to address ventilation needs during windless or muggy weather. The key is a small, low-noise fresh air system. The fresh air unit should be installed in a concealed location within the cabin (such as the bottom or top equipment compartment). The air inlet should be located where fresh outdoor air is available, and the outlets should be evenly distributed in indoor activity areas (such as rest areas and bathrooms) to ensure fresh air reaches the entire space. The fresh air system should have a two-way ventilation function, bringing in fresh air while simultaneously exhausting contaminated indoor air, avoiding excessive indoor pressure or the accumulation of contaminated air due to air intake without exhaust. Furthermore, the fresh air path should be designed to avoid resting areas such as bedside areas to reduce the discomfort caused by direct airflow. Through a strategic layout, the air circulates slowly, removing heat while avoiding localized stuffiness.
To address odor accumulation, ventilation systems need to incorporate targeted purification and localized exhaust designs. Bathrooms and mini-kitchens are primary sources of odor, so these areas should be equipped with separate, small exhaust systems. The exhaust ducts should lead directly to the outdoors, and the exhaust power should be slightly higher than in other areas. This ensures that odors are quickly expelled upon generation and prevent them from spreading to rest areas. Furthermore, activated carbon filters or photocatalyst purification modules can be installed in the fresh air system's ducts. As air passes through the filters, the activated carbon absorbs odor molecules, while the photocatalyst decomposes organic odors (such as food odors and bathroom odors) in a dim light environment, reducing odor entry into the room at the source. Furthermore, concealed return air vents can be installed indoors, also equipped with purification filters, to provide secondary purification during indoor air circulation, further reducing residual odor.
The ventilation system also needs to coordinate with the temperature control system to prevent excessive temperature fluctuations caused by air exchange. If the space capsule is equipped with air conditioning or heaters, the fresh air system can incorporate preheating/precooling functions. This allows incoming fresh air to be temperature-controlled and then delivered to the room at approximately the same temperature as the room itself. This prevents direct inflow of cold air in winter or hot air in summer, ensuring effective ventilation without disrupting the comfortable indoor temperature and reducing the feeling of stuffiness or chilliness caused by temperature imbalances. Furthermore, the ventilation system's fans are low-noise models, and the air duct walls are soundproofed to minimize noise from equipment operation, which can affect the living experience. Given the confined space of a space capsule, noise can be easily amplified, making a quiet ventilation environment crucial for enhanced comfort.
Intelligent adjustment functions allow the ventilation system to be more adaptable to different usage scenarios, further optimizing its effectiveness in preventing stuffiness and removing odors. Temperature, humidity, and odor sensors can be installed within the capsule to monitor the indoor environment in real time. When humidity exceeds a threshold or an odor is detected, the fresh air system automatically increases air volume and exhaust power, accelerating air circulation. When the indoor temperature is comfortable and there is no noticeable odor, the system automatically switches to low air volume or relies solely on passive ventilation, saving energy. Users can also manually adjust ventilation modes via the control panel. For example, "Sleep Mode" reduces air volume and noise, while "Quick Ventilation Mode" quickly purifies the air before check-in, balancing practicality and flexibility.
The ventilation system design for the enclosed space of a space capsule homestay requires a combination of passive and active approaches, local and overall coordination, and a balanced emphasis on purification and intelligent regulation. This creates an efficient and adaptable air circulation system suitable for confined spaces. This system effectively removes hot air and odors while introducing fresh, clean air. This system also ensures quietness, energy efficiency, and stable temperature, maintaining a comfortable and refreshing living environment within the enclosed space capsule.
