EP4655532A1

EP4655532A1 - Controlled mechanical ventilation unit

Info

Publication number: EP4655532A1
Application number: EP24706199.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Giovanni COSTANZO
Original assignee: Tbk Srl
Current assignee: Tbk Srl
Priority date: 2023-01-26
Filing date: 2024-01-24
Publication date: 2025-12-03
Also published as: IT202300001167A1; WO2024157187A1

Abstract

Controlled mechanical ventilation unit (100), comprising a box-shaped body (101), in turn comprising a plurality of external inlet sockets (101a) of air, a plurality of external outlet sockets (101b) of air, a plurality of internal inlet sockets (101c) of air and a plurality of internal outlet sockets (101d) of air, a first fan (102) and a second fan (103), an enthalpy heat exchanger (104) comprising a first inlet (104a), a first outlet (104b), a second inlet (104c) and a second outlet (104d), at least one filter for pollutants, air impurities, viruses and bacteria, an electrical power supply unit, an electronic control unit connected to the electrical power supply unit and configured to evaluate a clogging level of the filter, and a plurality of sensors connected to the electronic control unit.

Description

DESCRI PTION

"Controlled mechanical ventilation unit"

The present invention relates to a controlled mechanical ventilation unit .

In particular, the present invention relates to a controlled mechanical ventilation unit able to be used in residential and commercial bui ldings , integrated in a decentrali zed air treatment system, i . e . , characteri zed by the use of individual units in such a way that each unit is installed in a corresponding room comprised in the building .

As is known, a controlled mechanical ventilation unit , referable as a CMV unit , is a system responsible for the continuous exchange and puri fication of air in confined environments , both residential and working/ commercial . Such an equipment works by extracting stale air from closed environments and introducing into these environments renewed air, coming from outside and rich in oxygen . In this way, an exchange of air which is usually achieved by opening windows is obtained automatically and continuously . Furthermore , a multi-room controlled mechanical ventilation system, through high ef ficiency f iltration, is able to stop both pollen and fine dust and, through HEPA filters , also viruses and bacteria that are suspended in the external air . A CMV unit does not only, however, filter and puri fy the air that comes from outside but , thanks to continuous replacement of the volumes of air between inside and outside , also evacuates and dilutes pollutants that would otherwise remain trapped in the internal environments , in the absence of a regular ventilation, including humidity which is the main cause of formation of mold and other unwanted biological activities . The most advanced CMV units , such as continuous double flow ones , integrate a system that provides heat recovery thanks , fundamentally, to an enthalpy heat exchanger that can recover both the sensible and latent heat contained in the outgoing air . Such a heat is then trans ferred to the incoming air, and as a consequence the cold external air is both filtered and pre-heated before being introduced into the internal environments . Furthermore , the CMV units allow to combine the scope of healthy air with the achievement of energy ef ficiency targets , thanks to signi ficant savings on costs related to heating .

In short , CMV units are boxes that can be installed inside monoblocs/ shutter boxes , built into the brickwork or on the wall , like common splits for air conditioning, and equipped with two fans able to introduce and extract air . The air of the two flows enters the enthalpy heat exchanger, a key component o f a CMV unit which recovers the energy not only in the form of heat but also , as mentioned, as humidity contained in the extracted air, and releases it to the puri fied air introduced into the same indoor environment . In this way, as speci fied, the use of CMV units ensures signi ficant savings on the energy consumption of buildings , guaranteeing an ef fective air exchange in indoor environments , eliminating pollutants and humidity in excess .

A known control led mechanical ventilation unit is disclosed in the Italian patent application IT2013T000008 which describes an air exchange device for buildings comprising a case with an internal inlet opening, an internal outlet opening, an external inlet opening and an external exit opening . The device furthermore comprises a heat exchanger housed inside the case , a first fan assembly arranged to generate a first air flow directed from the internal inlet opening towards the external outlet opening and a second fan assembly arranged to generate a second air flow directed from the external inlet opening towards the internal outlet opening . The first and the second air flows are in mutual heat exchange relationship in the heat exchanger, and the first and second fan assemblies include respective electrical motors . The latter are isolated from the case by means of an elastic support , formed by a bearing of material , insulating from mechanical vibrations , and equipped with seats in which the electrical motors are housed .

The patent application KR102425661B1 discloses a ventilation apparatus and a method of controlling the same apparatus , capable of using a di f ferential pressure in a duct , in which external air flows , and determining whether a filter is clogged or not . To this end, the ventilation apparatus comprises a first exhaust chamber into which internal air is introduced, a second exhaust chamber which emits the internal air passing through the first chamber to the outside , a first air supply chamber into which external air is introduced and a second air supply chamber which supplies the environment with external air passing through the first exhaust chamber . The apparatus includes one or more filters for fresh air, a di f ferential pressure sensor and a control unit that determines whether or not the filters are clogged .

A further example of a known technical solution is the subj ect of the patent application IT20170024876 , the text of which describes a multi functional thermo-insulating monobloc structure , able to be mounted inside cavities in window frames , comprising a box for housing a roller shutter, two lateral shoulders , defining with said box a compartment for a window . The monobloc includes , fixed to a lateral shoulder, heat exchange means with two independent air flows configured to exchange the air of an internal environment with external air .

Furthermore , the patent application IT20190005292 describes a system comprising a CMV unit and an air mixing unit connected downstream of the aforementioned CMV unit . The mixing group/unit includes an inlet plenum with a first opening in direct fluid communication with the delivery duct of the fresh air flow coming from the CMV unit , and a second opening equipped with closing means provided for the recirculation air flow inlet . The system also includes a fan, activated depending on the energy needs of the same system, one or more heat exchangers powered by heat trans fer fluids coming from thermal sources external to the system itsel f , and an exhaust plenum in direct communication with the exhaust distribution ducts for sending the flow of treated air towards the internal destination environments .

Finally, the patent application JP2012110862A discloses a device for detecting the clogging of a dust collection filter which can be installed even after having mounted an air intake exhaust device , and that can compensate for the deterioration caused by continuous use . However, the known technical solutions suf fer from the limitation of not allowing an adequate veri fication of the operating conditions , often due to a reduced self-regulation capacity .

A further limitation of the known controlled mechanical ventilation units is a reduced connection capacity with air exchange units characteri zed by similar functions .

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a controlled mechanical ventilation unit able to implement an ef fective air exchange operation lowering a risk of contamination, in an automated and independent manner for individual indoor environments , therefore having characteristics such as to overcome the limits that still af fect controlled mechanical ventilation units , with reference to the known technique .

A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a controlled mechanical ventilation unit capable of safely managing the aforementioned air exchange operation, stopping its operation in the event of abnormal conditions or when the unit itsel f undergoes maintenance .

A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a highly versatile controlled mechanical ventilation unit , able to be integrated into structural arrangements of third- party manufacturers . Finally, a further purpose of the present invention is to provide a controlled mechanical ventilation unit capable of communicating, interacting in an ef fective and versatile way, with similar CMV units installed nearby .

According to the present invention, a control led mechanical ventilation unit is provided, as defined in claim 1 .

For a better understanding of the present invention, a preferred embodiment is now described, purely by way of nonlimiting example , with reference to the attached drawings , in which :

- figure 1 shows a three-dimensional perspective view of a controlled mechanical ventilation unit , according to the invention;

- figure 2 shows a first schematic plan view of internal components of the controlled mechanical ventilation unit , according to the invention;

- figure 3 shows a second schematic plan view of the internal components of the controlled mechanical ventilation unit , according to the invention;

- figure 4 shows a three-dimensional perspective view of a mechanical housing component comprised in the controlled mechanical ventilation unit , according to the invention ; - figure 5 shows a three-dimensional perspective view representative of a possible installation scheme of the controlled mechanical ventilation unit , according to the invention;

- figures 6a and 6b show, respectively, a first and a second perspective view of a detail of the controlled mechanical ventilation unit , according to the invention;

- figures 7a and 7b show schematic views representative of a speci fic operating mode of the controlled mechanical ventilation unit , according to the invention .

With reference to these figures and, in particular, to figure 1 , a controlled mechanical ventilation unit is shown, according to the invention .

In particular, the controlled mechanical ventilation unit 100 , or VMC unit , comprises a box-shaped body 101 , comprising in turn a plurality of external inlet sockets 101a of air, a plurality of external outlet sockets 101b of air, a plurality of internal inlet sockets 101c of air and a plurality of internal outlet sockets l O ld of air .

According to one aspect of the invention, the box-shaped body 101 comprises and houses inside :

- at least a first fan 102 , configured to convey a first air flow between the plurality of external inlet sockets 101a and the plurality of internal outlet sockets l O ld, and a second fan 103 , configured to convey a second air flow between the plurality of internal inlet sockets 101c and the plurality of external outlet sockets 101b ;

- an enthalpy heat exchanger 104 .

According to an aspect of the invention, the aforementioned enthalpy heat exchanger 104 comprises a first inlet 104a in correspondence with the external inlet sockets 101a, a first outlet 104b in correspondence with the external outlet sockets 101b, a second inlet 104c in correspondence with the internal inlet sockets 101c and a second outlet 104d in correspondence with the internal outlet sockets l O ld .

According to another aspect of the invention, the boxshaped body 101 also comprises and houses inside :

- at least one filter for pollutants , air impurities , viruses and bacteria ; an electrical power supply unit of the entire controlled mechanical ventilation unit 100 , connected to the first fan 102 and to the second fan 103 .

According to one aspect of the invention, the controlled mechanical ventilation unit 100 comprises , in a preferential embodiment , three external inlet sockets 101a for the inlet of air from outside the building, three external outlet sockets 101b to extract , throwing it out , exhaust air outside the building, two internal inlet sockets 101c and two internal outlet sockets l O ld, respectively to introduce in, and to extract from the box-shaped body 101 within an environment , for example a single room, of the same building, air puri fied and heated by the enthalpy heat exchanger 104 .

According to one aspect of the invention, the controlled mechanical ventilation unit 100 comprises an electronic control unit , connected to the electrical power supply unit , configured to evaluate a clogging level of the filters and to stop the first fan 102 and the second fan 103 when such a clogging level exceeds a programmable threshold value , for example a percentage value , configurable by a user .

According to another aspect of the invention, the boxshaped body 101 also houses a plurality of sensors , connected to the electronic control unit .

According to one aspect of the invention, the CMV unit preferably includes two filters for air pollutants and impurities , and in particular one HEPA filter installed in correspondence with the external inlet sockets 101a .

According to one aspect of the invention, the aforementioned sensors are placed in correspondence with the first inlet 104a, the first outlet 104b, the second inlet 104c and the second outlet 104d, integrated in as many bundle probes having corresponding box-shaped casings . According to one aspect of the invention, the sensors are configured to detect absolute pressure, temperature and relative humidity in correspondence with the aforementioned first inlet 104a, first outlet 104b, second inlet 104c and second outlet 104d .

Advantageously according to the invention, each controlled mechanical ventilation unit 100 can be installed, in a respective environment , even in a configuration characteri zed by only three sensors , which are installed in correspondence with the first inlet 104a, the first outlet 104b and the second inlet 104c, with the detection of absolute pressure , temperature and relative humidity in correspondence with the second outlet 104d evaluated indirectly, through a correlation of the aforementioned three detections made by the electronic control unit .

According to another aspect of the invention, the controlled mechanical ventilation unit 100 is powered at low voltage , preferably at 24 Vdc, by means of the aforementioned electrical power supply unit .

According to another aspect of the invention, according to the schematic view of figure 1 , the external inlet sockets 101a introduce the air from the outside of a building into the box-shaped body 101 , the external outlet sockets 101b extract the air from inside the box-shaped body 101 to the exterior of the building, the internal inlet sockets 101c introduce the air from inside the building into the boxshaped body 101 and the plurality of internal outlet sockets l O ld introduce the air from inside the box-shaped body 101 into the building .

According to one aspect of the invention, the electronic control unit evaluates the clogging level of the filters on the basis of absolute pressure values measured, on programmable time intervals , in correspondence with the first inlet 104a and the second inlet 104c of the enthalpy heat exchanger 104 , as well in correspondence with external grids configured for the entry of air, from outside the building, conveyed via speci fic ducts , toward the controlled mechanical ventilation unit 100 .

According to one aspect of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to stop the first fan 102 and the second fan 103 in the event of a manual extraction of the at least one filter from the box-shaped body 101 .

According to one aspect of the invention, the controlled mechanical ventilation unit 100 is able to be installed in at least one seat , obtained in an internal environment of the building, chosen between :

- a box for roller shutters ;

- a wall ; - a recess in a masonry .

According to one aspect of the invention, the electronic control unit comprises a computer program product , referable as firmware , performed by said electronic control unit and configured to manage the functions of the controlled mechanical ventilation unit 100 , in particular a connection of the controlled mechanical venti lation unit 100 to third- party domotic platforms , a processing of the detections of the plurality of sensors and, as a consequence , the evaluation of the clogging level of the filters .

According to one aspect of the invention, the threshold value of the clogging level of the filters and the aforementioned measurement time intervals of the absolute pressure values are programmable by modi fying the management firmware .

According to one aspect of the invention, the computer program product is configured to manage a connection between the controlled mechanical ventilation unit 100 and further controlled mechanical ventilation units 100 installed in adj acent internal rooms of the building, according to an installation configuration referable as by-pass .

According to one aspect of the invention, the box-shaped body 101 has a substantially rectangular plan section, having a base comprised between 32 cm and 50 cm, preferably equal to 40 , 26 cm, and a height comprised between 20 cm and 32 cm, preferably equal to at 25 , 86 cm .

According to one aspect of the invention, the box-shaped body 101 has a thickness comprised between 5 cm and 11 cm, preferably equal to 7 , 65 cm .

According to another aspect of the invention, the aforementioned controlled mechanical ventilation unit 100 includes at least one mechanical kit able to be fixed in correspondence with an external portion of the box-shaped body 101 .

According to an aspect of the invention, such a mechanical kit is able to modi fy the dimensions of the boxshaped body 101 in such a way as to house the controlled mechanical ventilation unit 100 in structural compartments , or arrangements , of at least one third-party manufacturer of controlled mechanical ventilation units .

Advantageously according to the invention, the aforementioned connection between a controlled mechanical ventilation unit 100 and others , so that these are placed in direct communication, in a by-pass configuration, allows air exchange to be performed without heat recovery . In fact , to further limit the overall dimensions , the CMV unit does not have two channels parallel to the two branches of the enthalpy heat exchanger 104 , but heat recovery is excluded by activating or turning of f a single channel . The user, preferably acting via a speci fic app for the configuration and control of the controlled mechanical ventilation units 100 , through which the user himsel f receives messages concerning the opportunity to perform manual interventions on the CMV unit , is able to decide which unit to set for intake , towards the inside of the building, and which for extraction . In short , this operating mode is implemented through two or more CMV units in communication with each other, activated automatically when a AT , measured between the inside and outside of the building by the plurality of sensors is preferably lower than 3 ° C, deactivated when the same AT is preferably greater than 5 ° C, and more generally in both cases based on a range predefined by the user on the occurrence of the first start-up of the CMV unit .

Advantageously according to the invention, the use of the plurality of sensors configured to detect absolute pressure , temperature and relative humidity al lows the structural integrity of the enthalpy heat exchanger 104 to be preserved . Such a component is potentially subj ect to damage i f the temperatures outside the building are rigid or i f a lot of humidity is present inside the building . The automatic control implemented by the electronic control unit through the measurements of the sensors , particularly in correspondence with the first input 104a, the second input 104c and the first output 104b of the enthalpy heat exchanger 104 , regulates the speed of the first and second fans 102 , 103 , according to a PWM logic, based on 24-hour readings of the sensors , preventing the CMV unit from operating in critical conditions , so that it can always remain turned on, as needed, in any climatic condition throughout the year, avoiding any manual checks for the user .

Advantageously according to the invention, the evaluation of the clogging level of the filters , whose missed installation or exceeding of the aforementioned threshold value can damage the enthalpy heat exchanger 104 and the fans 102 , 103 , through the detection of the absolute pressure value operated by the sensors in correspondence with the first inlet 104a and the second inlet 104c of the heat exchanger 104 , as well as in correspondence with the external grids configured for air inlet from outside the building, it is implemented in an innovative way, compared to known systems which usually adopt a timer, that simply allows a probabilistic estimate of the clogging level . The atmospheric pressure detected, in this sense , and the related values , are measured in two steps by the control logic, i . e . , the firmware executed by the electronic control unit , on average every four weeks . The estimate of the pressure drops of each filter, in this way, allows to establish whether the CMV unit can continue to operate , and i f a pre-established range is exceeded the same CMV unit stops until a maintenance of the filters and of the external grids is performed, with a simultaneous warning to the user via the speci fic app and a display integrated into the box-shaped body 101 of the CMV unit .

Advantageously according to the invention, the evaluation of the clogging level in correspondence with the external grids allows to avoid an unbalancing in the flow rate between the intake and the extraction branches , and a consequent lowering of recovery ef ficiency, due to a potential obstruction of the grids themselves .

Advantageously according to the invention, the stopping of the first fan 102 and of the second fan 103 when the filters , preferably two , are manually extracted from the box-shaped body 101 , or more generally during a maintenance intervention on the CMV unit , performed by a reed switch, in addition to being a safety element for a technical operator avoids a potential damage to the CMV unit itsel f .

Advantageously according to the invention, the electronic control unit stops the first fan 102 and the second fan 103 in the event of fai lure or incorrect insertion of the filters , which can permanently damage the CMV unit or cause it to behave abnormal in terms of reduced ef ficiency, unbalanced air flows or high noise . The firmware of the electronic control unit , in this sense , veri fies both the presence of the filters and their correct insertion .

Advantageously according to the invention, the controlled mechanical ventilation unit 100 is highly versatile , thanks to the modularity of the firmware executed by the electronic control unit , preferably a dual core WiFi MCU, which is expandable by means of speci fic source code to respond to di f ferent installation needs and di fferent versions of the same CMV unit .

Advantageously according to the invention, the firmware can be updated and modi fied even remotely .

Advantageously according to the invention, the controlled mechanical ventilation unit 100 ensures savings on energy costs even in summer periods , thanks to the enthalpic heat exchanger 104 which reduces the workload, typical of standard air conditioners .

Advantageously according to the invention, the chance of interfacing the controlled mechanical ventilation unit 100 with third-party domotic platforms , and of allowing its remote management , for example via the speci fic app, adds the further reading of an air quality sensor, preferably a VOC, Volatile Organic Compounds , sensor, or a CO2 , sensor, to manage the air exchange inside the building even more efficiently. In this sense, with a CO2 reading lower than 700 ppm the electronic control unit stops the first and the second fan 102, 103 or, with a CO2 level higher than 2000 ppm, it raises their speeds, in boost mode.

Advantageously according to the invention, the controlled mechanical ventilation unit 100 is able to be installed, differently form the known systems, in several types of seats.

Advantageously according to the invention, the by-pass configuration allows the exchange of inside the building without the need for a heat recovery, i.e., bypassing the enthalpy heat exchanger 104. In this sense, thanks to the connection between a plurality of controlled mechanical ventilation units 100, it is possible to set which units are configured for the air intake inside the building and which one are set for the extraction of the exhaust air outside the same building.

Therefore, the controlled mechanical ventilation unit according to the invention allows to perform an effective air exchange operation, in an automated and independent, i.e., decentralized, manner for individual inner environments of residential, working and commercial buildings . A further advantage of the controlled mechanical ventilation unit according to the invention is that the small dimensions allow an installation of the same unit inside seats characteri zed by limited available spaces .

A further advantage of the controlled mechanical ventilation unit according to the invention is that it can be controlled by remote and can be interfaced with third- party domotic platforms .

A further advantage of the controlled mechanical ventilation unit according to the invention is that it performs safely, thanks to its own sel f-regulation capabilities , stopping in the event of abnormal operating conditions .

A further advantage of the controlled mechanical ventilation unit according to the invention is that it is inexpensive .

A further advantage of the controlled mechanical ventilation unit according to the invention is that it is highly versatile , since it is able to be housed into third- party structural arrangements .

Finally, the controlled mechanical ventilation unit according to the invention requires reduced maintenance .

It is finally clear that the controlled mechanical ventilation unit , described and illustrated herein, may be subj ect to modi fications and variations without departing from the protective scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims .

Claims

1. Controlled mechanical ventilation unit (100) , comprising a box-shaped body (101) , said box-shaped body (101) comprising:

- a plurality of external inlet sockets (101a) of air, a plurality of external outlet sockets (101b) of air, a plurality of internal inlet sockets (101c) of air and a plurality of internal outlet sockets (lOld) of air;

- at least a first fan (102) and a second fan (103) , said first fan (102) being configured to convey a first air flow between the plurality of external inlet sockets (101a) and the plurality of internal outlet sockets (lOld) , said second fan (103) being configured to convey a second air flow between the plurality of internal inlet sockets (101c) and the plurality of external outlet sockets (101b) ;

- an enthalpy heat exchanger (104) comprising a first inlet (104a) in correspondence with the plurality of external inlet sockets (101a) , a first outlet (104b) in correspondence with the plurality of external outlet sockets (101b) , a second inlet (104c) in correspondence with the plurality of internal inlet sockets (101c) and a second outlet (104d) in correspondence with the plurality of internal outlet sockets

(lOld) ; - at least one filter for pollutants, air impurities, viruses and bacteria;

- an electrical power supply unit of said controlled mechanical ventilation unit (100) , connected to the at least a first fan (102) and second fan (103) ; an electronic control unit, connected to the electrical power supply unit, configured to evaluate a clogging level of the at least one filter; characterized in comprising a plurality of sensors, connected to said electronic control unit, positioned in correspondence with at least the first inlet (104a) , the first outlet (104b) and the second inlet (104c) and configured to detect absolute pressure, temperature and relative humidity in correspondence with said first inlet (104a) , first outlet (104b) , second inlet (104c) and second outlet (104d) , and in that the electronic control unit is configured to stop the first fan (102) and the second fan (103) when the clogging level exceeds a programmable threshold value, wherein said clogging level is evaluated depending on absolute pressure values measured, on programmable time intervals, in correspondence with the first inlet (104a) and the second inlet (104c) of the enthalpy heat exchanger (104) .

2. Controlled mechanical ventilation unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that said detection of absolute pressure, temperature and relative humidity in correspondence with the second outlet (104d) is performed by the electronic control unit correlating the detections performed in correspondence with the first inlet (104a) , the first outlet (104b) and the second inlet (104c) or by means of a detection performed by a sensor, comprised in the plurality of sensors, positioned in correspondence with said second outlet (104d) .

3. Controlled mechanical ventilation unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the external inlet sockets (101a) introduce the air from the outside of a building into the box-shaped body (101) , the external outlet sockets (101b) extract the air from inside the boxshaped body (101) to the exterior of the building, the internal inlet sockets (101c) introduce the air from inside the building into the box-shaped body (101) and the plurality of internal outlet sockets (lOld) extract the air from inside the box-shaped body (101) into the building.

4. Controlled mechanical ventilation unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic control unit is configured to stop the first fan (102) and the second fan (103) in the event of a manual extraction of the at least one filter from the box-shaped body (101) .

5. Controlled mechanical ventilation unit (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that said controlled mechanical ventilation unit (100) is able to be installed in at least one seat, in an internal environment of the building, chosen between:

- a box for roller shutters;

- a wall;

- a recess in a masonry.

6. Controlled mechanical ventilation unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic control unit comprises a computer program product, performed by said electronic control unit, configured to manage a connection of the controlled mechanical ventilation unit (100) to third-party domotic platforms.

7. Controlled mechanical ventilation unit (100) according to claims 3 and 6, characterized in that said computer program product is configured to manage a connection between the controlled mechanical ventilation unit (100) and further controlled mechanical ventilation units (100) installed in adjacent internal rooms of the building.

8. Controlled mechanical ventilation unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized in comprising at least one mechanical kit able to be fixed in correspondence with an external portion of the box-shaped body (101) , said at least one mechanical kit being able to modify the dimensions of said box-shaped body (101) so as to house the controlled mechanical ventilation unit (100) in structural compartments of at least one third party manufacturer of controlled mechanical ventilation units.

9. Controlled mechanical ventilation unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the box-shaped body (101) has a substantially rectangular plan section, said plan section having a base comprised between 32 cm and

50 cm, and a height comprised between 20 cm and 32 cm.