FR2464640A1 - Humidifier for greenhouse atmosphere - has air drawn through panel of elements comprising channels with water flowing over surface - Google Patents

Abstract

The humidifier comprises a pivoted frame (2) which is fitted into the side of a greenhouse. This frame holds a panel (9) of elements, the panel being counterweighted (3) to rise upwards for free air flow. The elements (9a,9b) in the panel are made from corrugated plates, these being positioned to form channels which alternatively incline upwards and downwards. The humidifying water flows down from the top (9g) to be collected at the bottom (11). The air pases through the channels, using natural draught or an extractor fan, to pick up the entrained moisture.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for air conditioning greenhouses, it relates more particularly to a humidification device by evaporation of water in an air stream, adapted to be disposed on the sleeping frame of an automatic air inlet operating under the effect of the depression created by an air extractor.

The technical sector of the invention is that of agricultural shelters for vegetable and horticultural crops.

We are already contacting a greenhouse ventilation device, with automatic operation, which was the subject of patent application n077.09632, which makes it possible to ventilate the internal volume of the greenhouse while channeling the air introduced towards its upper part. in such a way that the cooling is carried out in good conditions, without however damaging the crops.

Such a device comprises at least one opening frame articulated on the structure of the greenhouse, which frame is balanced to be able to open inside of it under the effect of a depression created at least by a fan rejecting the outside air. The opening frame is articulated on the structure of the greenhouse to be able to pivot around its horizontal lower edge.

There are also known air-conditioned greenhouses equipped with humidification equipment adapted to high needs, such as for example those in tropical areas with low humidity and high air temperatures. The humidifiers used for these greenhouses are of imposing dimensions, the nominal surfaces are large and their operation requires a certain sophistication in terms of their control and regulation.

In temperate climatic zones, the air conditioning requirements are lower, natural or forced ventilation already ensuring a large part of the conditioning needs. I1 is asked to installations to be installed in such areas, and thus playing a supporting role, that the nominal surfaces less important, as well as a low technicality.

I1 emerges from the above that the existing air conditioning equipment is not suitable for temperate regions, their equipment is excessive and expensive.

The objective to be reached is an air conditioning device for greenhouses, which is simple, inexpensive and easily adaptable to an air intake to ensure the air conditioning of the greenhouse in good conditions, while protecting crops from damage caused by harmful drafts.

This objective is achieved by the greenhouse air conditioning device, according to the invention, which comprises at least one frame articulated on the structure of the greenhouse which frame is balanced to be able to open inside of it, under I effect of a depression created by at least one fan rejecting air outside, and is characterized by the fact that it comprises, at the opening of said chassis, a humidifying device extending over the surface of said opening.

According to one embodiment, the humidifying device consists of several AIR / WATER interference fittings juxtaposed and joined together to form at least one assembly surrounded by a frame adapted to be able to be attached to the frame of the articulated frame.

Humidification water is admitted to the upper part of the humidifying apparatus and is: collected at the lower part of said apparatus, and the linings comprise a plurality of channels situated in juxtaposed planes, which channels communicate with each other, s 'extend in oblique directions in the direction of the thickness of the elements and are traversed by the air circulated by the fan.

The channels located in the same plane are parallel to each other and are inclined downward, in a direction opposite to that of the channels located in the plane which is immediately juxtaposed to it, which channels are also parallel to each other.

The channels of one of the planes of a set of two planes, are strongly inclined from bottom to top, in the direction of the circulation of the air admitted into the greenhouse, to direct the air in the upper part of the greenhouse. in combination with the opening of said articulated chassis.

The frame which surrounds said linings consists of two lateral uprights profiled to cover the lateral edges of all the linings, and water is admitted by means of a supply ramp located in the upper cross member of said frame, and is collected in the bottom cross member thereof which constitutes a drainage gutter.

The lower cross-member is of a U-shaped cross section and receives inside a removable support, which is of a trapezoidal right cross section whose lateral sides converge upwards, and on which the support rests. set of fittings. In a preferred embodiment, the support is perforated and extends over the length of the gutter.

The lateral uprights are profiles of a U-shaped cross section, one of the wings of which has an edge bent at right angles to the outside of the profile, and the frame is fixed to the frame of the air intake. means of clamps which insert said folded edges, applied to the uprights of said frame.

The upper wall of the upper cross member of the frame is of a semicircular cross section to surround the water supply ramp, which has perforations distributed over its length and oriented towards the side of said wall for projecting jets of water. thereon, and the water flowing inside the cross member is collected by a distributing pad located below the ramp and above said AIR / WATER interference elements, which distributing pad comprises a plurality channels located in juxtaposed planes, which channels diverge from top to bottom to bring water to the right of the channels of said AIR / WATER interference fittings.

The invention results in a new air conditioning device particularly suitable for being installed on greenhouses grown in temperate zones, easily achievable and of a low cost of installation and operation.

The advantages of the present air conditioning device are numerous. As with previous air conditioning systems, evaporation in a current of air - increases the humidity of the outside air introduced, or atmospheres dried up by the fact of ventilation alone and again due to certain cultivation techniques such as plastic mulching and localized irrigation; - lowers the temperature of the outside air passing through the device in front of the greenhouse air intakes.

According to the present invention, an automatic air inlet operating using the effect of an air extractor rejecting the air outside the greenhouse is used. Such an air intake comprises an opening frame articulated in the lower part and balanced by a counterweight device. The opening is thus pivotally mounted inside the greenhouse and when it opens, it channels the air admitted into the greenhouse in the upper part thereof.

The air ducting in the direction of the upper part of the greenhouse is also obtained by some of the channels which make up the AIR / WATER interference fittings, which are inclined in the thickness of the fittings from bottom to top, in the direction taken by the air put into circulation.

The advantages of the invention are also found in the equipment of existing greenhouses by the ease of adding the humidifier device, which can be delivered in kit form and dismantled. Its assembly is particularly easy. Once assembled, the humidifier device can be installed or removed as a single unit.

It is installed with simplicity and speed on the air inlets and allows the usual manipulation of the gables in the case of front mounting.

The opening frame of the air inlet hides the humidifier device, eliminating the disadvantage of poor thermal insulation, given the porosity of the linings that compose it.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will become apparent with reference to the following description of an embodiment of an air conditioning device with reference to the appended drawing in which - Figure 1 is a sectional view through the median transverse plane of a
air inlet fitted with a humidifier.

- Figure 2 is an "exploded" perspective view of a humidified device
figure 1.

- Figure 3 is a perspective-partial view of an air inlet to
automatic operation of figure 1.

- Figure 4 is a partial perspective view illustrating the arrangement
tion of the water supply ramp, at the top of the ap
similar humidification in Figure 2.

- Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of the attachment of a
humidifier of figure 2 on an air inlet of figure
3.

- Figure 6 is a perspective view "cut away" of a water dispenser
of said humidifying device.

- Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the corrugated sheets for
mant the distributor channels of figure 6.

- Figure 8 is a partial perspective view "cut away" of a garnish
ture equipping said humidifier apparatus.

- Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the corrugated plates forming
the water flow channels and the conditioning air passage,
AIR / WATER interference pads in Figure 8.

Reference is first made to FIGS. 1 to 3 of the drawing which illustrate an automatic air inlet operating under a vacuum created by an air extractor (not shown). This air inlet is integrated into the structure of a cultivation greenhouse and comprises on the one hand a sleeping frame 1 comprising two lateral uprights la, lb, a high cross member Ic, a low cross member id, and on the other hand , an opening frame 2 articulated to the lower cross member Id of the frame 1 around two legs forming it an eye and in which is engaged the lower part 2a of the opening 2. This is made from tubes of a section straight circular and is slightly larger than the opening delimited by the uprights la, lob and the crossbars Ic, ld, so as to cover said opening. The opening 2 is covered like the greenhouse, for example by a plastic film and its opening takes place inside the greenhouse. It is balanced by a counterweight 3 guide by a guide line 4, for example a metal rod located in the median plane of the opening, which rod 4 is fixed on the one hand to a bracket 5 secured to the upper cross member Ic , and on the other hand, to a second bracket 6 fixed to the lower cross member id. These two brackets are obtained for example from folded flat irons. The brackets 5,6 are fixed by any means, for example by means of bolts.

The profile of the brackets 5,6 is U-shaped and their arrangement is symmetrical with respect to the opening of the frame. They are attached to this at the end of one of their wings 5a, 6a, so that their part 5b, 6b, which is perpendicular to the frame 1, is slightly removed from the high and low cross members Ic, Id and outside the opening of the frame 1. Their wing 5c, 6c is bent at right angles at their ends to receive the guide rod 4.

The upper bracket 5 comprises a small pulley 7 mounted in a yoke extending outside the bracket and upwards, on which a cable 8 is partially wound. by one of its ends at the upper part 2b of the opening 2 and by the other at the counterweight 3.

the air inlet according to the invention also comprises a humidifier device 9 placed on the outside and on the frame 1, so as to completely cover the opening delimited by the uprights la, lb and the cross members Ic, ld.

This device is supported by means of two supports 10 fixed to the lower cross member Id of the frame and arranged symmetrically with respect to the lower bracket 6. The supports 10 are for example of a U-shaped profile with unequal wings and are secured to the frame by their longer wing by means of bolts. The latter is of a length equal to that 6a of the bracket 6 so that the device 9 is carried both by the two supports 10 and by said bracket.

The humidifier device 9 is composed of several AIR / WATER interference fittings 9a, 9b, which are surrounded by a metal frame composed of sheet metal, profiled elements.

The device 9 is shown in detail in Figure 2 of the drawing and consists for example of five linings 9a and five linings 9b. Each lining is of a parallelepiped shape and the linings 9a are of greater length than the linings 9b.

Their arrangement is such that each lining 9b is superimposed on a lining 9a. Two joint covers 9c are arranged on their joint lines and are connected to each other by means of bolts 9d. Said linings 9a, 9b thus form an AIR / WATER interference assembly.

Each of the linings 9a, 9b (Figures 8 and 9) is composed of a plurality of corrugated plates juxtaposed with each other and whose corrugations form channels. A gasket 9b is shown in Figures 8 and
9 of the drawing. It is specified that the linings 9a are produced according to the same concept.

As illustrated in the drawing, the corrugations of the plates are
tilted in opposite directions, every other plate. The circulation
air is given by arrow F. By -report to the direction of circulation
air, the channels of the first plate shown 9bl are tilted down
like those of the third plate 9b2. The channels of the second plate 9b3
are tilted up. The channels of each plate are parallel between
them. As can be seen in the drawing, the channels of the plates 9b3 are
of a more marked inclination than that of the channels of the plates 9bl, 9b2.

Thus formed, the linings 9b have at their upper ends and
low a plurality of openings 9b4 / 9b5 through which is admitted and is
evacuated the humidification water. The water in turn passes through the channels 9bl,
9b2, 9b3 and flows through the lining on a winding path
to be discharged through the holes 9b5 located at the bottom of the
lining, the air circulating in the direction of arrow F under the effect of a
natural air current, or forced circulation obtained by an extractor
located in the greenhouse.

The water thus flows by runoff and performs in its descent several
back and forth from one of the channels from one inclination to the other which is juxtapo it
which is of another inclination.

The circulation of water in the form of a continuous film covers the entire
of the walls of the canals.

It is the contact of air passing through the linings and water in
runoff, which performs the air conditioning of the greenhouse.

According to a particular embodiment, the linings 9a, 9b also
called "Pads" are made from treated cellulose sheets.

At the upper part of the set of fittings 9a, 9b and above the
linings 9b is arranged a distributor lining 9e extending over the
width of said assembly. This 9e distributor packing can be made of
several elements juxtaposed.

Like the linings 9a, 9b, it has a plurality of corrugated plates
strips juxtaposed with each other to form inclined channels.

As can be seen in detail in Figures 6 and 7 of the drawing, the
channels of plates 9el and 9e2 are inclined in the same direction and
top to bottom, those on plate 9e3 are tilted up and down, but in
an opposite direction. Thus, the channels of plates 9el, 9e2 and 9e3 diver
gent from top to bottom and form in the upper and lower parts 9eq and
9eg a plurality of orifices through which water is admitted and discharged.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawing, the thickness of the distributor lining 9e is less than that of the linings 9a, 9b.

The corrugated plates making up the linings 9a, 9b, 9e are all perpendicular to the opening delimited by the sleeping frame 1 and the channels of the various elements are in substantially superimposed planes. The metal frame into which all of the linings 9a, 9b, 9e are inserted, consists of two U-shaped lateral uprights 9f so that their wings enclose the linings, a high cross member 9g and a low crossing 9h.

 The high cross member 9g is made up of three elements: a first element 9gl of a Z-shaped cross section, one wing of which is applied to one of the sides of the lining 9e and the other wing of which, of smaller width, forms a rim on which bears the second element 9g2 of the crosspiece. This, which constitutes the upper part of the upper cross member, is of a semicircular cross section and comprises a rim 9g3 of a circular cross section extending over the length of the element 9g2. The third element of the cross member 9gl overlaps by its upper wing 9gq, on the circular edge 9g3 of the element 9g2. It extends downwards by a flat wall 9g5, which is applied to the other side of the lining 9e. This wall 9gg has along its lower edge, a flange 9g6 to cover the linings 9b as well as two flanges 9g7 allowing the assembly of the upper cross member to the lateral uprights 9f.

In the upper cross member 9g and above the lining 9e, there is a supply manifold 9j for the water admitted into the linings, which ramp extends over the length of the cross member 9g and has orifices 9jl for the water distribution, which are also distributed along the length of the ramp and are reserved on the diametrical generator located on the side of the wall 9g5 of the cross member 9g. The ramp 9j has, at its ends, a threaded end 9j2 and is mounted in two notches 9fl made at the upper part of the lateral uprights 9f (fig. 4). One of the nozzles 9j2 receives a threaded plug 9j3, the other a threaded connector 9j4 allowing the connection of the boom to the water supply network.

The lower cross 9h forms a gutter for receiving the water flowing from all of the linings and is in the form of a tank of an elongated shape, comprising a bottom and four side walls.

The bottom 9hl can be inclined, and comprises at its low point, a flow orifice 9h2 in which is engaged a connection 9h3 to allow the fixing of a tube 11 (fiv.1) for connecting the device 9 to the evacuation network.

In the cross 9h is arranged a support 9k on which rests all of the linings 9a, 9b, 9e.

This support extends over the length of the cross-member and is of a trapezoidal cross section whose side walls 9kl diverge downwards.

It is open at its lower part and all of the linings 9a, 9b, 9e are supported on its upper wall 9k2. The support 9k is produced from a perforated sheet to allow good evacuation of the non-evaporated water flowing from all of said linings.

The lateral uprights 9f have, along their wing situated on the side of the face of the device intended to come into contact with the frame 1, a flange 9f 2 which extends over the almost length of the uprights.

As illustrated in FIG. 5 of the drawing, the flanges 9f2 come, when the humidifier device 9 is mounted on the air inlet, tangent the tubular uprights la, lb of the sleeping frame 1.

 These flanges 9f2 2 allow the attachment of the device 9 to the air inlet, according to the invention. The device 9 is kept in position by means of several clamping flanges 12. These flanges 12 adopt the shape of a U, the spacing of the wings 12a is slightly greater than the thickness of the flange 9f2 added to the outside diameter of the uprights. One of the wings 12a has a threaded orifice to receive a pressure screw 12b.

The device 9 is fixed to the frame, previously supported on the supports 10 and the lower bracket 6, for example by means of four flanges 12 at a rate of two per upright. These flanges are arranged on the ends of the flanges 9f2 and one of their wings is supported on the upright la, lb. The screw 12b applies the flange 9f2 to said upright.

The various elements that make up the frame that surrounds the fittings are attached by bolting and clipping.

The operation of the device according to 1 invention for air conditioning a greenhouse is as follows:
The humidifier device 9 is connected to the water supply network by the connector 9j4 of the ramp 9j. The water coming from the orifices 9jl of the ramp, in the form of substantially vertical jets which strike the internal face of the wall 9g2 of the top cross member, trickles along the wall and enters the orifices 9eq of the channels of the lining. distributor 9e which channels lead it to the right of the orifices 9b4 of the linings 9b.

The water passing through the linings 9b in the height direction and from top to bottom, flows through the channels of the linings 9a in a sinuous course as described above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, and the quantity d the non-evaporated water is collected in the gutter 9h to be evacuated or even recycled while passing through the duct 11.

The air circulated by the extractor in the direction of arrow F passes through the ply of the linings 9a, 9b by passing through their inclined channels. During its passage, it causes the evaporation of the water flowing along the walls of the channels and is charged with moisture. Under the effect of the vacuum of the extractor, the articulated frame 2 opens inside the greenhouse, and moist air is admitted into the latter while being directed to the upper part of the enclosure, on the one hand by the opening frame 2, and also by the channels of the corrugated plates 9b3, which make up the linings 9a, 9B.

As soon as the air circulation is interrupted, the opening frame 2 closes under the action of the counterweight 3, correspondingly, the water circuit is cut manually or by means of a remote-controlled valve.

An air-conditioned greenhouse may include one or more devices according to the invention equipped with a suitable supply and flow network for non-evaporated water.

Of course, without departing from the scope of the invention, the various parts of the device which have just been described may be replaced by equivalent parts fulfilling the same function.

Claims (10)

R E V E N D I C-A T I O N S 1 - Greenhouse air conditioning device comprising at least one frame  articulated on the greenhouse structure, which frame is balanced to be able to open inside it under the effect of a depression  sion created by at least one fan that rejects air outside ca characterized in that it includes at the opening of said chassis a humidifying apparatus extending over the surface of said opening. 2 - Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the device humidifier consists of several AIR / interference pads WATER, juxtaposed and combined to form at least one surrounded unit  by a frame adapted to be attached to the frame of the articulated frame. 3 - Device according to claim 2 wherein water is admitted to the upper part of the humidifier and is collected at the lower part of said device, characterized in that said fittings have a plurality of channels located in planes  juxtaposed which channels communicate with each other, extend along  oblique directions in the thickness direction of the elements and are crossed by the air circulated by the fan. 4 - Device according to claim 3 characterized in that the channels  located in a mime plane are parallel to each other and are inclined down in a direction opposite to that of the channels located in  the plane immediately next to it, which channels are also parallel to each other. 5 - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the channels of one of the planes of a set of two planes, are  strongly inclined from bottom to top in the direction of air circulation  admitted in the greenhouse, to direct the air in the upper part of the tightens in combination with the opening of said articulated frame. 6 - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 characterized  -in that the frame which surrounds said linings consists of two  profiled lateral uprights to cover the lateral edges of all the fittings, in that the water is admitted by means of a feed ramp located in the high cross member of said ca  dre, and is collected in the lower crosspiece thereof, which constitutes  kills a drain gutter. 7 - Device according to claim 6 characterized in that the cross  bottom is of a U-shaped cross section and receives inside  a removable support which is of a trapezoidal cross section of which  the lateral sides converge upwards, and on which support  is supported by all of the fittings. 8 - Device according to claim 7 characterized in that the support is  perforated and extends along the length of the gutter. 9 - Device according to claim 6 characterized in that said  lateral uprights are profiles of a cross section in the form of  U of which one of the wings has an edge folded at right angles to the outside  of the profile, and in that the fixing of the frame on the frame  the air inlet is made by means of clamps which insert  said folded edges applied to the uprights of said frame. 10 - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that the upper wall of the upper cross member of the frame is of a semicircular cross section to surround the supply ramp in water, which has perforations distributed over its length and  oriented on the side of said wall to project water jets onto that and in that the water flowing inside the cross is re picked up by a distributor lining located below the ramp  and above said AIR / WATER interference elements> which lining  vending machine has a plurality of channels located in planes  juxtaposed, which channels diverge from top to bottom to bring water  in line with the channels of said AIR / WATER interference fittings.