GB2378502A

GB2378502A - Apparatus for heating or cooling a room

Info

Publication number: GB2378502A
Application number: GB0212914A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hans-Werner Roth; Ralf Wagner
Original assignee: LTG AG
Current assignee: LTG AG
Priority date: 2001-06-06
Filing date: 2002-06-05
Publication date: 2003-02-12
Anticipated expiration: 2022-06-05
Also published as: PL204618B1; DE10223085A1; PL354278A1; DE10223085B4; GB0212914D0; GB2378502B

Abstract

An apparatus 6 for heating or cooling a room 1 having a ceiling 2, a floor 3 and walls 4 and 5 by conduction and radiation comprises a housing 7 having a radiation wall 10 on the underside 9, a top wall 12 on its top side 11, side walls 13 defining openings 16 and 17 which may have pivotable flaps 21 and 23, a heating or cooling element 26 which functions as a water/air or refrigerant/air heat exchanger 27 and a fan 29 which serves to deliver air through the apparatus 6. The apparatus 6 functions in one mode where the flaps 21 and 23 are closed and air circulates within the housing 7 so that the room 1 is heated or cooled by radiation 33, and a second mode where the flaps 21 and 23 are open and air passes into the room 1 so that the room 1 is heated or cooled by radiation 33 and convection 30.

Description

APPARATUS FOR. AND METHOD OF, HEATING AND/OR COOLING A ROOM The invention relates to an apparatus for heating and/or cooling a room, having a heating and/or cooling element and a heat-emitting or cold-emitting radiation surface.

Such heating or cooling apparatuses are known. The heating or cooling surfaces of these apparatuses exchange energy with their surroundings predominantly via radiation. In addition to this radiation exchange, exchange of energy also takes place by free convection at the heating or cooling surfaces. Such apparatuses are usually provided with water-fed cooling or heating surfaces.

Also known are so-called air-cooling ceilings, the surface temperature of which is lowered by cooled air circulating in the interspace between the solid ceiling and cooling ceiling. If the surface is air-impermeable, the cooling capacities of the air-cooling ceilings are comparable with those of water-cooling ceilings. If the air-cooling ceilings are provided with perforated surfaces, a cooled supply-air stream is delivered into the room through the ceiling surface.

The disadvantage of the abovementioned apparatuses is that they have relatively low power densities, with the result that the desired temperatures are only achieved slowly in the case of moderate room heat loads. In the case of higher room loads, it is only possible to maintain relatively high temperature maxima (for example 27 C).

Also known are air-conditioning units which are designed as fan coil units which are operated with water or coolant and provide a very high convective cooling capacity. These units, however, do not allow individuals to remain for any length of time in the region of the supply-air jets, which are cooled to a very pronounced extent (down to 8 C), that is to say satisfactory thermal comfort is not always provided on account of possible draughts.

The object of the invention is thus to provide an apparatus for heating and/or cooling a room which, with the desired level of comfort, allows optimum heating or cooling in accordance with requirements.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that, in a first mode of operation, the radiation surface is subjected to the action of a hot-air or cold-air stream inside the apparatus, and in that, in a second mode of operation, the hot-air or cold-air stream passes, at least in part, into the room through at least one opening belonging to the apparatus. The room user is thus free to choose between the two modes of operation, the radiation mode (first mode of operation) taking place without any draughts, with the result that the room user can readily remain for a prolonged period of time in the vicinity of the airconditioning apparatus according to the invention. If the room user chooses to raise or lower the room temperature quickly, then the second mode of operation is selected, this constituting a convection mode, and the draught is accepted, or such an air flow may even be desired. Of course, it is also possible for this convection mode to be operated with a hotair or cold-air stream which is directed or pulsed so as to result in relatively moderate air speeds in the room. One and the same apparatus can thus be used for different modes of heating or cooling operation, namely-as has been mentioned-the radiation mode and the convection mode, the convection mode preferably also incorporating a certain amount of radiation. In the comfort mode, that is to say in the first mode of operation, the heating-air or cooling-air stream is routed inside the apparatus, that is to say it does not flow into the room, but acts on that side of the radiation surface which is directed away from the room, with the result that that side of the radiation surface which is directed towards the room acts on the temperature conditions in the room by way of radiation-energy exchange. In the second mode of operation, at least part of the hot-air or cold-air stream is directed into the room, with the result that a high power density is achieved.

According to a development of the invention, it is provided that the opening belonging to the apparatus is an outlet opening for a circulating-air stream, and that a further opening belonging to the apparatus forms an inlet opening for the circulating-air stream. The hot-air or cold-air stream delivered by means of an appropriate source thus leaves the apparatus via the outlet opening and passes into the room. Vigorous mixing of air takes place there, preferably with a high level of induction. A circulating-air stream proportioned in accordance with the supply-air stream leaves the area occupied by individuals and passes back through the inlet opening, during the abovementioned circulating-air operation, into the apparatus in order to be processed anew.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the hot-air or cold-air stream is delivered by a fan. In addition or as an alternative, it is possible for this air stream to be delivered by way of induction air nozzles. Finally, it is also possible, in addition or as an alternative, to deliver the hot-air or cold-air stream by free convection.

The heating and/or cooling element is preferably designed as a heat exchanger. Use is made, in particular, of water/air heat exchangers or else of refrigerant/air heat exchangers.

The heating and/or cooling element and the delivery arrangement propelling the hot-air or cold-air stream are preferably constituent parts of a fan convector or of an induction unit.

The modes of operation are changed over, in particular, mechanically by components.

These components may preferably be supply-air or waste-air flaps or the like. The term "flapis also intended to cover other closure means by which air-flow paths can be opened or closed. The invention is thus only concerned with the opening and closing rather than with the swing-action movement. Of course, during opening and closing, it is also possible for the flaps to move to intermediate positions, that is to say, rather than being restricted to the air paths being closed to the full extent and opened to the maximum extent, a partial opening and closing operation is also possible. This can take place by way of open-loop or closed-loop control.

According to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the outlet opening and/or inlet opening are assigned openable closure elements. The outlet opening is assigned a supply-air flap and the inlet opening is assigned a circulating-air flap.

The outlet opening can be opened and closed, for example, by means of the supply-air flap; the effective inlet-opening cross section for the air flow is dependent on the position of the circulating-air flap.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inlet opening is not provided with a closure arrangement, that is to say it is of non-closable design and is arranged at a high level such that, in the first mode of operation, that is to say in the comfort mode, the cold-air stream inside the apparatus, as a result of the effect of gravitational force, remains circulating largely in the interior of the appatatus. Deflecting plates may be provided in the

deflecting region. The cold-air stream thus does not pass into the room. A pool of cold air with closed flow paths is thus provided, this pool of cold air remaining largely in the apparatus and its surface being located at a lower level than the inlet opening. In this state, the air stream acts on the radiation surface, with the result that the latter influences the temperature conditions in the room. If the mode of operation is changed over to the second mode of operation, then the hot-air or cold-air stream leaves the apparatus, at least in part, through the outlet opening and passes into the room which is to be heated or cooled. In order to bring about pressure equalization, in the second mode of operation, room air flows back into the apparatus through the inlet opening, which is arranged at a correspondingly high level, that is to say an intended cooling operation is possible without the inlet opening being assigned a flap. The construction is simplified as a result.

For a considerable simplification in the construction of the apparatus and for a less expensive configuration as well as for a better division of labour between the airconditioning and dry-construction trades during production, it is provided that the heating and/or cooling element, together with the air-delivery arrangement producing the hot-air or cold-air stream, forms a structural unit which contains the opening belonging to the apparatus and/or the components which change over the modes of operation. Accordingly, the structural unit contains all, or essentially all, of the air-conditioning subassemblies, which are produced and assembled by an air-conditioning manufacturer. The structural unit preferably forms a completely self-sufficient, independently functioning air-conditioning unit. This structural unit is assigned to a housing which is preferably produced by dry construction, in which case this housing forms, or can form, a plenum. The plenum is preferably arranged in the ceiling region of the room in a building which is to be heated or cooled, or is set up there by dry construction. There is thus preferably a division of labour between the air-conditioning and dry-construction trades, with the result that for example the dry-construction specialist need not take any account of changeover elements or the like for the first and second modes of operation, since these elements form part of the structural unit, that is to say belong, in particular, to the separate air-conditioning unit.

Finally, the invention relates to a method of heating and/or cooling a room, it preferably being possible for said method to be used for operating an apparatus of the abovementioned type. In this case, in a first method variant, a radiation surface is subjected

to the action of a hot-air or cold-air stream on the side directed away from the room and, in a second method variant, the hot-air or cold-air stream passes, at least in part, into the room.

The drawings illustrate the invention with reference to exemplary embodiments and, to be precise, in the drawings: Figure 1 shows a room in a building or the like which is equipped with an apparatus for heating and/or cooling purposes, the apparatus being in a first mode of operation, Figure 2 shows the illustration from Figure 1, but in a second mode of operation, Figures 3 to 5 show different constructions of the apparatus, Figure 6 shows an apparatus with two air flaps, Figures 7 and 8 show an apparatus with just one air flap, Figure 9 shows an apparatus with an inner partition wall, Figure 10 shows an apparatus with an air-directing arrangement, Figures 11 and 12 show an apparatus in the case of which the air-delivery arrangement is arranged separately from the heating and/or cooling element, Figure 13 shows an apparatus with horizontally divided air chambers, Figures 14 to 16 show an apparatus in the case of which the adjustable magnitude of the volume flow of the delivery arrangement makes it possible to influence the amount of air passing into the room,

Figures 16a to c show a further exemplary embodiment of an apparatus designed in accordance with Figure 14, Figure 17 shows an apparatus with an outlet opening which is designed as a slotted outlet and allows air deflection in the room, Figure 18 shows an example of air deflection in the room, Figures 19 to 21 show the apparatus with a supply-air flap which allows the air deflection in the room, Figures 22 and 23 show an apparatus provided with an induction unit, Figure 24 shows an apparatus with induction arrangement assigned to a partceiling, Figure 25 shows an apparatus with induction arrangement assigned to a continuous suspended ceiling, Figures 26 and 27 show an apparatus provided with a vertical radiation surface, Figure 28 shows an apparatus in the case of which the air delivery takes place by means of free convection, and Figures 29 to 31 show further embodiments of the apparatus.

Figure 1 shows a room 1 of a building. The room 1 has a solid ceiling 2, a floor 3 and side walls 4,5. An apparatus 6 for heating or cooling purposes is located within the room 1. It is arranged beneath the solid ceiling 2 and has a housing 7, which forms a plenum 8. The housing 7 has a radiation wall 10 on its underside 9 and a top wall 12 on its top side 11.

The housing 7 also has side walls 13, a total of four side walls 13 being provided in the case of a cuboidal housing design. Adjacent side walls 13 each enclose an angle of 90 . In each case one opening 16 or 17 is formed on'two mutually opposite side walls 13 (first side

wall 14 and second side wall 15, respectively), which can be seen from Figure 1, the opening 16 forming an outlet opening 18 and the opening 17 forming an inlet opening 19.

The outlet opening 18 can be closed by means of a supply-air flap 21, which constitutes a component 20, and the inlet opening 19 can be closed by means of a circulating-air flap 23, which likewise forms a component 22. The supply-air flap 21 and circulating-air flap 23 are mounted such that they can be pivoted about central, horizontally running axes 24.

Arranged in the interior 25 of the housing 7 is a heating and/or cooling element 26, which forms a heat exchanger 27. Also located in the interior 25 of the housing 7 is a delivery arrangement 28, which serves to deliver air and is designed as a fan 29.

Functioning is as follows: the fan 29 delivers an air stream, which passes through the heat exchanger 27, with the result that-depending on the state of the heat exchanger 27 (heating or cooling)-said air stream constitutes a hot-air or cold-air stream 30. In a first mode of operation, the supply-air flap 21 and circulating-air flap 23 are closed, with the result that the hot-air or cold-air stream 30 circulates in the interior 25 of the plenum 8 such that it passes along the inside 31 of the radiation wall 10 and then-in the region of the outlet opening 18-is deflected upwards, flows back beneath the top wall 12, is deflected downwards in the region of the inlet opening 19 and passes back to the fan 29.

Since the radiation wall 10 is designed to be a good heat conductor, the outer radiation surface 32 radiates heat or cold (arrows 33) into the room 1.

A second mode of operation of the apparatus 6 is illustrated in Figure 2, reference being made to Figure 1 as far as the designation of the parts is concerned. In Figure 2, the supplyair flap 21 and circulating-air flap 23 are open. Since the outlet opening 18 and inlet opening 19 are spaced apart from the side walls 4 and 5 of the room 1, the hot-air or coldair stream 30 passes out of these openings and into the room 1. Pronounced convective mixing takes place there. The room air passes back, as circulating air, into the interior 25 of the apparatus 6 through the inlet opening 19. Since it is also the case that the hot-air or cold-air stream 30 passes along the inside 31 of the radiation wall 10 in the second mode of operation, which can be gathered from Figure 2, the radiation surface 32 of said radiation wall likewise exchanges heat or cold (arrows 33) with the room 1 ; however, the level of exchange here is lower than for the mode of'operation shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows the room 1 with the arrangement according to Figures 1 and 2, that is to say the apparatus 6 is spaced apart beneath the solid ceiling 2. The apparatus 6 is fastened on the solid ceiling 2, for example, by means of a suspension arrangement 34. According to Figure 4, it is also possible, rather than providing a ceiling panel according to Figure 3, to provide a continuous ceiling 35, that is to say the suspended ceiling 35 is located beneath the solid ceiling 2 of the room 1 and contains the outlet opening 18, the inlet opening 19, the supply-air flap 21 and the circulating-air flap 23. The heat exchanger 27 and fan 29 are arranged in the interspace between the ceilings 2 and 35, that is to say in the interior 25.

Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment in the case of which a part-ceiling 36 is formed in the room 1, that is to say only part of the horizontal projection of the room 1 contains the plenum 8, the outlet opening 18 and the supply-air flap 21 being located on a vertical wall 37 and the inlet opening 19 and circulating-air flap 23 being located on a horizontal wall 38, the latter constituting the radiation wall 10.

It can be seen from Figure 6 that-just as in the case of the exemplary embodiments of Figures 1 and 2-the apparatus 6 is provided with the supply-air flap 21 and circulating-air flap 23. The top wall 12 is of continuous design. In contrast to this, Figure 7 shows an apparatus 6 of which the housing 7 is spaced apart from the solid ceiling 2 and, in the region of its top wall 12, contains the inlet opening 19, which is not closable, that is to say does not have a flap or the like. Otherwise, the configuration of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 7 corresponds to the configuration of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 6.

The functioning of this exemplary embodiment can be gathered from Figures 7 and 8. Ifaccording to Figure 7-in cooling operation in accordance with the first mode of operation, the supply-air flap 21 is closed, then the fan 29 delivers a cold-air stream 30, which is cooled by the heat exchanger 27, circulates in the interior 25 of the housing 7 and also remains therein, as a result of the effect of gravitational force. If-according to Figure 8the supply-air flap 21 is opened, then the cold-air stream 30 penetrates into the room 1. For pressure equalization, a corresponding quantity of air flows back out of the room 1, through the inlet opening 19, into the interior 25 of the apparatus 6.

Figure 9 shows an apparatus 6 which corresponds to the apparatus 6 from Figure 8. The only difference is that a horizontal partition wall 39 is located in the interior 25 of the apparatus 6, the partition wall subdividing the internal hot-air or cold-air stream 30 into a branch which flows in the direction of the supply-air flap 21 and a branch which flows back to the fan 29. It is additionally possible to provide an air-directing arrangement 40 which-as the plan view of Figure 10 shows-fans out in a divergent manner the air coming from the heat exchanger 27. Appropriately configured air-directing plates 41 are provided for this purpose, with the result that a horizontal fanning-out operation takes place. Exemplary embodiments of Figures 9 and 10 thus have vertically divided air chambers 42,43. According to Figure 10, the supply-air flap 21 is pivoted about its axis 24 by means of a drive 44.

It is also the case of the exemplary embodiment of Figures 11 and 12 that the plenum 8, on account of the flap-free inlet opening 19 located on the top side 11 of the apparatus 6, is partly open. The fan 29 and heat exchanger 27 are spaced apart from one another such that the fan 29 is located beneath the inlet opening 19 and the heat exchanger 27 is located beneath the top wall 12 of the housing 7. According to Figure 12, the first mode of operation results in a hot-air or cold-air stream 30 which departs from the fan 29, passes through the heat exchanger 27 and divides up there. The two part-streams are deflected (assuming that the supply-air flap 21 is closed, other than is shown by dashed lines in Figure 12), with the result that the two part-streams pass through the heat exchanger 27 again and pass back to the fan 29.

In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 13, the apparatus 6 has horizontally divided air chambers 45 and 46. This is achieved in that-extending from the heat exchanger 27-a partition wall 47 is arranged in the interior 25 of the housing 7. The outlet opening 18 and inlet opening 19 are offset in relation to the centre line 48 in order to create the air chamber 46. In the second mode of operation, the hot-air or cold-air stream 30 directed onto the outlet opening 18 flows as far as an opening 49, which is formed between the end side of the partition wall 47 and the housing 7. There, the air is correspondingly deflected, with the result that it passes into the air chamber 46. From there, the hot-air or cold-air stream 30 flows back to the fan 29.

Figures 14 to 16 show an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 6 which is designed without flaps. The heat exchanger 27 and the fan 29 are accommodated in the housing 7; the top wall 12, rather than being continuous, is provided with the inlet opening 19 whichas will also be shown hereinbelow-simultaneously forms the outlet opening 18. Ifaccording to Figure 14-the fan 29 is operated at a low speed, then the hot-air or cold-air stream 30, in particular the cold-air stream, remains in the interior 25 of the apparatus 6. If the fan 29 is set to a high speed, this results in the hot-air or cold-air stream 30 passing out of the outlet opening 18. For pressure equalization, a corresponding air stream will pass into the inlet opening 19, which coincides with the outlet opening 18. A certain quantity of air is only circulated in the interior 25 of the apparatus 6, as a result of which, on account of the radiation wall 10, radiation energy is emitted into the room 1.

Figures 16a, b and c show an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 6 which is basically of the same design as the apparatus of Figure 14. However, rather than being free of flaps, the top wall 12 is provided with an air-directing flap 85 in the blowing-out deflecting region 86. That end edge of the air-directing flap 85 which is directed towards the deflecting region 86 of the housing 7 is articulated on the top wall 12 by means of a hinge 87; the opposite end edge of the air-directing flap 85 forms a free end edge, which bounds the combined outlet/inlet opening 18/19 in certain regions. The top wall 12 has only a relatively short horizontal extent (starting from the directing region 86 or the first side wall 14). If the air-directing flap 85 assumes the position shown in Figure 16a, in which it is aligned with the top wall 12, that is to way is arranged horizontally, then functioning is the same as has been described for Figure 14. However, if the air-directing flap 85 is pivoted upwards according to Figure 16b, that is to stay extends obliquely upwards-starting from the hinge 87-then the cold-air stream 30 can pass upwards out of the outlet opening 18, in particular, under the action of the deflection in the deflecting region 86. A corresponding quantity of air flows back out of the room 1, through the inlet opening 19, into the interior 25 of the housing 7. If the air-directing flap 85 is lowered, as can be gathered from Figure 16c, with the result that-starting from the hinge 87-it is oriented obliquely downwards, and preferably extends as far as the inside of the radiation wall 10, then, in this position, it forms a run-on ramp for the cold-air stream 30, with the result that the latter is deflected into the room 1. A corresponding quantity of air passes back out of the room 1, through the combined outlet/inlet opening 18/19, into the interior 25 of the housing 7.

It can be seen from Figures 16a, b and c that the heat exchanger 27, the fan 29 and the airdirecting flap 85 form integral parts of a structural unit 90, which has a unit housing 91.

This air-conditioning unit is thus configured separately from the housing 7, which forms a plenum. The structural unit 90 may preferably be produced in an air-conditioning factory, while the plenum (housing 7) is preferably produced by dry construction, that is to say by a different trade. This idea of the structural unit 90, in the case of which a unit housing 91 accommodates the air-conditioning elements, may also be realized, as an additional alternative, for all the other exemplary embodiments of this application. Rather than being illustrated in any more detail in the figures there, it is described briefly hereinbelow and is designed in each case in accordance with the illustrations of Figures 16a to 16c, even if further structural elements, flaps, etc. are also incorporated. All the exemplary embodiments illustrated in this application may be designed either without a structural unit and without a unit housing or else-alternatively-with a structural unit and unit housing. It is thus possible, in the case of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, for the heating and/or cooling element 26, together with the air-delivery arrangement 28 and the supplyair flap 21 as well as the circulating-air flap 23, to be designed as a structural unit 90, which is accommodated in a unit housing 91. It is also possible in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2 for the heat exchanger 27, fan 29 and supply-air flap 21 as well as circulating-air flap 23 to be accommodated, as a structural unit 90 in a unit housing 91. In this case-as in all the other exemplary embodiments of this application in the case of which a structural unit 90 is provided-the unit housing 91, of course, has appropriate openings in order for the air streams to be able to pass in and out. A structural unit 90 with unit housing 91 may be provided for each of the exemplary embodiments of Figures 3 to 6, the structural unit 90 comprising the fan 29, the heat exchanger 27 as well as the supply-air flap 21 and the waste-air flap 23. In the exemplary embodiments of Figures 7 and 8, it is possible for the heat exchanger 27, fan 29 and supply-air flap 21 in each case to form a structural unit 90 with unit housing 91. In the case of the exemplary embodiment of Figures 9 and 10, the heat exchanger 27, the fan 29, the supply-air flap 21 with drive 44 and the air-directing arrangement 40 belong to a structural unit 90, which is held together by a unit housing 91. In the case of the exemplary embodiment of Figures 11 and 12, it is possible for a structural unit 90 with unit housing 91 to accommodate the heat exchanger 27, fan 29 and supply-air flap 21 with drive'44. In the case of the exemplary embodiment

of Figure 13, it is possible for a structural unit 90 with unit housing 91 to accommodate the heat exchanger 27, the fan 29, the supply-air flap 21 and the drive 44. The exemplary embodiment of Figures 14 to 16 may comprise a structural unit 90 which has a unit housing 91, a heat exchanger 27 and fan 29 forming integral constituent parts of the structural unit 90. In the case of the exemplary embodiment of Figures 16a to 16c-in contrast to the embodiment illustrated-it is possible for no structural unit 90 and no unit housing 91 to be provided, that is to say, rather than the heat exchanger 27, fan 29 and airdirecting flap 85 belonging to an integral unit, they are arranged correspondingly separately in the apparatus.

Figure 17 shows an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 6 in the case of which the outlet opening 18 is designed as a slotted outlet 50, that is to say linearly. Such a configuration may be provided, for example, in the case of the exemplary embodiment of Figures 19 to 21. This will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow.

Figure 18 merely illustrates that, on account of an apparatus 6 being arranged in a room 1, it is not necessary for a conventional type of heater or radiator to be set up in a corner 51 of the room. For example, if a hot-air stream 30 leaves the apparatus 6, with a sufficient flow pulse, at a temperature of around 25 C and flows in the direction of the corner 51 of the room, and then flows along the floor 3 of the room 1, the air stream, for example, still has a temperature of around 20 C in the region of the floor 3. The apparatus 6 is thus suitable for heating the room 1.

Figures 19 to 21 show a specifically designed outlet opening 18 and a correspondingly configured supply-air flap 21. It is thus possible for the flap to be utilized for air deflection in the room 1. For this purpose, the first side wall 14 of the housing 7 is provided, in the region of the supply-air flap 21, with an upper wall 52 which runs obliquely into the interior 25 of the housing 7 and has an angled portion 53 at the end. The lower wall 54 of the first side wall 14 has a short vertical wall section 55, which is adjoined by a short horizontal wall section 56 angled therefrom. The angled portion 53 and the wall section 56 serve, in particular, for stiffening the arrangement mechani-cally. The outlet opening 18 is formed between the horizontal wall section 56 and the upper wall 52. The axis 24 of the supply-air flap 21 is located a distance outside of the housing 7, the supply-air flap 21

being designed as an angled flap 57 which has a first leg 58 and a second leg 59, the two legs enclosing an angle which is less than 180 . The end borders of the angled flap 57 are provided with inflected portions 60,61. In Figure 19, the supply-air flap 21 is shown in the closed position. If-in accordance with Figure 19-it is pivoted in the clockwise direction, in the direction of the arrow 62, by means of a drive (not illustrated), then it assumes the position according to Figure 20. In this case, the first leg 58 moves away from the upper wall 52 to form part of the outlet opening 18. Furthermore, the second leg 59 moves away from the lower wall 54, with the result that another part of the outlet opening 18 is produced there. Since the geometry has corresponding oblique walls-as has been described above-the air, rather than being blown vertically downwards out of the apparatus 6, is blown out into the room 1 in a slightly oblique downward direction. A very small air stream leaves the apparatus 6 through the top region of the outlet opening 18. Ifaccording to Figure 21-the supply-air flap 21 is pivoted yet further in the clockwise direction, then the air passes out of the bottom outlet opening 18 in a state in which it is deflected to an even more pronounced extent in relation to the vertical. The air stream from the top outlet opening 18 increases.

According to a specific exemplary embodiment of the invention, with the supply-air flap 21 in the position of Figure 19, a supply-air stream passes out of the apparatus 6. There is preferably alternating passage out of the linear air outlet (see Figure 19) in order to realize basic ventilation.

Figure 22 shows an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 6 which corresponds to the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1. The only difference is that an induction unit 68 is provided rather than a fan. This induction unit has primary air nozzles 64, which are fed with primary air 65. The primary air 65 is preferably prepared centrally. Following passage out of the primary air nozzles 64, the primary air 65 passes into a mixing space 66 and combines there, on account of its induction action, with air taken in by way of the heat exchanger 27 (arrows 67). The basic functioning of the apparatus 6 of Figure 22 otherwise corresponds to that of Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 23 illustrates the apparatus of Figure 22 in plan view. The supply-air flap 21 and the circulating-air flap 23 are illustrated by dashed lines (in the open position in each case).

Instead of, or as an alternative to, the circulating-air flap 23, it is also possible to provide an inlet opening 19, as is represented by dashed lines in Figure 23. The exemplary embodiment of Figure 23 also provides an induction unit 68 rather than a fan.

Figure 24 illustrates an apparatus 6 which has an induction unit 68. A part-ceiling 69, which is spaced apart from the solid ceiling 2 by a suspension means 70, only extends over part of the horizontal projection of the room 1. The size of the supply-air flap 21 corresponds to the spacing between the part-ceiling 69 and the solid ceiling 2. The outlet opening 18 is thus formed vertically. As can be seen on the right-hand side of Figure 24, the part-ceiling 69 does not extend right up to the side wall 5 of the room 1, with the result that it is also possible for an air stream to pass out there (arrow 71).

The exemplary embodiment of Figure 25 corresponds to the exemplary embodiment of Figure 24, the only difference being that, instead of the part-ceiling 69, a continuous ceiling 72 is provided, the outlet opening 18 being located-in the horizontal positiontherein.

Figures 26 and 27 show an apparatus 6 with a vertically running radiation wall 10, that is to say the plenum 8 is formed by a side wall 4 of the room 1, parts of the solid ceiling 2 and of the floor 3 and by the radiation wall 10 which has already been mentioned. The radiation wall 10 has the outlet opening 18 in the region of the floor 3 and the inlet opening 19 in the region of the solid ceiling 2. Air grilles may be provided here. The supply-air flap 21 and the circulating-air flap 23 are positioned correspondingly. The heat exchanger 27 and fan 29 are arranged one above the other, the fan 29 being located above the heat exchanger 27. Both parts are arranged in the interior 25 of the apparatus 6. The first mode of operation results in the air flow according to Figure 26 in the interior 25. Accordingly, the radiation surface 32 radiates energy into the room 1. If the supply-air flap 21 and the circulating-air flap 23 are opened, then the hot-air or cold-air stream 30 passes into the room 1. Figure 26 thus provides a straightforward cooling or heating wall, while Figure 27 provides convection-mode operation.

Figure 28 shows an arrangement which corresponds to that from Figures 26 and 27. Nevertheless, no fan 29 is provided. This results in flow only being produced by free convection. If the supply-air flap 21 and circulating-air flap 23 are closed, there is free

convection within the apparatus 6, with the result that the radiation wall 10 emits radiation into the room 1. If the abovementioned flaps are opened, this results in the air flow which is illustrated in Figure 28, the dashed arrow illustrating the heating operation and the dotted arrow illustrating the cooling operation. During heating operation, the air passes into the room 1 at the top; during cooling operation, the cold air passes into the room at the bottom.

The exemplary embodiment of Figure 29 likewise has a construction with a vertical heating/cooling surface. This is also the case for the exemplary embodiments of Figures 30 and 31. In the case of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 29, a vertical partition wall 73 is provided in the interior 25 of the apparatus 6. Otherwise, the construction corresponds to the exemplary embodiment of Figure 26. If the supply-air flap 21 and the circulating-air flap 23 are only pivoted into the positions illustrated by solid lines in Figure 29, then they adjoin the partition wall 73, that is to say the zone 74 located behind the partition wall 73 does not have air flowing through it. The fan 29 and heat exchanger 27 are located in a zone 75 which is located on the other side of the partition wall 73, that is to say in the vicinity of the radiation wall 10. Closing the supply-air flap 21 and circulating-air flap 23 results in the already described internal flow around the partition wall 73. Opening the two abovementioned flaps into positions which are depicted in Figure 29 results in both convection-mode operation and in a certain quantity of air circulating in the interior 25 of the apparatus 6.

In the case of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 30, the heat exchanger 27 is arranged in the zone 74 (compare with Figure 29). The fan 29 is located at the end of the partition wall 73, in the bottom region 76 of the apparatus 6. Otherwise, the construction corresponds to that of Figure 29, the only exception being that the supply-air flap 21 is articulated in the top region and, in the open position, can come into contact with the partition wall 73. This means that no air flow can take place in the zone 75. The exemplary embodiments of Figures 29 and 30 each have a divided plenum 8.

Finally, the exemplary embodiment of Figure 31 shows a plan view of a side wall 4 of the room 1. An apparatus 6 with a divided plenum 8 is also provided in this case. For this purpose, the circulating-air flap 23 and the supply-air flap 21 are respectively provided in the region of the solid ceiling 2 and in the region of the floor 3. The two flaps 21,23 are bordered by vertical part-walls 77,78. Central walls 79 and 80 are aligned with the part-

walls 77 and 78 such that air openings 81 and 82 are formed. The fan 29 and heat exchanger 27 are located between the two central walls 79 and 80. The radiation wall 10 (not illustrated specifically) runs parallel to the side wall 4 illustrated and contains the flaps 21 and 23, which are indicated by dashed lines. If the supply-air flap 21 and circulating-air flap 23 are closed, this results in the air being distributed in accordance with the arrows 83 depicted in Figure 31, that is to say the air delivered by the fan passes through the heat exchanger 27 and is distributed over the entire surface area, that is to say, in the case of the first mode of operation, there is a very large radiation surface. The air here passes through the air openings 81 and 82, with the result that flow also takes place to good effect through the side zones. If the supply-air flap 21 and circulating-air flap 23 are opened, then most of the air delivered passes out of the outlet opening 18 and into the room 1 and, from there, passes back into the plenum 8 via the inlet opening 19. In this case, the side zones are not subjected to the action of such a pronounced air stream, with the result that the radiation capacity of the arrangement as a whole decreases; instead, however, the convection capacity assumes a value in accordance with the flap position.

It is clear from the above that, in order to change over from the first mode of operation into the second mode of operation, the flap position has to be changed correspondingly. This can take place by hand or by a motor. It is also possible here to use a controller or a hand control signal (by wire or in a wireless manner). The radiation wall, that is to say the surface which is directed towards the room, is preferably of heat-conducting and soundabsorbing configuration. For this purpose, it may additionally have a micro-perforated metal panel. Room lighting may be integrated in the surface which is directed towards the room (for example built-in or surface-mounted luminaires). It is also possible to form an illuminated reflective surface which has the light of corresponding light fittings or spotlights acting on it.

Also possible in the case of the exemplary embodiments of Figures 18 to 31-as an alternative to what has been illustrated-are variants in the case of which certain airconditioning elements are combined as a structural unit 90 and accommodated in a unit housing 91. It is thus possible, in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 18, for the fan, heat exchanger and flap to form a structural unit 90, it being possible for the structural elements to be seen clearly from Figure 18. The structural unit 90 has a unit housing 91. In the

exemplary embodiment of Figures 19 to 21, the heat exchanger 27, fan 29 and the angled flap 57 may form a structural unit 90. It is preferably also the case that the wall 52 and the angled portion 53 as well as the wall parts 55 and 56 are formed integrally with these subassemblies 90. All are located in a unit housing 91. In the case of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 22, the induction unit 68 together with the supply-air flap 21 and the waste-air flap 23 may form a compact structural unit 90 provided with unit housing 91. In the exemplary embodiments of Figures 24 and 25, the induction unit 68 with the supply-air flap 21 may form a structural unit 90 in each case. For this purpose, a unit housing 91 is provided in each case. An integral structural unit 90, comprising the heat exchanger 27, the fan 29 and the supply-air flap 21 and the waste-air flap 23, may be provided in Figures 26 and 27. A unit housing 91 is preferably provided for this purpose. Figures 29 to 31 illustrate exemplary embodiments which may comprise structural units 90, which each comprise the heat exchanger 27, the fan 29 as well as the supply-air flap 21 and waste-air flap 23 and preferably have unit housings 91 in each case for this purpose.

It will of course be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Apparatus for heating and/or cooling a room, said apparatus having a heating and/or cooling element and a heat-emitting or cold-emitting radiation surface, wherein, in a first mode of operation, the radiation surface is subjected to the action of a hot-air or coldair stream inside the apparatus, and wherein, in a second mode of operation, the hot-air or cold-air stream passes, at least in part, into the room through at least one opening belonging to the apparatus.
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the opening belonging to the apparatus is an outlet opening for a circulating-air stream, and wherein a further opening belonging to the apparatus forms an inlet opening for the circulating-air stream.
3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the hot-air or cold-air stream is delivered by a fan.
4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hot-air or cold-air stream is delivered by induction air nozzles (primary air nozzles).
5. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hot-air or cold-air stream is delivered by free convection.
6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating and/or cooling element is a heat exchanger, in particular a water/air heat exchanger or a refrigerant/air heat exchanger.
7. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating and/or cooling element and the delivery arrangement propelling the hot-air or cold-air stream are constituent parts of a fan convector or of an induction unit.
8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the modes of operation are changed over mechanically by components.

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9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the components are formed by supply-air and/or circulating-air flaps or the like.
10. Apparatus according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 9 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the outlet opening and/or the inlet opening are assigned openable closure elements.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the outlet opening is assigned a supplyair flap and the inlet opening is assigned a circulating-air flap.
12. Apparatus according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 8 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the inlet opening is of non-closable design and is arranged at a high level such that, in the first mode of operation, the cold-air stream in the apparatus, as a result of the effect of gravitational force, remains circulating in the interior of the apparatus.
13. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating and/or cooling element, together with the air-delivery arrangement producing the hot-air or coldair stream, forms a structural unit which contains the opening belonging to the apparatus and/or the components which change over the modes of operation.
14. Apparatus for heating and/or cooling a room, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
15. Method of heating and/or cooling a room, wherein, in a first method variant, a radiation surface is subjected to a hot-air or cold-air stream on the side directed away from the room, and wherein, in a second method variant, the hot-air or cold-air stream passes, at least in part, into the room.
16. Method of heating and/or cooing a room as claimed in claim 15 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.