FR3137534A1 - Air dehumidification system within a closed culture structure and closed culture structure equipped with such a dehumidification system. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (200) for dehumidifying air within a closed cultivation structure comprising a thermodynamic circuit, said thermodynamic circuit comprising: an evaporator (102), for cooling and dehumidifying the air (114) located in said culture structure by heat exchange with a heat transfer fluid of the thermodynamic circuit, a first condenser (104) for heating the air (114) at the outlet of the evaporator (102) by heat exchange with said heat transfer fluid, a expander (106), between said first condenser and said evaporator to lower the pressure of the heat transfer fluid coming from said first condenser (104) and supply it to said evaporator (102), and a compressor (108), between said evaporator (102) and said first condenser (104) for increasing the pressure of the heat transfer fluid from said evaporator; in which the system thermodynamic circuit further comprises a second condenser (110), supplying said first condenser (104) with heat transfer fluid, to at least partially condense said heat transfer fluid by heat exchange with a first flow. It also concerns a closed culture structure including an air dehumidification system. Figure: Fig. 2

Description

Air dehumidification system within a closed culture structure and closed culture structure equipped with such a dehumidification system.

The present invention relates to an air dehumidification system within a closed cultivation structure. It also concerns a closed culture structure equipped with a dehumidification system.

The field of the invention is the field of air dehumidification in closed cultivation structures.

State of the art

Humidity is a common problem for growing crops in enclosed structures. Indeed, excess humidity condenses on the crop and degrades its quality. Additionally, damp areas encourage the development of diseases, fungi, parasites and mold.

In order to evacuate humidity in cultivation structures, it is known to heat the air included in these structures then to evacuate the hot and humid air through openings provided in the upper part of said structure and to bring in cold air coming from outside said structure.

There are also thermodynamic dehumidification systems or hygroscopic dehumidification systems.

However, these dehumidification systems are heat surplus and therefore increase the air temperature when placed in an enclosed growing structure.

In addition, the temperature of the air leaving current dehumidification systems is higher than the desired temperature for the crops, which generates hot zones within the crop structures that they dehumidify, which harms the cultivation of crops. plants present in said hot zones.

An aim of the present invention is to remedy at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks.

Another aim of the present invention is to propose a solution for dehumidifying the air within a closed culture structure allowing better control of the temperature within said structure and thus making it possible to obtain better culture conditions. .

Another aim of the present invention is to propose a dehumidification solution capable of dehumidifying without increasing the temperature of the air located in the structure.

• un évaporateur, pour refroidir et déshumidifier l’air se trouvant dans ladite structure de culture par échange thermique avec un fluide caloporteur du circuit thermodynamique,
• un premier condenseur pour réchauffer l’air en sortie de l’évaporateur par échange thermique avec ledit fluide caloporteur,
• un détendeur, entre ledit premier condenseur et ledit évaporateur pour abaisser la pression du fluide caloporteur provenant dudit premier condenseur et le fournir audit évaporateur, et
• un compresseur, entre ledit évaporateur et ledit premier condenseur pour augmenter la pression du fluide caloporteur provenant dudit évaporateur ;

dans lequel le circuit thermodynamique système comprend en outre un deuxième condenseur, alimentant ledit premier condenseur en fluide caloporteur, pour condenser au moins partiellement ledit fluide caloporteur par échange thermique avec un premier flux, ledit premier flux étant :

• un flux d’air provenant de l’extérieur de la structure de culture close et rejeté à l’extérieur ; ou
• un flux de liquide caloporteur rejeté dans un réservoir.

The invention makes it possible to achieve at least one of these goals by an air dehumidification system within a closed culture structure comprising a thermodynamic circuit, said thermodynamic circuit comprising:

• an evaporator, for cooling and dehumidifying the air located in said culture structure by heat exchange with a heat transfer fluid from the thermodynamic circuit,
• a first condenser for heating the air leaving the evaporator by heat exchange with said heat transfer fluid,
• a regulator, between said first condenser and said evaporator to lower the pressure of the heat transfer fluid coming from said first condenser and supply it to said evaporator, and
• a compressor, between said evaporator and said first condenser to increase the pressure of the heat transfer fluid coming from said evaporator;

in which the thermodynamic circuit system further comprises a second condenser, supplying said first condenser with heat transfer fluid, to at least partially condense said heat transfer fluid by heat exchange with a first flow, said first flow being:

• a flow of air coming from outside the closed cultivation structure and discharged outside; Or
• a flow of heat transfer liquid released into a tank.

The invention proposes an air dehumidification system making it possible to evacuate part of the heat found in the thermodynamic circuit, i.e. outside the closed culture structure by exchange with a first flow of air coming from outside the cultivation structure, or in a tank provided for this purpose. Thus, it is possible to dehumidify the air in a closed culture structure without increasing the air temperature inside the structure, by evacuating, at least in part, the excess heat from the dehumidification system outside the closed culture structure, or in a tank provided for this purpose, by the first flow.

The solution according to the invention therefore allows better control of the air temperature of the closed culture structure during dehumidification thereof. In fact, it is possible to control the temperature of the air leaving the first condenser. The system according to the invention therefore makes it possible to reduce the temperature difference between the air leaving the first condenser and the rest of the air included in the closed culture structure. Consequently, it is possible to avoid the presence of hot zones in said culture structure, in particular at the outlet of the first condenser.

Furthermore, as the system of the invention is capable of dehumidifying the air of a closed culture structure without heating it, a closed culture structure equipped with such a system does not need to be opened to replace hot air with cold air coming from outside. Thus, a closed cultivation structure equipped with a system of the invention can remain closed during cultivation, which reduces the risk of allowing insects and other parasites that could harm the crops to enter the structure.

Consequently, for at least one of the aforementioned reasons, the system according to the invention allows better control of the cultivation environment within a closed cultivation structure.

As indicated above, according to embodiments, the first flow may be an air flow coming from outside the closed culture structure and rejected outside. Thus, the dehumidification of the air in the closed structure is carried out with outside air and released outside after dehumidification.

Depending on embodiments, the first flow may be a flow of heat transfer liquid, such as for example water, discharged into a tank. The latter can be located outside said closed cultivation structure, or inside the closed cultivation structure. In these embodiments, the heat transfer liquid is loaded with calories, coming from the closed culture structure, and which are transferred to it within the second condenser. This first flow of heat transfer liquid is stored in a tank or in a tank. These calories can then be used, immediately or later, directly or indirectly, to heat the air inside the closed structure, if necessary, such as for example in mid-season.

• un deuxième condenseur traversé par un premier flux d’air provenant de l’extérieur de la structure de culture close et rejeté à l’extérieur, et
• un deuxième condenseur traversé par un premier flux de liquide caloporteur, tel que par exemple de l’eau, rejeté dans un réservoir.

Depending on embodiments, the system according to the invention may comprise a combination of what has just been described, namely:

• a second condenser crossed by a first flow of air coming from outside the closed culture structure and rejected outside, and
• a second condenser crossed by a first flow of heat transfer liquid, such as for example water, discharged into a tank.

Advantageously, the second condenser can be equipped with at least one fan, and more generally a drive means, to generate and control the first flow.

Thus, the system is capable of regulating the heat exchange in the second condenser, and therefore of regulating the proportion of the heat transfer fluid passing through the second condenser which is condensed by said second condenser. Consequently, it is possible to regulate the proportion of the heat transfer fluid remaining to be condensed by the first condenser.

In other words, it is possible to control the proportion of the heat transfer fluid in the gaseous state and in the liquid state at the outlet of the second condenser supplying the first condenser.

Thus, when the air in the closed cultivation structure needs to be refreshed, for example in summer and/or during the day or when cultivation lamps are lit, it is possible to increase the speed of said least one drive means, and in particular the fan, equipping the second condenser so as to increase the heat exchanges within said second condenser. In this case, the heat transfer fluid leaving the second condenser is further condensed and the proportion of the fluid in the gaseous state is reduced. Consequently, the heat exchanges in the first condenser, between the heat transfer fluid and air leaving the evaporator, are reduced. Thus, the cold air leaving the evaporator is heated less and the temperature of the air included in the closed culture structure can be reduced.

In addition, it is possible to completely condense the heat transfer fluid passing through the second condenser. In this case, the second condenser supplies the first condenser with a heat transfer fluid only in the liquid state. Thus, the heat exchanges in the first condenser, between the heat transfer fluid and air leaving the evaporator, are negligible, or even non-existent. Consequently, it is possible not to heat the air flow leaving the evaporator and therefore to maximize the cooling of the air included in the closed culture structure.

Furthermore, when the air in the closed cultivation structure needs to be heated, for example in winter and/or during the night or when cultivation lamps are turned off, it is possible to reduce the speed of the means drive, and in particular a fan, equipping the second condenser so as to reduce heat exchanges within said second condenser. In this case, the heat transfer fluid leaving the second condenser is less condensed and the proportion of the heat transfer fluid in the gaseous state is increased. Consequently, the heat exchanges in the first condenser, between the heat transfer fluid and air leaving the evaporator, are increased. Thus, the cold air leaving the evaporator is further heated and the temperature of the air included in the closed culture structure can be increased.

In addition, it is possible to turn off said at least one drive means, and in particular the fan, fitted to the second condenser so as to reduce the heat exchanges in the second condenser as much as possible. This makes it possible to maximize thermal exchanges in the first condenser and therefore to maximize the heating of the air included in the closed culture structure.

Advantageously, the system can include at least one fan to generate and control the air flow, passing through the first condenser and the evaporator.

Thus, it is possible to adapt the flow speed and therefore regulate the heat exchanges in the first condenser and in the evaporator.

• en amont de l’évaporateur de sorte à pousser de l’air dans l’évaporateur puis dans le premier condenseur,
• entre le premier condenseur et l’évaporateur de sorte à tirer de l’air au travers du premier condenseur et de pousser de l’air au travers de l’évaporateur, et/ou
• en aval du premier condenseur de sorte à tirer de l’air dans l’évaporateur et dans le premier condenseur.

As a non-limiting example, at least one fan can be positioned:

• upstream of the evaporator so as to push air into the evaporator then into the first condenser,
• between the first condenser and the evaporator so as to draw air through the first condenser and push air through the evaporator, and/or
• downstream of the first condenser so as to draw air into the evaporator and into the first condenser.

Alternatively, when the second condenser is equipped with at least one drive means, and in particular a fan, to generate and control the first flow, the system according to the invention can comprise at least one fan at constant speed to generate a flow of air, passing through the first condenser and the evaporator. Thus, the speed of this air flow is constant. Consequently, the heat exchanges of the heat transfer fluid in the first condenser are not regulated by this flow. Indeed, in this embodiment the heat exchanges in the first condenser are dependent on the proportion of the heat transfer fluid remaining to be condensed at the outlet of the second condenser.

Thus, in this embodiment, the constant speed fan can be dimensioned to generate an air flow allowing the first condenser to condense the proportion of the heat transfer fluid remaining to be condensed at the outlet of the second condenser even when the fan fitted to the second condenser is stopped.

According to one embodiment, at least one fan of said system can be provided to be activated and/or controlled manually.

• au moins une sonde pour mesurer une température et/ou un niveau d’humidité dans la structure de culture close, et
• une unité de contrôle pour ajuster la vitesse de :
  • du moyen d’entrainement, et en particulier du ventilateur, équipant le deuxième condenseur, et/ou
  • du ventilateur équipant le premier condenseur ;

en fonction d’au moins une température et/ou d’un niveau d’humidité mesuré.Advantageously, the system can further comprise:

• at least one probe for measuring a temperature and/or a humidity level in the closed culture structure, and
• a control unit to adjust the speed of:
  • of the drive means, and in particular of the fan, equipping the second condenser, and/or
  • of the fan fitted to the first condenser;

as a function of at least one measured temperature and/or humidity level.

Thus, it is possible to regulate the heat exchanges in the evaporator, the first condenser and/or in the second condenser as a function of temperature and/or humidity data measured in said structure. Therefore, it is possible to adapt the behavior of the system in real time based on temperature and/or humidity data. Thus, it is possible to better control the climate inside a closed cultivation structure and therefore to obtain better quality crops.

• dans une partie haute d’une structure de culture,
• dans une partie basse d’une structure de culture, ou
• en sortie du premier condenseur,
• etc.

By way of non-limiting examples, at least one probe for measuring a temperature and/or a humidity level can be provided to be positioned:

• in an upper part of a cultivation structure,
• in a lower part of a cultivation structure, or
• at the outlet of the first condenser,
• etc.

According to one embodiment, the evaporator can be provided to be arranged outside the closed culture structure and the first condenser can be provided to be arranged inside the closed culture structure. In this embodiment, the evaporator must be arranged so as to allow the air in the structure to pass through the evaporator then the first condenser without this air, coming from inside the structure, being mixed. with the air outside the structure. As a non-limiting example, dedicated conduits can be used.

Alternatively, the evaporator and the first condenser can be planned to be arranged outside the closed culture structure. In this embodiment, the evaporator and the first condenser must be arranged so as to allow the air located in the structure to pass through the evaporator then the first condenser without this air, coming from inside the structure. structure is mixed with air outside the structure. As a non-limiting example, dedicated conduits can be used.

Advantageously, the first condenser and the evaporator can be provided to be arranged inside the closed culture structure.

According to one embodiment, the second condenser can be provided to be arranged inside the structure. In this case, the second condenser must be arranged so as to allow said first flow to pass through said second condenser without this first flow being mixed with the air within the structure. As a non-limiting example, conduits dedicated to the first flow can be used.

Advantageously, the second condenser can be provided to be arranged outside the closed culture structure.

Thus, the exchanges between the heat transfer fluid and the first flow are facilitated, in particular when the first is an air flow external to the closed culture structure. Indeed, it is simpler to route outside air to the second condenser then to reject this air outside the closed culture structure when said second condenser is outside said structure.

In addition, having a condenser designed to be placed outside makes it possible to dedicate a greater part of the interior volume of the structure to crops and therefore allows greater production.

Advantageously, the thermodynamic circuit can further comprise a heat transfer fluid reservoir, placed between the first condenser and the expander.

In this way, it is possible to guarantee proper operation of the expander and therefore of the evaporator. Indeed, the use of a tank upstream of the regulator ensures that heat transfer fluid is always available for the regulator.

Advantageously, the thermodynamic circuit can comprise at least one constant pressure valve placed downstream of the first condenser.

Thus, it is possible to control the condensation pressure of the heat transfer fluid and therefore the condensation temperature of the heat transfer fluid. This is particularly advantageous when the air temperature outside the enclosed growing structure is colder than the air temperature within the growing structure, for example in winter.

Indeed, under these conditions and without a constant pressure valve, the first condenser can be supplied with a heat transfer fluid at a temperature too low to be condensed by heat exchange with the air included in the closed culture structure.

As a non-limiting example, without a constant pressure valve, when the temperature inside the structure is 20°C and the temperature outside the structure is 0°C, the heat transfer fluid can have a condensation temperature of around 10°C. Furthermore, under these conditions, the heat transfer fluid leaving the second condenser and supplying the first condenser can be at a temperature of approximately 10°C. Consequently, the heat transfer fluid cannot be condensed by heat exchange with the air included in the structure, at a temperature of 20°C.

Thus, the use of a constant pressure valve downstream of the first condenser makes it possible to increase the condensation temperature of said heat transfer fluid and therefore makes it possible to condense the latter in the first condenser even when the temperature outside the structure is lower than that inside the structure.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the constant pressure valve can be designed to close when the compressor is turned off. Thus, the constant pressure valve can act as a check valve. This is particularly advantageous for embodiments comprising a heat transfer liquid reservoir, placed between the first condenser and the expander. Indeed, in such an embodiment, the constant pressure valve makes it possible to avoid the migration of the heat transfer fluid from the tank to the first condenser when the system is stopped.

Alternatively, or in addition, the thermodynamic circuit may comprise a non-return valve disposed between the first condenser and the second condenser.

In this way, it is possible to prevent the heat transfer fluid from migrating from the first condenser to the second condenser. This is particularly advantageous for the embodiments of the system where the second condenser is intended to be arranged outside of said culture structure. Indeed, in such an embodiment, when the system is stopped and the exterior temperature of the closed culture structure is lower than the interior temperature of the closed structure, the heat transfer fluid has a higher temperature and pressure. higher in the first condenser than in the second, which can lead to migration of the fluid from the first condenser to the second condenser. Consequently, when restarting, the expander may not be sufficiently supplied with heat transfer fluid, the evaporation pressure may be lowered and cause the compressor to stop for safety reasons. In addition, the accumulation of fluid in the second condenser risks creating a blockage and increasing the pressure at the compressor outlet, which can also cause the compressor to stop for safety reasons.

According to one embodiment, the compressor may be a fixed speed compressor.

Advantageously, the compressor can be a variable speed compressor.

Thus, it is possible to regulate the quantity of heat transfer fluid drawn into the expander and the evaporator. Regulating the quantity of fluid passing through the evaporator thus makes it possible to regulate the possible heat exchanges in the evaporator and therefore to regulate dehumidification. Thus, it is possible to limit the amount of dehumidification. In addition, it is possible to cool the air passing through the evaporator without dehumidifying it.

Preferably, when the system includes a control unit, the variable speed compressor can be controlled by said control unit.

According to another aspect of the invention, a closed culture structure is proposed equipped with a system according to the invention.

• une serre,
• une chambre de culture,
• une tente de culture, ou
• un placard de culture,
• etc.

Advantageously, the closed culture structure can be:

• a greenhouse,
• a culture room,
• a grow tent, or
• a culture cupboard,
• etc.

The closed cultivation structure can for example be a structure intended to be placed outdoors or a structure intended to be placed inside a building. The closed culture structure can be a fixed, non-movable structure, or a movable or even mobile structure.

In addition, the enclosed growing structure can be equipped with growing lights.

Furthermore, the closed culture structure can be a structure, called opaque, each of the walls of which is opaque to light, so that light coming from outside the closed culture structure cannot penetrate the interior of said closed cultivation structure. In addition, when such an opaque structure is equipped with grow lights, the light generated inside the opaque structure is contained therein. This is particularly advantageous for structures located inside buildings or homes.

Alternatively, the structure may comprise at least one transparent or translucent wall, so as to allow light coming from outside the closed culture structure to penetrate inside said structure.

Description of the figures and embodiments

• la est une représentation schématique d’un exemple de réalisation non limitatif d’un système de déshumidification de l’air au sein d’une structure de culture close ;
• la est une représentation schématique d’un autre exemple de réalisation non limitatif d’un système de déshumidification de l’air au sein d’une structure de culture close ;
• les et 3b sont des représentations schématiques et partielles d’un exemple de réalisation non limitatif d’une structure de culture close équipée d’un système de déshumidification ; et
• les et 4b sont des représentations schématiques et partielles d’un bâtiment comprenant un autre exemple de réalisation non limitatif d’une structure de culture close équipée d’un système de déshumidification.

Other advantages and characteristics will appear on examination of the detailed description of a non-limiting embodiment, and of the appended drawings in which:

• there is a schematic representation of a non-limiting embodiment of an air dehumidification system within a closed culture structure;
• there is a schematic representation of another non-limiting embodiment of an air dehumidification system within a closed culture structure;
• THE and 3b are schematic and partial representations of a non-limiting embodiment of a closed culture structure equipped with a dehumidification system; And
• THE and 4b are schematic and partial representations of a building comprising another non-limiting embodiment of a closed culture structure equipped with a dehumidification system.

It is understood that the embodiments which will be described below are in no way limiting. In particular, it will be possible to imagine variants of the invention comprising only a selection of characteristics described subsequently isolated from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention compared to other the prior art. This selection includes at least one preferably functional characteristic without structural details, or with only part of the structural details if this part is only sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention compared to the state of the prior art.

In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

There is a schematic representation of a non-limiting embodiment of an air dehumidification system within a closed cultivation structure.

The closed culture structure air dehumidification system 100 comprises a thermodynamic circuit comprising a heat transfer fluid.

The thermodynamic circuit includes an evaporator 102, to cool and dehumidify the air within said culture structure by heat exchange with the heat transfer fluid of the thermodynamic circuit.

The thermodynamic circuit further comprises a first condenser 104 to heat the air leaving the evaporator 102 by heat exchange with said heat transfer fluid.

In addition, the thermodynamic circuit comprises an expander 106, downstream of said first condenser 104 and upstream of said evaporator 102 as well as a compressor 108, downstream of said evaporator 102 and upstream of said first condenser 104.

Furthermore, the thermodynamic circuit further comprises a second condenser 110, supplying said first condenser 104 with heat transfer fluid. This second condenser 110 of the system 100 is intended to at least partially condense said heat transfer fluid, coming from the compressor 108, by heat exchange with a first flow of air 112, coming from the outside of said closed culture structure and rejected to the outside of said closed culture structure.

Thus, the air dehumidification system 100 is capable of evacuating part of the heat found in the thermodynamic circuit outside the closed culture structure. Thus, it is possible to dehumidify the air of a closed culture structure without increasing the temperature of the air inside the structure, by evacuating excess heat from the dehumidification system 100 to the outside of the structure. the closed culture structure.

Thus, during dehumidification of the air of the closed culture structure, illustrated by the air flow 114 passing through the evaporator 102 then the first condenser 104, the system 100 is capable of not increasing the temperature of the air within the closed culture structure.

When the dehumidification system 100 is in operation, the first condenser 104 supplies the expander 106 with heat transfer fluid in the liquid state. The regulator 106 lowers the pressure of the heat transfer fluid and modulates the flow of heat transfer fluid at the inlet of the evaporator 102. The heat transfer fluid is thus converted to the gaseous state in the evaporator 102 by heat exchange with the air 114 located inside the structure. Then, the compressor 108 increases the pressure of the heat transfer fluid coming from the evaporator 102. The excess heat from the system 100 can then be evacuated from the closed culture structure by the second condenser 110 by condensing part of the heat transfer fluid by heat exchange with the first air flow 112. The second condenser 110 then supplies the first condenser 104 with heat transfer fluid which condenses the part of the heat transfer fluid still in the gaseous state, by heat exchange with the flow 114.

There is a schematic representation of another non-limiting example of an air dehumidification system within a closed cultivation structure.

The 200 system of the includes all the elements of the device 100 of the .

The system 200 further comprises a first fan 202 equipping the second condenser 110 to generate and control said first air flow 112 passing through the second condenser 110.

In , the first fan 202 is positioned so as to push air through the second condenser 110.

Alternatively or additionally, according to other embodiments (not shown), the system 200 may include a fan positioned to draw air through the second condenser 110.

The system 200 further comprises a second fan 204 to generate and control the second air flow 114 passing through the first condenser 104 and the evaporator 102.

In , the second fan 204 is positioned between the evaporator 102 and the first condenser 104, so as to draw air through the evaporator 102 and push air through the first condenser 104.

Alternatively or in addition, according to other embodiments (not shown), the system 200 may comprise a fan positioned upstream of the evaporator 102 so as to push air into the evaporator 102 then into the first condenser 104 and/or downstream of the first condenser 104 so as to draw air into the evaporator 102 and into the first condenser 104.

Additionally, the system 200 includes a probe 206 for measuring a temperature in the enclosed cultivation structure as well as a probe 208 for measuring a humidity level in the enclosed cultivation structure.

Furthermore, the system 200 comprises a control unit 210 for adjusting the speed of the first fan 202 and the second fan 204 as a function of at least one temperature and/or a humidity level measured by the probe 206 and/or or probe 208 respectively.

Thus, by regulating the speed of the first fan 202 and therefore by regulating the air flow 112, the control unit 210 of the system 200 is capable of regulating the heat exchange in the second condenser 110, and therefore of regulating the proportion of the heat transfer fluid passing through the second condenser 110 which is condensed by said second condenser 110. Consequently, it is possible to regulate the proportion of the heat transfer fluid remaining to be condensed by the first condenser 104. In other words, the system 200 is capable of controlling the proportion of the heat transfer fluid in the gaseous state and in the liquid state at the outlet of the second condenser 110 supplying the first condenser 104.

In addition, the control unit 210 is capable of adapting the speed of the fan 204 and therefore of regulating the flow 114 so as to allow the first condenser 104 to condense the proportion of the heat transfer fluid in the gaseous state at the outlet of the second condenser 110.

Thus, when the control unit 210 reduces the rotation speed of the first fan 202 in order to reduce the proportion of the heat transfer fluid condensed by the second condenser 110, the control unit can increase the rotation speed of the second fan 204.

Conversely, when the control unit 210 increases the rotation speed of the first fan 202 in order to increase the proportion of the heat transfer fluid condensed by the second condenser 110, the control unit can reduce the rotation speed of the second fan 204. Preferably, a minimum rotation speed of the second fan 204 can be predefined. This minimum rotation speed makes it possible to guarantee a flow 114 allowing proper operation of the evaporator 102. Thus, when the system 200 is in operation, the control unit 210 cannot reduce the speed of the second fan 204 below this predefined minimum speed. Furthermore, this minimum rotation speed may be a function of a humidity level measured in the closed culture structure. Thus, it is possible that the minimum rotation speed is adapted to the desired amount of dehumidification.

In addition, the control unit 210 is capable of adapting the speed of the second fan 204 and therefore of regulating the flow 114 so as to control the heat exchanges within the evaporator 102. Thus, it is possible to control the amount of dehumidification provided by the system 200.

According to an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the second fan 204 can be a constant speed fan, configured to generate an air flow 114 allowing the first condenser 104 to condense the proportion of the heat transfer fluid remaining to be condensed at the outlet of the second condenser 110 even when the first fan 202 equipping the second condenser 110 is stopped.

Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in , the compressor 108 of the system 200 is a variable speed compressor intended to be controlled by the control unit 210. Thus, the system 200 is capable of regulating dehumidification. Indeed, by controlling the speed of the compressor 108 it is possible to control the quantity of heat transfer fluid drawn into the expander 106 and into the evaporator 102. Thus regulating the quantity of fluid passing through the evaporator 102 makes it possible to regulate the possible heat exchanges. in the evaporator 102 and therefore regulate dehumidification.

In addition, the system 200 includes a constant pressure valve 212 placed directly downstream of said first condenser 104. Controlling and setting the required pressure at the outlet of the first condenser 104 makes it possible to control the condensation temperature of the heat transfer fluid.

This is particularly advantageous when the air temperature outside the enclosed growing structure is colder than the air temperature 114 within the growing structure, for example in winter.

Indeed, without a constant pressure valve 212, the first condenser 104 can be supplied with a heat transfer fluid at a temperature too low to be condensed by heat exchange with the air 114 included in the closed culture structure.

Thus, the use of a constant pressure valve 212 downstream of the first condenser makes it possible to increase the condensation temperature of said heat transfer fluid and therefore makes it possible to condense the latter in the first condenser 104 even when the temperature outside the exterior of the structure is lower than that inside the structure.

Furthermore, the system 200 comprises a non-return valve 214 disposed between said first condenser 104 and said second condenser 110. This valve 214 makes it possible to prevent the heat transfer fluid from migrating from the first condenser 104 towards the second condenser 110. This is particularly advantageous for when the second condenser 110 is intended to be arranged outside the culture structure, as described below in relation to the and 3b. Indeed, in such an embodiment, when the system is stopped and the exterior temperature of the closed culture structure is lower than the interior temperature of the closed structure, the heat transfer fluid has a higher temperature and pressure. higher in the first condenser than in the second, which can lead to migration of the fluid from the first condenser to the second condenser.

In addition, the system 200 comprises a liquid reservoir 216 with heat transfer liquid, disposed between said first condenser 104 and the regulator 106, more precisely between the constant pressure valve 212 and the regulator 106.

The system 200 is thus capable of guaranteeing proper operation of the expander 106 and therefore of the evaporator 102. In fact, the use of a reservoir 216 upstream of the expander 106 makes it possible to guarantee that the heat transfer fluid is always available.

According to an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the constant pressure valve 212 can be designed to close when the compressor 108 is turned off. Thus, the constant pressure valve 212 can act as a check valve. In such an embodiment, the constant pressure valve 212 makes it possible to avoid the migration of the heat transfer fluid from the tank 216 to the second condenser 104 when the system is stopped.

There and 3b are schematic and partial representations of a non-limiting embodiment of a closed culture structure equipped with a dehumidification system.

In particular, the illustrates an overview of the closed culture structure 300 equipped with a dehumidification system 302 according to the invention. There illustrates, through an enlarged view, the elements included in the AA framework of the , such as the dehumidification system 302 of the closed culture structure 300.

The closed cultivation structure 300 is an immobile structure of the cultivation greenhouse type. This closed culture structure 300 comprises an interior volume 304 delimited by walls 306, a ceiling 308 and a floor 310.

In the example illustrated in , the enclosed cultivation structure 300 is equipped with a cultivation lamp 312 attached to the ceiling 308. In addition, plants 314 are present inside the cultivation structure 300.

For the sake of readability, the air dehumidification system 302 of closed culture structure 300 is partially illustrated in and 3b. Indeed, only the evaporator 102, the first condenser 104, the second condenser 110 and the circuit connecting them are illustrated.

The dehumidification system 302 can be a system 100 or 200 as described above in relation to FIGURES 1 and 2, or more generally, a system according to the invention.

The evaporator 102 and the first condenser 104 are arranged inside the culture structure 300 while the second condenser 110 is arranged outside it.

• le premier flux d’air 112 d’acheminant de l’air extérieur au deuxième condenseur 110 puis rejetant cet air à l’extérieur de la structure de culture close 300, et
• le flux d’air 114 se trouvant dans la structure de culture close 300, traversant l’évaporateur 102 puis le premier condenseur 104.

Thus, it is simpler to generate:

• the first air flow 112 conveying outside air to the second condenser 110 then rejecting this air outside the closed culture structure 300, and
• the air flow 114 being in the closed culture structure 300, passing through the evaporator 102 then the first condenser 104.

Furthermore, when the closed cultivation structure 300 is a stationary structure of the cultivation greenhouse type and the second condenser 110 is intended to be arranged outside said structure 300, it is possible to at least partially bury the conduits of heat transfer fluid connecting elements arranged inside the closed culture structure to elements arranged outside the closed culture structure. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in and 3b, the conduit connecting the second condenser 110 to the first condenser 104 is partially buried.

THE and 4b are schematic and partial representations of a building 400 comprising another non-limiting embodiment of a closed culture structure 401 equipped with a dehumidification system 402.

In particular, the illustrates an overview of the building 400 structure 401 of closed culture equipped with a dehumidification system 402 according to the invention. There illustrates, through an enlarged view, the elements included in the BB framework of the , such as the dehumidification system 402 of the closed culture structure 300.

The closed culture structure 401 is a movable structure of the culture chamber or culture tent type. This closed culture structure 401 of FIGURES 4a and 4b includes all the elements of the closed culture structure 300 of FIGURES 3a and 3b.

For the sake of readability, the air dehumidification system 402 of closed culture structure 401 is partially illustrated in and 4b. Indeed, only the evaporator 102, the first condenser 104, the second condenser 110 and the circuit connecting them are illustrated.

The dehumidification system 402 can be a system 100 or 200 as described above in relation to FIGURES 1 and 2, or more generally, a system according to the invention.

The evaporator 102, the first condenser 104 and the second condenser 110 of the system 402 are arranged inside the closed culture structure 401.

As the evaporator 102 and the first condenser 104 are arranged in the closed culture structure 401, the air flow 114, of air included in the closed culture structure 300, passing through the evaporator 102 then the first condenser 104 is easy to generate.

Furthermore, the second condenser 110 is connected to the outside of the closed cultivation structure by air ducts 404 and 406. Thus it is possible to generate the first air flow 112 carrying outside air to the second condenser 110 then reject it outside the closed culture structure 401 without this outside air being mixed with the air located inside the closed culture structure 401. Thus, the outside air can enter the first air duct 404 through a first opening 408 in the wall 306, pass through the second condenser 110 then be directed by the second duct 406 towards the outside of the structure 401 through a second opening 408.

In this example of a movable closed culture structure 401, all the elements of the dehumidification system 402 are arranged inside the structure. This has the advantage of facilitating the movement as well as the installation of this cultivation structure inside buildings and in particular inside homes. However, according to other embodiments, certain elements of the dehumidification system, in particular the second condenser 110, can be provided to be arranged outside of said structure in order to maximize the cultivation space available inside. of said structure.

In the non-limiting examples which have just been described with reference to the FIGURES, the system according to the invention comprises a second condenser 110 crossed by a first flow which is a flow of air coming from outside the closed culture structure and released into the outside atmosphere.

According to alternative embodiments not shown, the first flow can be a flow of water, or generally a flow of heat transfer liquid, discharged into a tank, placed outside or inside the culture structure closed. In this case, the heat transfer liquid is loaded with calories, coming from the closed culture structure, and which are transferred to it within the second condenser. This first flow of heat transfer liquid loaded with calories can then be stored, for example in a tank or in a tank. These calories can then be used, immediately or later, directly or indirectly, to heat the air inside the closed structure, if necessary, such as for example in mid-season.

• un deuxième condenseur traversé par un premier flux d’air provenant de l’extérieur de la structure de culture close et rejeté à l’extérieur, tel que montré sur les FIGURES, et
• un deuxième condenseur traversé par un premier flux de liquide caloporteur rejeté dans un réservoir, ou un ballon, pour être réutilisé.

Les deux deuxièmes condenseurs peuvent être disposés l’un derrière l’autre dans un ordre indifférent, entre le compresseur 108 et le premier condenseur 104.According to yet other alternative embodiments not shown, the system according to the invention may comprise a combination of what has just been described, namely:

• a second condenser crossed by a first flow of air coming from outside the closed culture structure and rejected outside, as shown in the FIGURES, and
• a second condenser crossed by a first flow of heat transfer liquid discharged into a tank, or a tank, to be reused.

The two second condensers can be arranged one behind the other in any order, between the compressor 108 and the first condenser 104.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples detailed above.

Claims (12)

System (100;200;302;402) for dehumidifying the air within a closed culture structure comprising a thermodynamic circuit, said thermodynamic circuit comprising:

• an evaporator (102), for cooling and dehumidifying the air (114) located in said culture structure by heat exchange with a heat transfer fluid from the thermodynamic circuit,
• a first condenser (104) for heating the air (114) leaving the evaporator (102) by heat exchange with said heat transfer fluid,
• a regulator (106), between said first condenser and said evaporator for lowering the pressure of the heat transfer fluid coming from said first condenser (104) and supplying it to said evaporator (102), and
• a compressor (108), between said evaporator (102) and said first condenser (104) to increase the pressure of the heat transfer fluid coming from said evaporator;

in which the thermodynamic circuit system further comprises a second condenser (110), supplying said first condenser (104) with heat transfer fluid, to at least partially condense said heat transfer fluid by heat exchange with a first flow (112), said first flow (112) being:

• a flow of air coming from outside the closed cultivation structure and discharged outside;
• a flow of heat transfer liquid released into a tank.

System (200) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second condenser (110) is equipped with at least one drive means, and in particular with a fan (202), to generate and control the first flow of air (112). System (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one fan (204) for generating and controlling the air flow (114), passing through the first condenser (102) and the evaporator (104). System (200) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that said system (200) further comprises:

• at least one probe (206,208) for measuring a temperature and/or a humidity level in the enclosed culture structure, and
• a control unit (210) for adjusting the speed of:
  • of the drive means, and in particular of the fan (202), equipping the second condenser, and/or
  • of the fan (204) equipping the first condenser (102);

based on at least one measured temperature and/or humidity level. System (302;402) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first condenser (104) and the evaporator (102) are intended to be arranged inside the closed culture structure. System (302) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second condenser (110) is intended to be arranged outside the closed culture structure. System (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermodynamic circuit further comprises a heat transfer fluid reservoir (216), disposed between the first condenser (104) and the expander (102). System (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermodynamic circuit comprises at least one constant pressure valve (212) disposed downstream of the first condenser (104). System (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermodynamic circuit comprises a non-return valve (214) disposed between the first condenser (104) and the second condenser (110). System (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compressor (108) is a variable speed compressor. Closed cultivation structure (300;401) equipped with a system (302;402) according to any one of the preceding claims. Culture structure (300;401) according to the preceding claim characterized in that the closed culture structure is:

• a greenhouse,
• a culture room,
• a culture cupboard, or
• a grow tent.