EP3657110B1 - Control apparatus for carrying out a process for drying an area of a structure to be dried, and process - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a control device for carrying out a method for drying a region of a building that is to be dried, as well as the corresponding method.

Drying devices are used to complete construction work on new buildings, to renovate old buildings and, in particular, to repair moisture damage, for example caused by broken water pipes or moisture accumulation due to insufficient ventilation. The areas of the structure to be dried, for example walls, cavities or the air within rooms enclosed by walls, are usually dried by removing or drying moisture-laden air. As a rule, drying devices are used for heating in order to allow the heated air to absorb a greater amount of moisture. The heated air is either removed and replaced by drier air, and / or reduced in its moisture content by drying devices such as dehumidifiers and used to reabsorb moisture from the area to be dried.

US 2011/167670 A1 , US 2005/285748 A1 , DE 10 2017 108537 A1 and WO 2016/142347 A2 disclose drying methods and control devices for performing a drying method according to the prior art.

These drying processes are extremely energy-intensive. Usually, the drying devices operated with electric current have to run for days or even weeks in order to ensure sufficient drying success, and therefore cause high electricity costs.

For this reason, systems have been proposed which are intended to ensure efficient drying. For example, the German Offenlegungsschrift proposes a system and a method for drying insulating layers of floors using the vacuum method. According to claim 1, this comprises a compressor with at least two suction openings, via which water is conveyed to a water separator coupled to the compressor, the air being located below a floor Insulating layers is sucked off through the at least two suction openings in drying air hoses connected therewith. A moisture sensor is provided for determining the air humidity of a suction air volume flow and a flow control unit for regulating the suction air volume flow. Depending on the determined air humidity, a control unit of the flow control unit opens or closes individual suction air volume flows. The humidity sensor measures the air humidity in one of the suction air volume flows one after the other at predetermined measuring intervals. Also addressed in claim 1 is a preprogrammed drying interval. The disadvantage here is the fact that the system is set to this preprogrammed drying interval.

The object of the invention is to provide efficient devices and methods for drying.

The invention results from the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments and refinements are the subject matter of the dependent claims, the invention not being restricted to the independent and dependent claims, but rather also individual of the features mentioned therein or further features mentioned in the description can be combined.

The object is achieved in a first aspect by a control device for performing a method for drying an area of a structure to be dried, for example a building, masonry, a cavity or a tunnel, the control device comprising: at least one mains plug for supplying voltage to the control device, at least one controllable voltage connection for a drying device designed as a fan, at least one controllable voltage connection for a drying device designed as a dehumidifier, at least one controllable voltage connection for a drying device designed as a heating device, at least one controllable voltage connection for a drying device designed as a turbine, at least one data connection for a moisture sensor and / or a temperature sensor, an output means for outputting messages, a control unit, with which depending on the humidity data for the air Humidity in or on the area to be dried, which can be provided via the at least one data connection for a moisture sensor, the at least one controllable voltage connection for a fan, the at least one controllable voltage connection for a dehumidifier, the at least one controllable voltage connection for a heater and the at least one controllable Voltage connection for a turbine can be subjected to a voltage independently of one another. In this case, the control unit is designed to determine moisture data during the drying of the area to be dried operating one or more drying devices via the data connection for the at least one moisture sensor and to create a moisture profile for the area to be dried therefrom, after a rest phase of the period t _{rest phase of} the or the Drying devices using the created moisture profile and a measured current air humidity F _{after a} rest phase to forecast a future moisture profile when one or more of the drying devices are operated again, and using the predicted future moisture profile _{to output a message about a determined remaining drying time t remaining} runtime, after which a desired humidity of the area to be dried will be reached.

Non-limiting examples of fans are diagonal fans, tangential fans, in particular axial fans and / or radial fans, which are known per se. The fans are used to transport or circulate air, for example to remove moisture-laden air from an area to be dried or to apply air of lower humidity to an area to be dried.

Non-limiting examples of dehumidifiers are those based on the absorption of the water vapor that makes up the humidity in hygroscopic liquids, the absorption of corresponding water vapor on absorbents, and / or in particular dehumidifiers which reduce the humidity by condensation of the water vapor contained in the air. The condensate can be collected in a collecting container, for example, or a hose connection can be drained away.

Non-limiting examples of heating devices are heating devices operated via Peltier elements, preferably heating devices operated via heating coils, and particularly preferably heating panels such as infrared radiators.

Turbines are used in particular for the admission of air to cavities for drying and enable a controlled air flow despite increased flow resistance in the cavity.

If at least one voltage connection for a specific drying device is mentioned here, this is to be understood as meaning that, for example, a single one There is a voltage connection for such a drying device, or two voltage connections to provide a voltage supply for two such drying devices, or a further voltage connection for each additional drying device. According to special developments, there are voltage connections for one or two fans, preferably for one fan, voltage connections for one or two dehumidifiers, preferably for one dehumidifier, voltage connections for one to five heaters, and voltage connections for one or two turbines, and for any combination of the above Options. The voltage connections can each be controlled in such a way that it is determined whether a respective voltage connection has a voltage applied to it, whereby a drying device connected to it is in operation, or is not subjected to a voltage, i.e. is in a voltage-free state, which means that a drying device connected to it The drying device is not in operation. A voltage can be applied to the voltage connections independently of one another. If a voltage is applied to all voltage connections, then all drying devices connected to them are in operation, but it can also be provided that not all, but selectively only some or some of the voltage connections are charged with a voltage, so that only those connected to these voltage connections are applied Drying device are in operation. The voltage connections are individually marked to identify the type of drying device intended for each. In comparison with conventional drying systems, in which drying devices are connected to special control boxes via voltage lines as well as control lines, the general operational capability being provided via the voltage lines and appropriate control commands from the control lines actually determining whether the respective drying device is in operation at a given point in time In order to be in operation or out of operation, the control device presented here enables a use that is exempt from such restrictions. System-compliant control lines are not required; rather, each device can be connected and put into operation, provided it is only ensured that the device is in operation when the voltage connection used is applied, i.e. when a voltage connection is applied.

At least one data connection for a humidity sensor is to be understood as meaning that there are one or more data connections for a corresponding number of humidity sensors to which the measurement results of the humidity sensor or the humidity sensors are transmitted. Correspondingly, for the at least one data connection for a temperature sensor, one or there are several data connections for a corresponding number of temperature sensors. For example, connections for one, two, three or four humidity sensors and / or temperature sensors are provided. Moisture sensors are preferably connected to the connection or connections, which sensors supply both data on the measured air humidity and data on the measured temperature. The data on humidity can be data on absolute humidity, but it is preferably data on relative humidity, so that for all control devices or methods described herein in appropriate embodiments or developments, if desired, relative humidity can always be used as a basis when generally referred to herein as humidity. The preferred simultaneous recording of temperature data is used in particular to document the temperature profile during drying. According to a particular development, the at least one data connection is provided for a sensor that is both a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor; according to another development, the data connection is provided for a humidity sensor. The data connection is designed accordingly to recognize data from a humidity sensor as humidity data and to recognize data from a temperature sensor as temperature data.

The concept of the area to be dried results in an obvious way from general technical understanding. For example, in the case of a room drying, the entire body of air in the room in question can be viewed as an area to be dried, which can draw its moisture from any point in the room. In the case of wall drying, an entire wall or part of a wall can be viewed as an area to be dried, in particular areas where increased moisture can be determined, for example as a result of local cooling, for example caused by cold bridges, or water pipe damage . In the case of cavity drying, for example, the walls of the cavities, the air bodies located in the cavities, or parts of the cavity can be viewed as areas to be dried.

The concept of positioning on or in the area to be dried also results from general technical understanding. For example, those skilled in the art endeavor to measure the moisture in the immediate vicinity of the respective wall when the wall is drying, for example at a distance of 0 to 100 cm, for example 0-20 cm, such as about 1 to 10 cm, in the case of cavity drying on the wall or walls surrounding the cavity, or within the body of air by the cavity is enclosed, or in the case of a room drying in the air surrounding the walls of the room. It is understandable that the statement about the drying success in the area to be dried becomes more significant the closer the humidity is determined to the area to be dried.

The drying takes place through the operation of one or more of the drying devices, for example by circulating air by means of one or more fans and dehumidifying the circulated air by means of one or more dehumidifiers, and / or heating the area to be dried by means of one or more heating devices or the drying areas by means of one or more heating devices in order to promote a transfer of moisture from the area to be dried into the surrounding air. A moisture sensor can be provided for an area to be dried, or alternatively several moisture sensors whose measured values are offset against one another in order to compensate for local fluctuations or to compensate for the failure of a moisture sensor. The calculation can be, for example, averaging. Alternatively, the control unit can be used for drying several separate areas to be dried, it being possible for one or more moisture sensors to be assigned to each area to be dried.

The control unit of the control device is designed to use the at least one moisture sensor to determine the moisture data during the drying of the area to be dried, including possibly several areas to be dried, which is carried out by the operation of one or more of the drying devices, and on the basis of these determined moisture data create a moisture curve for the area to be dried. For example, moisture data are collected continuously from the at least one moisture sensor, or at discrete points in time, for example in any range from one measurement per minute up to 120 measurements per minute.

After the corresponding drying, a rest phase of the period t _{rest phase} of the drying device (s) is provided. During drying, as part of an equilibrium setting, moisture is transported from walls, which represent or surround the area to be dried, to the air that borders the walls, and are released into this air, which is why the contact surfaces of the walls with the air are comparatively well dried compared to deeper layers of the walls. The period of time t _{resting phase} is sufficient to allow migration to allow moisture from such deeper layers, preferably to bring about a complete equilibrium. As an alternative or in addition, the period of time t _{resting phase is} sufficiently dimensioned to allow the temperature, which is usually increased during drying when the drying device (s) is in operation, to be lowered to the temperature normally prevailing. This enables a statement about the drying success that is preferred in practice, especially when using the indication of relative humidity.

The control unit is also designed to use one or more measured values that are supplied to the corresponding data connection (s) via one or more moisture sensors to base _{a measured current air humidity F after the rest phase after the period t idle phase has elapsed.} On the basis of this measured current air humidity F _{after the} resting phase and the generated moisture profile, the control unit is able to predict a future moisture profile that is to be expected when one or more of the drying devices are operated again.

For example, the generated moisture profile can be used to determine by what percentage the moisture in the area to be dried, for example the relative moisture, has decreased per day or other unit of time during the operation of the drying device (s). Accordingly, on the basis of the same decrease, corresponding to an overall gradient of the overall measurement curve, a forecast of the future moisture profile can be made when the drying device or devices are operated again.

The control unit is designed to use this predicted future moisture profile _{to output a message about a determined remaining drying time t remaining} running time, after which a desired air humidity F _target humidity of the area to be dried or in the area to be dried will not be exceeded, preferably will be reached. This remaining drying time t _remaining running time is determined exclusively by the control unit and therefore does not require any data analysis by a human operator. What is advantageously achieved in this way is that the control unit makes any evaluation work with regard to the drying that has taken place by a human operator of the control device superfluous. Rather, the control device can be used autonomously and, as soon as the remaining drying time t _remaining running time has been determined, it provides a basis for further planning the use of the device on or in the corresponding structure, for example on a new one to be dried Area or on another structure. The remaining drying time t _remaining running time can be specified as the period of time that will still elapse, for example in days, hours and / or minutes, but specifications of an absolute date and / or an absolute time at which the drying will be completed are also given, includes.

The control unit is implemented, for example, as an electronic circuit board and / or as a microprocessor with appropriate software to fulfill the tasks addressed here, via which the processing of the data received from the humidity sensor and / or temperature sensor and the control of the voltage connections provide a voltage commissioned state or a de-energized state takes place. In corresponding developments it is provided that the type of drying device provided for a respective voltage connection is stored in the control unit. Accordingly, by activating a respective voltage connection, a device suitable for bringing about a desired effect can be put into operation or put out of operation. For example, a drying device designed as a fan can be activated by activating an associated voltage connection, if better air circulation is desired, or a drying device designed as a dehumidifier for the case that moisture removal from the air is desired, or a drying device designed as a heating device , for the case that a temperature increase is desired, or a drying device designed as a turbine for the case that air transport in a cavity is desired.

The output means can be selected by the person skilled in the art as technical solutions which are generally known in the art. For example, the output means can comprise an arrangement of control lights, each control light being assigned a meaning, for example a control light for the meaning "drying successfully completed", and / or can comprise a numeric or alphanumeric digital display and / or a screen, in particular a touch-sensitive one Screen, include. In particular, when configured as a screen, a variety of information can be displayed via the output means depending on the corresponding configuration of the control device, which can be selected independently of one another according to non-limiting examples under the current humidity, possibly the respective humidity, which is indicated by a corresponding number of humidity sensors measured in different places; a moisture history over time; the temperature measured at one point or the temperatures measured at several points; the previous total power consumption of the the drying device or devices used, the power consumption of individual drying devices; the total electricity consumption or the individual electricity consumption over time; Error messages; Messages about drying success, messages about operating phases of the drying device, error messages and the like.

According to the invention, the control device is designed to carry out a method for drying with the features mentioned below. This method includes a control of the voltage connections to assume a permanently energized state to enable continuous operation of one or more connected drying devices, furthermore during continuous operation, determination by means of at least one humidity sensor connected to the data connection, whether a desired air humidity F _{is present after} continuous operation, furthermore for the case that the desired humidity F is _{determined after} continuous operation, control of the voltage connections to carry out a first intermittent operation over a predefinable period of time t _{intermittent operation} and creation of the moisture profile by creating an overall measurement curve of the air humidity, and with control of the voltage connections to provide a voltage-free state, if within the Overall measurement curve a partial measurement curve indicates a stable value of the air humidity within a predeterminable time interval and / or if a measured current air humidity ≤ F _{lower limit} interval operation, and under activation to provide a voltage, if a measured current air humidity ≥ F _{upper limit interval operation} , furthermore, after the period t _{interval operation has} elapsed, activation of the voltage connections to assume a de-energized state for a predefinable period t _{idle phase} to carry out the rest phase, furthermore, after the period t _{rest phase has} elapsed, a measurement of the current air humidity F _{after the rest phase} in or on the area to be dried, furthermore a forecast of a _remaining drying time t remaining running time required to _{achieve F target} humidity on the basis of the total measurement curve created during the interval operation and the measured current air humidity F _{after the idle phase} , and furthermore a control of the voltage connections to carry out a second interval operation over the predicted time period t _{remaining runz time} . The creation of the overall measurement curve of the air humidity can be done by continuously measuring the air humidity or by measuring at discrete points in time.

During continuous operation, a large part of the moisture is removed from the area to be dried. In particular, there is generally an essentially continuous transport of moisture from the walls of the area to be dried, sub-release to the adjacent air. At least one humidity sensor connected to the data connection is used to determine whether a desired humidity F is reached _after continuous operation during continuous operation. This desired humidity F _{after continuous operation} is, for example, a value at which continuous moisture transport from a damp wall to the adjacent air is no longer possible, which is why continued operation of the drying device (s) would lead to a waste of energy, since the drying device (s) would waste energy The energy expended on drying devices would no longer lead to an efficient removal of moisture. As a further example, the desired air humidity denotes a value at which the adjoining air has not yet been dried to the extent that drying damage, for example to wooden objects in a room to be dried, is to be expected. For this reason, it is advantageous to stop the permanent drying at this desired air humidity in order to avoid damage to objects in the room or the use of a room due to air that is too dry. For such a desired humidity F _after continuous operation, a target value F _{lower limit can be} specified, either stored generically by the control device, selected by the user from a plurality of generically stored values, or individually entered by the user.

In the event that a corresponding, desired air humidity F is _{determined after continuous operation} , the voltage connections are activated to carry out a first interval operation over a predeterminable time period t _{interval operation} . A total measurement curve of the air humidity is created through continuous measurement or measurements at discrete points in time, which ultimately enables the creation of the moisture profile of the area to be dried. The humidity profile according to this embodiment is thus based on the humidity data that were collected during the first intermittent operation, but does not include the humidity data collected during continuous operation. Intermittent operation is generally understood to mean that - unlike continuous operation - the drying device or drying devices are not operated continuously, corresponding to a continuous application of voltage to the respective voltage connections, but rather are temporarily not in operation.

The decision as to whether the respective voltage connections should be supplied with voltage or not depends on the measured values of the respective current air humidity. If a partial measurement curve is determined within the overall measurement curve which shows a stable value for the air humidity within a predeterminable time interval, this indicates that insufficient moisture is being supplied from the area to be dried. Further operation of the drying device (s) is therefore not energetically efficient, which is why the voltage connections are controlled by the control unit in such a way that the de-energized state is provided and the drying devices are therefore taken out of operation. The determination of a stable value for the air humidity is easily possible for the person skilled in the art in view of the disclosure made herein. For example, a stable value can be assumed if all measured values within a given time interval are within a predeterminable fluctuation range, or a certain percentage of the values measured within the given time interval are within a predeterminable standard deviation. Another example is a partial measurement curve in which only a minimal decrease in humidity is determined within a given time interval, i.e. a partial measurement curve with a slight gradient when the measured humidity is plotted over time. Corresponding specifications can be specified or selected as generic values in the control device, or they can be entered by an operator. If, accordingly, a partial measurement curve is determined within the overall measurement curve which shows a changing value of the air humidity within a predeterminable time interval, in particular a falling value of the air humidity with a still acceptable negative slope when plotting the measured humidity over time, this indicates that still moisture is efficiently removed from the area to be dried and further operation of the drying device (s) is useful. Accordingly, the control of the voltage connections takes place in such a way that a voltage is provided by them, which in turn leads to the operation of the drying device or devices connected to it. As an alternative and / or in addition to evaluating a partial measurement curve within the overall measurement curve, a check can be provided as to whether a current value of the air humidity _{corresponds to a predefinable value F lower limit} interval operation or falls below it. In this case, the voltage connections are also activated in such a way that the de-energized state is provided. The value F _{lower limit} interval operation can be specified as a generic value by the control unit, or as a series of selectable generic values, or can be specified by the user of the control device. examples for _{Values F lower limit} interval operation used in practice are 28% to 32% humidity, for example around 30% humidity.

The control of the voltage connections to provide a voltage takes place if a measured current air humidity is equal to or greater than a humidity F _{upper limit} interval operation. The value for F _{upper limit} interval operation can in turn be specified as a generic value by the control device, or as a series of generic values that can be selected by users, or can be specified by the user of the control device. According to a further development, the value for air humidity F _{upper limit} interval operation can be specified directly as air humidity, for example as a relative air humidity. According to another development, F _{upper limit} interval operation can also be expressed indirectly, for example as a percentage deviation from F _{lower limit} interval operation, or as a percentage deviation in the humidity, in particular the relative humidity, which corresponds to the stable value at which the control of the voltage connections to take the de-energized State was triggered. Examples of absolute values F _{upper limit} interval operation are in the range from 35% to 38% humidity, or in the range from 8% to 15% deviation upwards in comparison with the stable value of the air humidity or F _{lower limit} interval operation, based on the respective numerical value of the specification . For example, it can be provided for an interval drying that the operation of the drying device or the drying devices is interrupted by activation to assume the de-energized state when the humidity, in particular the relative humidity, is in the range of 28% to 32%, and operation by activation for Assumption of a stressed state is resumed when the humidity, in particular the relative humidity, is in the range of 35% to 38%.

Interval operation takes place over a period of time t _{interval operation} , for which corresponding values can be stored in the control device or can be entered by the operator. For example, on the basis of his specialist knowledge, the operator can make assumptions as to which length of time t _{interval operation is} sensible in view of the degree of humidity of a given area to be dried. Examples of periods of time t _{interval operation that} are useful in practice are in the range from one day to a few weeks, for example one day to 56 days, such as two days to 48 days, about three days to 35 days, or 4 to 28 days, or 5 to 21 days, 6 to 14 days, 6 to 10 days, such as 7 to 8 days. Intermittent operation provides a very efficient procedure for removing moisture. Much of the moisture was in the previous continuous operation is removed, and the first interval operation enables a time-optimized and energy-optimized further removal of remaining moisture. By activating the voltage connection (s) to assume a de-energized state, energy is saved efficiently as soon as the respective partial measurement curve shows that any further energy expenditure for operating the drying device (s) would only lead to the removal of a small amount of additional moisture. Since only a small proportion of the moisture could thus be removed with a high expenditure of energy, further operation of the drying device or devices would be energetically inefficient. If the measured air humidity rises again, so that the voltage connections are activated to assume a voltage-charged state, then moisture is removed again without unnecessary waiting times. This represents a considerable time optimization of the drying process, which is advantageous in that, on the one hand, moisture damage on or in the area to be dried is avoided, since the exposure to moisture does not last unnecessarily long, which, for example, could counteract the formation of mold, and on the other hand the control device and the drying devices are quickly available for new assignments.

After the period t _{interval operation} , a period t _{rest phase} follows in which moisture is transported from deeper layers of walls to their surfaces in order to strive for a balance between the dried layers near the surface and the deeper layers containing even more moisture, and / or in which an adjustment of the temperature, which is usually increased at least during the operation of the drying device (s) during the intermittent operation, to normal ambient temperatures takes place.

After the period t _{resting phase has} elapsed, the current air humidity F _{after the} resting phase is measured in or on the area to be dried by the humidity sensor or sensors. On the basis of the overall measurement curve created during the interval operation and the measured current air humidity, it is now possible to forecast a required remaining drying time t _remaining running time, which is required to achieve _{a desired air humidity F target} humidity during a subsequent second interval operation. For example, the overall gradient of the overall measurement curve can be used to predict how the moisture profile will look in the second interval operation. The predeterminable desired humidity F _target humidity can be stored in the control unit in the form of one or more generic values, the user optionally selecting a value from several stored values, or being entered by a user, for example as the desired relative humidity. In practice, depending on the climatic zone in which the building is located, experience has shown that values of 70% to 77% humidity, in particular relative humidity, for example 75% humidity, in particular relative humidity, are desirable. With regard to the control of the voltage connections to assume the de-energized state or the state charged with voltage as a function of the measured current air humidity, what was said for the first interval operation applies. Accordingly, the voltage connections are activated to carry out a second interval operation over a predicted period of time t _remaining running time. If the forecast for the remaining drying time t _remaining running time is zero, the control unit is designed to terminate the drying process in which the voltage connections are activated to provide a voltage-free state and the second interval operation is accordingly omitted.

According to a further development, it can be provided that _{an additional period of time is added to the predicted remaining drying time t remaining} running time as a safety reserve in order to ensure that the desired humidity F _target humidity is reached with increased reliability after the remaining drying time t _remaining running time has elapsed.

According to a special development, it is provided during interval operation that the voltage connections are activated to provide a voltage-free state if a partial measurement curve within the overall measurement curve shows a stable value for the air humidity within a predeterminable time interval, provided that a measured current air humidity ≥ F _{lower limit interval operation} . In this respect, the decisive criterion for switching off the drying device (s) is reaching a level of air humidity at which no energetically effective further drying is possible. However, this requirement only applies if the currently measured humidity does not fall below _{a humidity F lower limit for interval operation.} This air humidity F _{lower limit interval operation} can be set in order to prevent objects from drying out excessively, for example. If, on the other hand, the measured current air humidity is less than F _{lower limit for interval operation} , i.e. measured current air humidity <F _{lower limit for interval operation} , then the voltage connections are activated to provide the de-energized state, even if the partial measurement curve does not yet show a stable value for airiness, i.e. definitely an energetically effective further drying would be possible.

According to a common case, the measured humidity fluctuates between a stable lower value and F _{upper limit interval operation} : if the value F _{upper limit interval operation is} reached, the voltage connection or connections are activated to provide a voltage so that the connected drying device (s) are in operation, whereupon the air skill will decrease. As soon as a partial measurement curve shows a stable value for the air humidity, the air humidity has dropped so far that an energetically sensible drying is no longer possible, which is why the voltage connections are activated to provide a voltage-free state. In the de-energized state, the drying device or devices are not in operation, so that the air humidity rises again until the value F _{upper limit interval operation is} reached. The parameters on which the drying process is based, such as F _{after continuous operation} , t _{interval operation} , t _{remaining running time} , F _{lower limit interval operation} , F _{upper limit interval operation} , t _{resting phase} , F _{target humidity} , all represent information according to further developments that can be displayed via the output device.

According to a further development, the control device is designed to carry out the following step in the drying method: after the predicted time t _{remaining runtime has} elapsed, the second interval operation is ended, and in the event that the current air humidity ≤ F _target humidity, output of a message via the output means, that the drying has been successfully completed, and in the event that the current humidity> F _target humidity, an error message is output. In the first-mentioned case, a user receives the feedback that the drying has been successfully completed and accordingly, for example, the control device can be used for a new task. In the latter case, the user is informed about the lack of drying success and can, for example, consider whether a new drying is necessary or whether basic causes for the lack of drying success must first be eliminated, e.g. moisture still through leaky water pipes. Alternatively, if drying is not successful, the control device _{initiates a third interval operation after inserting a new rest phase of the period t rest phase} and outputs a corresponding message via the output device, with another failure of drying success depending on the specification by a user or through generic settings it can be provided in the control device that either an additional rest phase and an additional interval operation are initiated again, or that a new error message is issued is delivered. If additional rest phases and interval operations are carried out, a further development provides that an updated remaining drying time t _remaining running time is output on the basis of the updated total measurement curve created during the previous interval operation and a humidity F _{after the} rest phase updated after the additional rest phase.

According to a preferred embodiment, the control device comprises a remote data transmission module with which a determined remaining drying time t _remaining running time and / or a message can be transmitted to a data receiver. Each message or everything that is output via the output means of the control device can also be transmitted to the data receiver via the remote data transmission module. The remote data transmission module can be, for example, a mobile phone with which a transmission to a second mobile phone designed as a data receiver is possible. Another example is a WLAN connection, or an Internet connection, which in turn provides a telephone connection, for example, or the transmission of data to software connected via the Internet. Remote monitoring of the control device is thus advantageously possible, the user of the data receiver not having to carry out any analysis work, but rather receiving all the necessary information from the control device. Also provided is the possibility of ensuring the data transmission between the remote data transmission module and the data receiver, if necessary through intermediate stations. For example, if the control device with its remote data transmission module, such as a mobile phone, is in a basement room that is being dried, a connection to the cellular network, which cannot be reached from the basement room, can be ensured via a corresponding intermediate station, such as a repeater. Likewise the subject of the application is accordingly a system comprising a control device as described herein and a data receiver, optionally comprising software executed thereon.

According to one embodiment it is provided that a personal protection switch integrated in the control device is assigned to the mains plug. As is customary in the art, a personal protection switch is understood to mean residual current circuit breakers, for example to protect against residual currents when the mains plug of the control device is supplied from a house power supply of a building or a construction site power supply. This advantageously eliminates the need to switch separate personal protection switches between the power source of the house power supply or the site power supply on the one hand and the control device.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the control device further comprises an electricity meter with which the sum of the at least one controllable voltage connection for a fan, the at least one controllable voltage connection for a dehumidifier, the at least one controllable voltage connection for a heating panel, and the at least a controllable voltage connection for electrical energy drawn from a turbine can be detected. As already mentioned, the drying of buildings is a very energy-intensive process. If drying devices are connected separately to voltage sources, as is widespread in the past, it is necessary to connect individual electricity meters and manually determine the total amount of electrical energy drawn. The control device described herein with the electricity meter included represents a considerable relief, since the total amount of electrical energy used can be recorded and specified by means of the electricity meter, for example as usual in watt hours or kilowatt hours. Optionally or alternatively, it can also be provided that an individual electricity meter is assigned to each individual controllable voltage connection, or that the electricity meter optionally displays the total amount of electrical energy drawn, or the electrical energy drawn broken down into individual controllable voltage connections, or according to groups of voltage connections, such as for example voltage connections provided for fans and / or voltage connections provided for heaters and / or voltage connections provided for turbines and / or voltage connections provided for dehumidifiers. The current total or the total amount of electrical energy drawn after completion of the drying process, or the respective itemized amounts for the electrical energy drawn, can also be the subject of messages that can be output by the output means and / or transmitted to a data receiver via a remote data transmission module. A user is advantageously given an overview of the drying process, particularly when the current total number is output or transmitted.

According to one embodiment, the at least one controllable voltage connection for a fan, the at least one controllable voltage connection for a dehumidifier, the at least one controllable voltage connection for a heater, and / or the at least one controllable voltage connection for a turbine is provided with a locking device with which a plug inserted into the respective voltage connection and / or the respective voltage connection can be reversibly secured. According to a further development, an accidental or unauthorized removal of an inserted Plug can be prevented from being removed from the voltage connection, which would impair the overall success of the drying process if the drying device affected by it were omitted. According to another development, removal of an inserted plug can be allowed, but not unauthorized insertion of a plug, and according to yet another development, unauthorized insertion of a plug into a previously unused voltage connection. The corresponding locking devices advantageously prevent the drying process from being disrupted by unauthorized shutdown of one or more drying devices and / or the control device being used as a source for unauthorized consumption of electrical energy. Corresponding reversible safeguards can be implemented, for example, by means of mechanical locks that are operated, for example, by keys, or by electronic locks, that are operated, for example, by entering codes.

According to one embodiment, the control device comprises an input means for entering a target value F _{lower limit} for a humidity not to be fallen below during continuous operation, a tolerance _{value, a humidity F upper limit} interval operation, a humidity F _{lower limit interval operation} , a target value F _{after the resting phase} , a target value F _target humidity for a desired maximum air humidity after completion of the drying, and / or a duration t _{interval operation} for the implementation of an interval operation of one or more drying devices, and / or for the selection of values stored generically in the control device. In this way, a user can advantageously enter individual values or make a selection from a large number of values stored in the control device, provided he does not want to fall back on a corresponding generically stored value in the control device. Further inputs that can be made via the input means are settings for the transmission of data via a remote data transmission module, for example the frequency of acquisition and / or transmission of moisture data, and the like. The input means can easily be selected from technical solutions known per se, for example switches, knurled switches for entering several values, numeric or alphanumeric keyboards, and / or touch-sensitive screens.

According to one embodiment, the remote data transmission module of the control device is designed to receive data from the data receiver, which for its part is now also designed as a data transmitter. This advantageously opens up the possibility of transmitting data via the data receiver, which is also designed as a data transmitter, for example the aforementioned values for a target value F _{lower limit} for a humidity level not to be fallen below during continuous operation, a tolerance _{value, a humidity F upper limit interval operation} , a humidity F _{lower limit interval operation} , a target value F _{after a resting phase} , a target value F _target humidity for a desired maximum humidity after drying is complete, and / or a duration t _{Interval operation} for the implementation of an interval operation of one or more drying devices and / or a selection of values stored generically in the control device. This also opens up the possibility of transmitting control data to the control device from the data receiver, which is also designed as a data transmitter. For example, the drying process to be carried out by the control device, which would normally be initiated directly on the control device, can thus be initiated or canceled via the data receiver designed as a data transmitter. Overall, a complete remote monitoring and remote control of the control device or the drying process carried out on it is thus possible. In particular, in the event that reports are issued regarding a drying success not achieved, there is the possibility of deciding, by making a corresponding input on the data receiver designed as a data transmitter, whether the drying process should continue or should be canceled. Examples of further control data are instructions for self-control of humidity and / or temperature sensors, settings for the transmission of data, for example the frequency of acquisition and / or transmission of humidity data, and the like. Non-limiting examples of data receivers also designed as data are mobile phones, which also include smartphones that communicate with the remote data transmission module of the control unit, or devices that communicate with the remote data transmission module via a WLAN connection or an Internet connection, for example computers. For example, corresponding apps or programs for sending and / or receiving data and / or their presentation are installed on the mobile phones. Subjects of the invention described herein are accordingly also systems comprising a control device as described herein as well as a data receiver designed at the same time as a data transmitter, for example a mobile phone or a computer, on which optionally apps or programs for sending and / or receiving data and / or whose presentation are installed.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the control device has a second mains plug for the voltage supply, via which the electrical power which can be provided by the control device and which can be called up via the voltage connections can be doubled. In particular, when an increased number of drying devices are connected to the available voltage connections, a sufficient supply of electrical power is ensured. According to a further development, it is provided that when only one mains plug is used to supply voltage to the control device, the voltage thus provided is made available for all voltage connections. If an additional, second mains plug is used, it is provided that a first group of voltage connections is supplied via the first mains plug via an automatic relay, and a second group of voltage connections is supplied via the second mains plug. In particular, the option is provided that when initially using only one mains plug and connecting a number of drying devices which exceed the electrical power that can be provided via the one mains plug, a fuse is triggered and a corresponding message is given via the output means. To provide sufficient electrical power, a second power plug would be plugged in, with the electrical power that can be provided via the first power plug supplying a first circuit with correspondingly assigned voltage connections via the relay circuit already described above and a second power circuit with correspondingly assigned voltage connections via the second power plug , wherein the first circuit and the second circuit would be separate from each other. The option is also provided that more than two mains plugs are provided for supplying voltage to the control device, in particular three mains plugs, in order to be able to tap the three phases of a three-phase alternating current, for example. According to a further development, when there are several drying devices of the same type, for example several dehumidifiers, the individual drying devices are assigned to different electrical circuits.

In all of the embodiments and developments of the control device described herein, it can be provided that, before the voltage connections are activated, before a first operation of one or more drying devices connected to them, for example continuous operation or a first intermittent operation, a current air humidity is measured by means of the humidity sensor, with the following being the Continuous operation is initiated as soon as the humidity sensor delivers a stable measured value. During the cold season in particular, it is possible that a moisture sensor is used that was previously exposed to very low ambient temperatures, for example during transport to the building, and is now positioned at the location of the building to be dried, where the temperature is significantly higher. As long as the humidity sensor has not adapted to this present temperature, it will provide less useful values for moisture. A stable measured value can be recognized by the fact that a humidity value that remains constant within a predeterminable fluctuation range is displayed if at the same time no measures are taken to change the prevailing humidity and it can be assumed that the humidity remains stable.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to an arrangement comprising a control device as described herein, the at least one data connection for a humidity sensor and / or temperature sensor being connected to a humidity sensor and furthermore being selectable from the possible drying devices that can be connected to the respective controllable voltage connections at least one fan, at least one dehumidifier, at least one heating device, preferably a heating panel, and at least one turbine, at least one drying device, preferably at least two different devices are connected to the associated controllable voltage connection. Such an arrangement comprises all components in order to be used for a method for drying a building.

As already stated, moisture sensors are preferably used, which at the same time function as temperature sensors. According to one embodiment, such an arrangement comprises a temperature sensor which is connected to a data connection provided for this purpose.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for drying an area of a building to be dried by means of an arrangement as described herein, comprising: a positioning of the moisture sensor in or on the area to be dried; furthermore, during the continuous operation, determining, using at least one humidity sensor connected to the data connection, whether a desired air humidity F _{is present after} continuous operation; furthermore, in the event that the desired air humidity F is _{determined after} continuous operation, i.e. is actually present, control of the voltage connections for a first interval operation of the connected drying device (s) over a predefinable period of time T _{interval operation} , with an overall measurement curve of the air humidity being carried out to create a humidity curve continuous measurement or measurement is created at discrete points in time, and in the first interval operation the voltage connections are activated to provide a voltage-free state if a partial measurement curve within a predeterminable time interval shows a stable value of the air humidity within a predeterminable time interval and / or if a current measured value Air humidity ≤ F _{lower limit interval operation} , and can be activated to provide a voltage if a measured current air humidity ≥ F _{upper limit interval operation} ; furthermore, after reaching the period t _{interval operation of} the first interval operation in the event that the current humidity _{does not exceed a humidity F target} humidity, output of a message via the output means that the drying has been successfully completed and termination of the process by controlling the voltage connections to provide a voltage-free State, and in the event that the current humidity F _{exceeds target} humidity; furthermore, implementation of a rest phase by activating the voltage connections to provide a voltage-free state for a predeterminable period of time t _{rest phase} ; furthermore, after the period t _{resting phase has} elapsed, measurement of the current air humidity F _{after the resting phase} and forecasting of a required time period t _remaining running time for reaching F _target humidity on the basis of the overall measurement curve created during the first interval operation, and further implementation of a second interval operation over the predicted period t _{remaining running time} , as well as after the predicted period t _remaining running time has ended, the interval re-drying, and in the event that the current air humidity ≤ F _target humidity, output of a message via the output means that the drying has been successfully completed, and in the event that the current air humidity F _{Target humidity} exceeded, output of an error message.

When the positioning of the moisture sensor in or on the area to be dried is mentioned here, this also includes the possibility that several moisture sensors are positioned in or on the area to be dried, or that the method relates to several areas to be dried are each monitored by one or more moisture sensors with respect to their moisture.

In the further method step, during continuous operation, a determination is made, using at least one humidity sensor connected to the associated data connection, as to whether a desired air humidity F _{is present after} continuous operation. The moisture sensor supplies the moisture data, and the control unit is used to determine whether the required moisture is present. The desired air humidity t F _after continuous operation is, as already described analogously with regard to the control device, for example a value at which continuous moisture transport from a moist wall to the adjacent air is no longer possible, which is why continued operation of the drying device (s) to one Waste of energy would result in that for these drying devices expended energy would no longer lead to an efficient removal of moisture. As a further example, the desired air humidity F _after continuous operation denotes a value at which the adjoining air has not yet been dried to such an extent that drying damage, for example to wooden objects in a room to be dried, would be expected.

In the event that a corresponding, desired air humidity F is _{determined after} continuous operation, the voltage connections are activated to carry out a first interval operation over a predeterminable time period t _{interval operation} . A total measurement curve of the air humidity is created through continuous measurement or measurements at discrete points in time, which ultimately enables the creation of a moisture profile for the area to be dried. As already explained with regard to the control device, intermittent operation is generally understood to mean that - unlike continuous operation - the drying device or devices are not operated continuously, corresponding to a continuous application of voltage to the respective voltage connections, but are also temporarily not in operation . The decision as to whether or not voltage should be applied to the respective voltage connections is made by analyzing partial measurement curves within the overall measurement curve. If a partial measurement curve is determined within the overall measurement curve which shows a stable value for the air humidity within a predeterminable time interval, this indicates that insufficient moisture is being supplied from the area to be dried. Further operation of the drying device or the drying devices is therefore not energetically efficient, which is why the voltage connections are controlled by the control unit in such a way that the de-energized state is provided and the drying device or the drying devices are therefore taken out of operation. The determination of a stable value for the air humidity is easily possible for the person skilled in the art in view of the disclosure made herein. For example, a stable value can be assumed if all measured values within a given time interval are within a predeterminable fluctuation range, or a certain percentage of the values measured within the given time interval are within a predeterminable standard deviation. Corresponding specifications can be specified or selected as generic values in the control device, or they can be entered by an operator. If, accordingly, a partial measurement curve is determined within the overall measurement curve, which shows a changing value of the air humidity within a predeterminable time interval, in particular a falling value of the air humidity, then this shows that moisture is still being efficiently extracted from the area to be dried and further operation of the Drying device or the drying equipment makes sense. Correspondingly - as already explained with regard to the control device - the control of the voltage connections takes place in such a way that a voltage is provided by them, which in turn leads to the operation of the drying device or devices connected to it.

With regard to the duration t _{interval operation} , reference can be made analogously to the statements made in connection with the control device.

After the period t _{interval operation has} elapsed, a further process step is followed by a period t _{idle phase} in which moisture is transported from deeper layers of walls to their surfaces and / or the temperature is adjusted, which is usually at least during operation of the or the drying devices are increased during intermittent operation to normal ambient temperatures.

In a further method step, after the period t _{resting phase has} elapsed, the current air humidity in or on the area to be dried is measured by the humidity sensor or sensors. On the basis of the total measurement curve created in the interval operation and the measured current air humidity, it is now possible to forecast a required remaining drying time t _remaining running time, which is required to achieve _{a desired air humidity F target} humidity during a subsequent second interval operation. For example, the overall gradient of the overall measurement curve can be used to predict how the moisture profile will look in the second interval operation. Alternatively or additionally, the sequence of partial measurement curves that indicate a stable value of the air humidity _{can be used to predict the remaining drying time t remaining} running time, since these partial measurement curves are to be expected at ever shorter intervals as the drying area increases. According to a further development, the remaining drying time t _remaining running time is also output via the output means.

In a further method step, the voltage connections are accordingly controlled in order to carry out a second interval operation over a predicted period of time t _remaining running time. If the forecast for the remaining drying time t _remaining running time is zero, the control unit is designed to terminate the drying process in which the voltage connections are activated to provide a voltage-free state and the second interval operation is accordingly omitted.

As already stated with regard to the control device, a further development can provide that an additional period of time is added as a safety _{reserve to the forecast remaining drying time t remaining running time, with increased reliability to ensure that the desired air humidity F target} humidity is reached after the remaining drying time t _remaining running time has elapsed, for example to To take into account inaccuracies in the prognosis.

_{After the forecast period t remaining} running time has elapsed, the second interval operation is terminated by activating the voltage connections to provide a voltage-free state and measuring a current air humidity, and in the event that the current air humidity ≤ F _target humidity, a message is output via the output device, that the drying has been successfully completed and, in the event that the current air humidity F _{exceeds the target} humidity, an error message is output, for example via the output means and / or a remote data transmission module.

As already explained in connection with the control device, in the event that _{the current humidity is greater than F target humidity after the predicted period t remaining} runtime for the remaining drying time has elapsed, according to a further development, a renewed sequence of a renewed resting phase of the period t _{resting phase} , a measurement of the current air humidity F _{after the} resting phase and a renewed interval operation can be carried out. The remaining drying time t _remaining running time for this renewed interval operation can take place on the basis of an overall _{measurement curve created during the previous interval operation and the currently measured air humidity F after the} resting phase. This sequence can be repeated as often as required, unless there is a specifiable upper limit for the number of sequences. If such an upper limit is present and if this is reached, an error message is output that the current air humidity _{exceeds the predefinable value for the desired target humidity F target} humidity and no further interval operation is carried out. If such an upper limit is not reached or does not exist, then for each new sequence the respectively valid duration t _remaining running time can be output on the output means and / or transmitted to a data receiver via an optionally available remote data transmission module.

According to one embodiment of the method, a desired air humidity in continuous operation is considered to be determined as soon as the measured current air humidity _{has dropped to a target value F lower limit} , provided that a target value F _{lower limit is} specified for the humidity, unless a target value F _{lower limit is} specified, a desired humidity applies Continuous operation as determined as soon as the measured air humidity remains stable over a predefinable period of time. For the case that a target value F _{lower limit} set and the measured current humidity before reaching the target value F _{lower limit} remains stable over a predetermined period of time so a desired humidity is valid for continuous operation as determined, the target value F is not provided _{lower limit} a predetermined tolerance value exceeds, where target value F _{lower limit} ≤ tolerance value applies. For example, the case may arise that a very low target value F _{lower limit is} specified, for example a target value of significantly less than 60% humidity, in particular relative humidity, such as 40% humidity, which it may be unrealistic to achieve for continuous operation. In this case, a tolerance value can be specified, for example in the range from 58 to 62% air humidity, in particular relative air humidity, such as about 60% air humidity. If a stable value is now established for the measured current humidity above the target value F _{lower limit} and the target value F _{lower limit is} less than the tolerance value, it can be seen that the target value F _{lower limit is} possibly set too unrealistically low, which is why the stable value for the measured current air humidity can be evaluated as reaching the desired air humidity F _{after continuous operation.}

For all of the methods described herein, it can be provided that, before the voltage connections are activated for continuous operation, a current air humidity is measured by means of the humidity sensor, with continuous operation subsequently being initiated as soon as the humidity sensor delivers a stable measured value. If several humidity sensors are used, continuous operation is only initiated when all humidity sensors deliver stable measured values. In the cold season in particular, a moisture sensor may be used that was previously exposed to very low ambient temperatures, for example during transport to the building, and is now positioned at the part of the building to be dried, where the temperature is usually significantly higher . As long as the humidity sensor has not adapted to this present temperature, it will provide useless values for air humidity. A stable measured value can be recognized by the fact that a moisture value that remains constant within a predeterminable fluctuation range is displayed, provided that at the same time no measures are taken to change the prevailing air humidity and it can therefore be assumed that the air humidity remains stable.

For all of the methods described herein it can be provided that one message or several messages can be output via the output means of the control device of the arrangement. A non-limiting example of a corresponding message is the message that the humidity sensor and / or the temperature sensor is defective. A corresponding defect can be assumed, for example, if the humidity sensor or the temperature sensor shows no measured value at all or always shows the same measured value despite changing environmental conditions. Another non-limiting example is the message that no decrease in the measured humidity can be determined during continuous operation of the drying device or drying devices. Such a message could have a moisture replenishment as a possible cause, so that no drying success occurs. Another possible cause would be a defect in one or more of the drying devices operated and / or the humidity sensor or sensors. Another non-limiting example is the message that the predefinable tolerance value is exceeded during the permanent drying. This message also indicates that there could be a supply of moisture, or that one or more of the drying devices or one or more of the moisture sensors is defective. Another non-limiting example is the message that there is an atypical course of a temperature curve or moisture curve during continuous drying while the wall is drying. This could be caused by a defective temperature sensor or humidity sensor, a defective drying device, and / or an unidentified additional heat source or cold source in the area to be dried. Alternatively or additionally, these corresponding messages are transmitted via a remote data transmission module in the event that the method is carried out with an arrangement which comprises a control device which in turn comprises a corresponding remote data transmission module. By means of the messages, an operator is advantageously made aware at an early stage that there is a problem with the drying process. This increases the likelihood that the problem will be resolved quickly and that no useless, because inefficient, drying will be carried out.

According to one embodiment of the method, the area to be dried is a wall, the humidity on the wall being measurable via the at least one humidity sensor and at least one heating device being connected to the controllable voltage connections of the control device as drying devices to heat the wall to be dried and a dehumidifier. This advantageously represents an efficient combination for carrying out drying, with carrying out the method described herein being guaranteed. Alternatively, at least one heater for heating the wall to be dried, a dehumidifier and a fan are connected. In this way, in particular, buildings can be dehumidified which are more heavily loaded with moisture and / or in which the moisture removed from the air cannot be removed in any other way.

According to one embodiment of the method, the area to be dried is a cavity, the humidity of the air in the cavity being measurable via the humidity sensor and a dehumidifier for dehumidifying air and a turbine for introducing it being connected to the controllable voltage connections of the control device as drying devices the air dehumidified by the dehumidifier into the cavity. The at least one moisture sensor can be attached directly in the cavity or, alternatively, in an air flow with which the air introduced into the cavity by the turbine emerges again.

According to one embodiment, the area to be dried is a room, with at least one fan for circulating the room air and a dehumidifier for drying the room air, and optionally at least one heater for heating the room air, connected to the controllable voltage connections of the control device as drying devices, and over The humidity sensor can measure the relative humidity of the room air.

The above-described embodiments of wall drying, cavity drying and room drying can be combined with one another as desired. In particular, a combination of wall drying and cavity drying can be provided. In this case, that wall is preferably dried by means of the wall drying which at the same time represents a wall of the cavity. As an example it is provided that the wall drying comprises a heating element, for example an infrared panel, with which the wall to be dried is heated, and furthermore a dehumidifier with which the moisture given off by the wall is separated. Optionally, a fan can also be provided in order to ensure a better exchange of air over the heated wall. The air dried by means of the dehumidifier can be introduced into the cavity via the turbine and contribute to its drying. The control of the wall drying and the cavity drying can be coupled to one another, so that, for example, the continuous operation, the resting phase and the first interval operation, optionally followed by the second interval operation, run synchronously. Alternatively, the dryings can be controlled separately from one another, which is easily possible via the voltage connections which can be subjected to a voltage independently of one another and to which the respective drying devices are connected. For example, during the first interval drying, the voltage connections for supplying the drying devices for wall drying can be controlled in such a way that there is no voltage, because the current partial measurement curve shows a stable value for the air humidity for wall drying. Accordingly, it makes sense to take the heater out of operation. At the same time, however, the fan and the turbine can be operated in order to introduce the air with stable humidity into the cavity and to continue its drying.

According to one embodiment, the method comprises the output of messages to a data receiver after transmission but a remote data transmission module of the control device. According to a further development of the method, the remote data transmission module of the control device is designed to receive data from the data receiver, which is now also designed as a data transmitter. As already explained in the context of the control device, this advantageously opens up the possibility of transmitting data via the data receiver, which is also designed as a data transmitter, for example the above-mentioned values for a target value F _{lower limit} for a humidity not to be fallen below during continuous operation, a tolerance value, a humidity F _{upper limit} interval operation, a humidity F _{lower limit interval operation} , a target value F after resting phase, a target value F _target humidity for a desired maximum humidity after drying, and / or a duration t _{interval operation} for performing an interval operation of one or more drying devices, and / or make a selection of values stored generically in the control device. This also opens up the possibility of transmitting control data to the control device from the data receiver, which is also designed as a data transmitter. For example, the drying process to be carried out by the control device, which would normally be initiated directly on the control device, can thus be initiated or canceled via the data receiver designed as a data transmitter. Overall, a complete remote monitoring and remote control of the control device or the drying process carried out on it is thus possible. In particular, in the event that reports are issued regarding a drying success not achieved, there is also the option of deciding, by making a corresponding input on the data receiver designed as a data transmitter, whether the drying process should be carried out further or whether it should be aborted target. Examples of further control data are instructions for self-control of humidity and / or temperature sensors, settings for the transmission of data, for example the frequency of acquisition and / or transmission of humidity data, and the like. Non-limiting examples of data receivers also embodied as data are mobile phones that communicate with the remote data transmission module of the control device, or devices that communicate with the remote data transmission module via a WLAN connection or an Internet connection, for example computers. For example, corresponding apps or programs for sending and / or receiving data and / or their presentation are installed on the mobile phones. Further advantages, features and details emerge from the following description in which - possibly with reference to the drawings - at least one exemplary embodiment is described in detail. Identical, similar and / or functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference symbols.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Steuerungsgeräts,

Fig. 2

ein beispielhaftes Ergebnis einer Trocknung,

Fig. 3

ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zur Trocknung.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a control device,

Fig. 2

an exemplary result of a drying process,

Fig. 3

a schematic flow diagram of a method for drying.

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a control device 10, comprising a mains plug 12 for supplying voltage to the control device. Also shown by way of example are a voltage connection 14 for a fan, two voltage connections 18a and 18b for two dehumidifiers, three voltage connections 20a, b, c for corresponding heating devices, for example for infrared panels, and two voltage connections 22a and 22b for two turbines as drying devices to be connected. In addition, the control device 10 also includes, for example, four data connections 24a, b, c, d for humidity sensors and / or temperature sensors. It is preferably a combination of humidity sensors and temperature sensors. An output means 26 is used to output messages, for example messages about a drying success, about malfunctions, about currently measured humidity levels, and / or about predetermined target values, and it is preferably designed at the same time as an input means, for example in the form of a touch-sensitive screen. A control unit 28, which preferably comprises a microprocessor with corresponding software programming and / or hardware programming, is arranged in the interior of the control device 10 and for this reason represented by a dotted line. The control unit 28 controls the activation of the voltage connections, processes the data on air humidity and / or temperature supplied via the data connections, and creates the overall measurement curve.

Figure 2 shows an exemplary result of drying, the time being plotted on the X axis and the relative humidity being plotted on the Y axis. Area A between the Y-axis and the first vertical dashed line shows continuous operation of the drying device (s) at the start of drying. The data on air humidity in or on the area to be dried that are determined via the at least one humidity sensor during this continuous operation show that there is a sustained decrease in air humidity. Towards the end of continuous operation, by evaluating the humidity data via the control unit, it is determined that a desired humidity is now present, since the humidity practically no longer decreases despite the operation of the drying device (s), i.e. further operation no longer makes sense in terms of energy.

This is followed by a first interval drying, which runs over a period of time t _{interval operation} and in Figure 2 corresponds to area B. It is specified that the voltage connections should be activated for a de-energized state if a partial measurement curve occurs within the overall measurement curve, which extends within area B, which indicates a stable value for air humidity, i.e. air humidity that practically does not change any more . As an example, four partial measurement curves b1, b2, b3 and b4 are shown, within which the slope of the humidity curve is practically zero, so that no further drying success is achieved here despite the drying performance of the drying device or devices. Accordingly, at the end of these partial measurement curves b1, b2, b3 and b4, the voltage connections are controlled by the control unit to assume a de-energized state, which is shown in FIG Figure 2 is symbolized by a vertical arrow. As soon as the drying devices are not in operation, the humidity rises accordingly. As an example, it is specified in the example shown that after a certain increase in humidity from the stable value, the reason for the termination of the operation of the drying devices, for example after an increase in humidity by a predeterminable percentage upward, the drying devices by applying a corresponding voltage to the Voltage connections are put back into operation. The humidity curve drops accordingly. After the period t _{interval operation has been reached} , the voltage connections are activated by the control unit in such a way that a de-energized state is assumed and it is followed by the resting phase of the period t _{resting phase} , which in Figure 2 is designated as area C. During the resting phase, rewetting and / or an adjustment of the temperature from the temperature that prevailed during drying to normal ambient temperature takes place. Based on the current air humidity, which is measured at the end of the resting phase, the control unit is now able to calculate a required remaining drying time based on the slope of the overall measurement curve during interval operation, which is shown in area B as an arrow with a guideline and a negative slope t _{predict the remaining running time} during a second interval operation with which a desired humidity F _target humidity can be achieved. The phase of the second interval operation is in Figure 2 shown in area D.

Figure 3 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for drying. In a method step 100, a moisture sensor is positioned in or on the dried area. Continuous operation then follows in a method step 150, in which the control unit uses the at least one moisture sensor to determine whether a desired air humidity F _{is present after} continuous operation. If this is not the case, the measurement of the air humidity continues with continued continuous operation, and a determination is made as to whether this _{corresponds to the desired air humidity F after} continuous operation. As soon as this is the case, the voltage connections for a first interval operation of the connected drying device (s) are activated in a method step 200 over a predeterminable period of time t _{interval operation} , with an overall measurement curve of the air humidity being created by continuous measurement or measurement at discrete points in time to create a moisture profile , and wherein in the first interval operation the voltage connections are activated to provide a voltage-free state, if within the overall measurement curve a partial measurement curve indicates a stable value of the air humidity and / or the achievement of a humidity value that is less than or equal to F _{lower limit} interval operation within a predeterminable time interval, and to provide a voltage if it applies to a measured current air humidity that this is greater than or equal to F _{upper limit} interval operation.

After the period t _{interval operation of} the first interval operation has been reached, in a method step 250, if the current humidity _{does not exceed a humidity F target} humidity, a message is output via the output means that the drying has been successfully completed, and the method is terminated Activation of the voltage connections to provide a voltage-free state in a method step 270, and in the event that the current air humidity F _{exceeds target humidity} , a method step 300 carries out a rest phase by activating the voltage connections to provide a voltage-free state for a predeterminable period of time t _{rest phase} . After this period of time t _{resting phase has elapsed, the current air humidity F after the} resting phase is measured in a method step 350 and a forecast of a required time period t _{remaining time} for reaching F _target humidity on the basis of the overall measurement curve created during the first interval operation is carried out. In a method step 400, the second interval operation is carried out over the predicted duration t _remaining running time. After the time t _{remaining running time has been reached} , the current air humidity is measured in a method step 450 and, in the event that the current air humidity F _target humidity, a message is output via the output means that the drying has been successfully completed in a method step 500, and in the event that the current air humidity is greater than F _target humidity, an error message is output in a method step 470.

Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in more detail by preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is not restricted by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by the person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. It is therefore clear that there is a multitude of possible variations. It is also clear that the embodiments mentioned by way of example really only represent examples that are not to be interpreted in any way as a limitation, for example, of the scope of protection, the possible applications or the configuration of the invention. Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without leaving the scope of protection that is defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description.

List of reference symbols

10

Control device

12th

Power plug

14th

Voltage connection for fan as drying device

18th

Voltage connection for dehumidifier as drying device

20th

Voltage connection for heater as drying device

22nd

Voltage connection for turbine as drying device

24

Data connection for a humidity sensor and / or temperature sensor

26th

Spending means

28

Control unit

100-500

Procedural steps

Claims (17)

1. Control device (10) for performing a method for drying a region of a construction to be dried, wherein the control device (10) comprises:

   - at least one power plug (12) for voltage supply of the control device (10),

   - at least one controllable voltage connection (14) for a drying device in the form of a fan,

   - at least one controllable voltage connection (18) for a drying device in the form of a dehumidifier,

   - at least one controllable voltage connection (20) for a drying device in the form of a heating device, preferably in the form of a heating panel,

   - at least one controllable voltage connection (22) for a drying device in the form of a turbine,

   - at least one data connector (24) for a humidity sensor and/or temperature sensor,

   - an output means (26) for message output,

   - a control unit (28) by which as a function of the humidity data concerning air humidity in or at the region to be dried, said data being providable by the at least one data connector (24) for a humidity sensor, the at least one controllable voltage connection (14) for a fan, the at least one controllable voltage connection (18) for a dehumidifier, the at least one controllable voltage connection (20) for a heating device and the at least one controllable voltage connection (22) for a turbine independently from each other can be supplied with a voltage,

   wherein the control unit (28) is configured

   to determine during the drying of the region, which is to be dried by operating one or several drying devices, air humidity data providable by the at least one data connector (24) for the at least one humidity sensor and/or temperature sensor and based on those air humidity data to establish a humidity course of the region to be dried,

   to predict, after a resting period of the duration t_{RESTING PERIOD} of the drying device or the drying devices, based on the established humidity course and a measured up-to-date air humidity F_{AFTER RESTING PERIOD}, a future humidity course in case of again operating of one or several of the drying devices,

   and to issue, based on the predicted future course of humidity, a message about a determined residual drying time t_{RESIDUAL OPERATING TIME}, after the lapse of which a preselectable desired air humidity F_{TARGET HUMIDITY} of the region to be dried will not be exceeded,

   wherein the control unit (28) is configured for performing a method for drying, comprising

   - controlling the voltage connections (14, 18, 20, 22) so as to adopt a permanently voltage supplied state in order to enable permanent operation of one or several connected drying devices,

   - during the permanent operation determining via at least one humidity sensor connected with the data connector (24) whether a desired air humidity F_{AFTER PERMANENT OPERATION} has been reached,

   - in case the desired air humidity F_{AFTER PERMANENT OPERATION} is determined controlling the voltage connections (14, 18, 20, 22) so as to perform a first interval operation for a preselectable time period t_{INTERVAL OPERATION} and establishing the humidity course by establishing a total measurement curve of the air humidity,

   controlling the voltage connections (14, 18, 20, 22) so as to provide a voltage-free state in case a partial measurement curve within the total measurement curve shows a stable value of the air humidity within a preselectable time interval and/or in case a measured up-to-date air humidity ≤ F_{LOWER LIMIT FOR INTERVAL OPERATION},

   and controlling the voltage connections (14, 18, 20, 22) so as to provide a voltage in case an up-to-date air humidity ≥ F_{UPPER LIMIT FOR INTERVAL OPERATION},

   - after lapse of the time period I_{NTERVAL OPERATION} controlling the voltage connections (14, 18, 20, 22) so as to adopt a voltage-free state for performing the resting period for the preselectable time period t_{RESTING PERIOD},

   - after lapse of the time period t_{RESTING PERIOD} measuring the up-to-date air humidity F_{AFTER RESTING PERIOD} in or at the region to be dried;

   - on the basis of the total measurement curve established during the interval operation and on the basis of the measured up-to-date air humidity F_{AFTER RESTING PERIOD} predicting a residual drying time t_{RESIDUAL OPERATING TIME}, which is required for reaching F_{TARGET HUMIDITY}, and

   - controlling the voltage connections (14, 18, 20, 22) so as to perform a second interval operation for the predicted time t_{RESIDUAL OPERATING TIME}.
2. Control device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (10) is configured to further perform the following step during the method for drying:

   - after lapse of the predicted time period T_{RESIDUAL OPERATING TIME} terminating the second interval operation, and, in case the up-to-date air humidity ≤ F_{TARGET HUMIDITY}, issuing via the output means (26) a message that the drying successfully has been completed, and in case the up-to-date air humidity > F_{TARGET HUMIDITY} issuing an error message.
3. Control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a remote data transmission module, by which a predicted residual drying time T_{RESIDUAL OPERATING TIME} and/or a message is transmittable to a data receiver.
4. Control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a residual-current circuit breaker integrated in the control device (10) is associated with the power plug (12).
5. Control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (10) furthermore comprises an electricity meter by which the sum of the electrical energy drawn from the at least one controllable voltage connection (14) for a fan, the at least one controllable voltage connection (18) for a dehumidifier, the at least one controllable voltage connection (20) for a heating panel, and the at least one controllable voltage connection (22) for a turbine can be determined.
6. Control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one controllable voltage connection (14) for a fan, the at least one controllable voltage connection (18) for a dehumidifier, the at least one controllable voltage connection (20) for a heating device, and/or the at least one controllable voltage connection (22) for a turbine is equipped with a locking device by which a power plug inserted into one of the respective voltage connections and/or the respective voltage connection reversibly can be locked.
7. Control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (10) comprises an input means for inputting a target value F_{LOWER LIMIT} for an air humidity which is not to be fallen below during the permanent operation, for inputting a tolerance value, for inputting an air humidity F_{UPPER LIMIT FOR INTERVAL OPERATION}, for inputting an air humidity F_{LOWER LIMIT FOR INTERVAL OPERATION}, for inputting a target value F_{AFTER RESTING PERIOD}, for inputting a target value F_{TARGET HUMIDITY} for a desired maximum air humidity after termination of the drying, and/or for inputting a time period I_{NTERVAL OPERATION} for performing an interval operation of one or several drying devices, and/or for selecting values generically deposited in the control device (10).
8. Control device (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the remote data transmission module is configured to receive data from the data transceiver, said data receiver simultaneously being configured to be a data transmitter.
9. Control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (10) comprises a second power plug for voltage supply by which the electric power to be supplied by the control device (10) and to be retrieved by the voltage connections can be doubled.
10. System, comprising a control device (10) according to anyone of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one data connector (24) for a humidity sensor and/or temperature sensor is connected with a humidity sensor and wherein furthermore one drying device, preferably at least two different devices, selectable from at least one fan, at least one dehumidifier, at least one heating device, preferably a heating panel, and at least one turbine, which potentially can be connected with the respective controllable voltage connections (14, 18, 20, 22), is/are connected with the corresponding controllable voltage connection (14, 18, 20, 22).
11. Method for drying a region of a construction to be dried by means of a system according to claim 10, comprising:

    - positioning of the humidity sensor in or at the region to be dried,

    - during a permanent operation determining by means of the control unit (28), using the at least one humidity sensor connected to the data connector (24), whether a desired air humidity F_{AFTER PERMANENT OPERATION} has been reached,

    - in case the desired air humidity F_{AFTER PERMANENT OPERATION} is determined controlling the voltage connections (14, 18, 20, 22) so as to perform a first interval operation of the connected drying device or the connected drying devices for a preselectable time period t_{INTERVAL OPERATION}, wherein for etablishing a humidity course a total measurement curve of the air humidity is established by continuous measurement or measurement at discrete points in time and wherein in the first interval operation the voltage connections (14, 18, 20, 22) are controlled so as to provide a voltage-free state in case a partial measurement curve within the total measurement curve displays a stable value of the air humidity within a preselectable period of time and/or in case a measured up-to-date air humidity ≤ F_{LOWER LIMIT FOR INTERVAL OPERATION}, and are controlled so as to provide a voltage-supplied state in case a measured up-to-date air humidity ≥ F_{UPPER LIMIT FOR INTERVAL OPERATION},

    - after lapse of the time period I_{NTERVAL OPERATION} of the first interval operation and in case the up-to-date air humidity does not exceed an air humidity F_{TARGET HUMIDITY}, issuing a message via the output means (26) that the drying successfully has been completed, and terminating the method by controlling the voltage connections (14, 18, 20, 22) so as to adopt a voltage-free state, and in case the up-to-date air humidity exceeds F_{TARGET HUMIDITY},

    - performing a resting period by controlling the voltage connections (14, 18, 20, 22) so as to adopt a voltage-free state for a preselectable time period t_{RESTING PERIOD},

    - after lapse of the time period t_{RESTING PERIOD} measuring the up-to-date air humidity F_{AFTER RESTING PERIOD} and predicting a required time period t_{RESIDUAL OPERATING TIME} for reaching F_{TARGET HUMIDITY} based on the total measurement curve established during the first interval operation, and

    - performing a second interval operation for the predicted time period t_{RESIDUAL OPERATING TIME}

    - after lapse of the predicted time period t_{RESIDUAL OPERATING TIME} terminating the second interval operation by controlling the voltage connections (14, 18, 20, 22) so as to adopt a voltage-free state and measuring an up-to-date air humidity, and in case the up-to-date air humidity ≤ F_{TARGET HUMIDITY} issuing via the output means (26) a message that the drying successfully has been completed, and in case the up-to-date air humidity exceeds F_{TARGET HUMIDITY} issuing an error message.
12. Method according to claim 11, wherein during permanent operation a desired air humidity F_{AFTER PERMANENT OPERATION} is considered to have been determined,

    - as soon as the measured up-to-date air humidity has dropped to a target value F_{LOWER LIMIT}, provided that a target value F_{LOWER LIMIT} of the air humidity has been preselected,

    - as soon as measured air humidity remains stable for a preselectable period of time, provided that no target value F_{LOWER LIMIT} has been preselected, and

    - in case a target value F_{LOWER LIMIT} has been preselected and the measured up-to-date air humidity remains stable for a pre-selectable period of time prior to reaching the target value F_{LOWER LIMIT}, provided that the target value F_{LOWER LIMIT} falls below a preselectable tolerance value.
13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein prior to controlling the voltage connections (14, 18, 20, 22) so as to operate in permanent operation an up-to-date air humidity is measured by the humidity sensor, wherein the permanent operation subsequently is initiated as soon as the humidity sensor delivers a stable measurement.
14. Method according to anyone of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that a message can be issued via the output means (26) and/or in case of a system, comprising a control device (10) according to anyone of claims 3 to 8, a message can be transferred via the remote data transfer module, said message being selected from one or several of the messages that

    - the humidity sensor and/or the temperature sensor is defective:

    - no lowering of the measured air humidity can be determined during permanent operation;

    - during permanent drying the preselectable tolerance value is exceeded; and/or

    - during the drying of a wall an atypical course of the temperature curve during the permanent drying phase is determined.
15. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the region to be dried is a wall, wherein humidity at the wall can be measured by means of the humidity sensor and wherein drying devices connected with the controllable voltage connections (14, 18, 20, 22) of the control device (10) are:

    - at least one heating device for heating the wall be dried and a dehumidifier; or

    - at least one heating device for heating the wall to be dried, a dehumidifier as well as a fan.
16. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the region to be dried is a cavity, wherein by means of the at least one humidity sensor the air humidity of the air in the cavity can be measured and wherein drying devices connected with the controllable voltage connections (14, 18, 20, 22) of the control device (10) are:

    - a humidifier for dehumidifying air, and

    - a turbine for injecting into the cavity air which has been dehumidified by the dehumidifier.
17. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the region to be dried is a room, wherein drying devices connected with the controllable voltage connections (14, 18, 20, 22) of the control device (10) are:

    - at least one fan for circulating the room air,

    - as well as at least one dehumidifier for drying the room air,

    - as well as optionally at least one heating device for warming the room air,

    and wherein by means of the at least one humidity sensor the relative humidity of the air can be measured.

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