GB2497568A

GB2497568A - Ventilation module suitable for use in a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery unit

Info

Publication number: GB2497568A
Application number: GB1121547.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Matthew James William Reaney; Jon Hill
Original assignee: Polypipe Ltd
Current assignee: Polypipe Ltd
Priority date: 2011-12-14
Filing date: 2011-12-14
Publication date: 2013-06-19
Anticipated expiration: 2031-12-14
Also published as: GB201121547D0; GB2497568B

Abstract

The ventilation module 2 is for a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) unit and comprises a housing 9 having a plurality of fluid passages 11a-d extending therethrough. Each passage includes an inlet on a first side of the housing and an outlet on a second side of the housing. The module is capable of being connected with a like module 3, preferably by interlocking a lip 14 of one module with a rim 36 of the other module, so that the outlets of one of the modules is coincident with the inlets of the like module. Preferably, there are four fluid passages, with pairs of the passages being fluidly connected through flow channels passing through a heat exchanger 10 in the housing. Alternatively, one of the pairs can be fluidly connected by a bypass channel (30, figure 6) having a valve (31, figure 6) to control fluid flow therethrough. Removable hollow cylindrical filters 12a-b can be provided in the inlets. A number of modules can be combined to provide a modular MVHR unit. A rotationally symmetric filter having a plurality of discreet filter segments is also claimed.

Description

VENTILATION MODULE AND SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a ventilation module and a ventilation system, in particular, but not exclusively, a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) unit.

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) units are known. Such units are used to provide fresh air ventilation, for example into rooms of a building, and removal of warm damp air from said rooms. The MVHR unit is normally provided with a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger can be used to exchange heat between the warm damp air being removed from the building and the fresh air being provided to the building. In this way, heating costs normally associated with heating the building can be reduced, as heat which would otherwise be wasted is used to preheat fresh, typically colder, air being provided to the building.

The warm air which is removed from the building may be damp, particularly where air is removed from so-called wet rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms. Damp air can result in condensation build up and the formation of mould. MVHR units serve to remove damp air from the building and avoid the build-up of condensation and associated problems, e.g. structural damage to the building and/or health problems.

Typically the MVHR unit is located in a roof space of a building. The MVHR unit has a fresh air inlet connected to fresh air externally of the building. The MVHR has a fresh air outlet which is connected to fresh air inlets in rooms in the building. The MVHR unit includes a warm air outlet, which is connected externally of the building. The MVHR unit includes a warm air inlet which is connected to warm air outlets in rooms of the building. To draw the fresh air into the MVHR unit and provide fresh air to rooms in the building, a Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) unit is provided, typically comprising a centrifugal fan. A further MEV unit is provided to draw or extract damp warm air from rooms in the building and deliver this to the MVHR unit and extract the air and exhaust this externally of the building. The MVHR unit is sized and specified with an appropriate heat exchanger for the ventilation requirements of the building.

The present invention seeks to overcome at least one of the problems associated with

the prior art.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ventilation module for a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery unit, the module comprising a housing and a plurality of fluid passages, each of said fluid passages extending through said housing with an inlet on a first side of said housing and an outlet on a second side of said housing, wherein the inlet and outlet of each fluid passage are arranged such that two or more of said ventilation module may be connected, with the fluid outlet of one of said ventilation module being substantially coincident with the fluid inlet of an adjacent one of said ventilation module.

Preferably, the ventilation module is a module of a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery unit. Preferably, the housing forms the external housing of the module.

Preferably, in use, air flows through said fluid passages.

The ventilation module of the present invention may therefore be connected in modular fashion to other such modules. When connected, preferably, a continuous fluid connection is provided between the fluid passages of adjacent ventilation modules.

Preferably, each fluid outlet is coincident to the corresponding fluid inlet. The module form enables the size of the unit to be changed readily by choosing an appropriate number of modules.

Preferably, the modules are connectable directly adjacent one another.

Preferably, the module is substantially open on the first side, Preferably, the second side is closed except for the outlets for the fluid passages.

Preferably, the modules in a unit are formed with the same profile or of the same external dimensions on at least one side.

Preferably, the module comprises a heat exchanger contained within said housing, wherein pairs of said fluid passages being fluidly connected through flow channels in said heat exchanger.

Such a module may therefore provide heat exchange capacity to the unit. A standard heat exchanger may be used. The module may be formed with a recess to receive the required heat exchanger. Because of the modular form of the module, additional heat exchanger modules may be joined to increase the heat exchange performance of the unit. The heat exchanger and fluid passages may be suitably arranged to enable heat exchange between incoming fresh air and outgoing damp warm air from a building.

Preferably, the module includes a by-pass channel fluidly connecting a pair of said fluid passages and valve means for selectively blocking the by-pass channel.

A module with a by-pass channel and a module with a heat exchanger may be connected to form a unit. Such a by-pass channel may be operated in summer, where the incoming fresh air into the unit does not require pre-heating.

Preferably, the valve means comprises a flap. Preferably, the valve means are actuated with a mechanical actuator. j

Preferably, the inlets of said fluid passages are formed on a side of the housing opposing the side of the housing on which the outlets of said fluid passages are formed.

Preferably, the sides of the module are substantially planar. Preferably, the first and second sides of the housing are substantially parallel.

Preferably, the first side of said housing is formed with receiving means configured to receive the second side of said housing.

Preferably, the receiving means is formed as a shallow recess.

Preferably, the receiving means are complimentary in form to the second side of said housing, such that when two or more of said module are connected, the second side of said housing of one module is received in the receiving means of an adjacent module.

The receiving means may be formed to extend fully around an adjacent connected module. The receiving means may be formed complimentary in shape to the second side of said housing such that when adjacent modules are connected, the first side fully surrounds the second side of an adjacent module. The form of the receiving means may be formed without full rotational symmetry to prevent relative rotation between adjacent modules.

Preferably, the receiving means is formed to provide a substantially water-tight seal between ventilation modules when two or more of said modules are connected. An intermediate seal or manifold may be provided between adjacent modules.

Preferably, the receiving means is formed as a recess.

Preferably, the recess is formed by a lip or flange which extends around the circumference of the first side of said housing.

Preferably, the lip extends orthogonal to the plane of the first side of the housing.

Preferably, interlocking means are provided on said housing, such that when two or more of said ventilation module are connected, adjacent modules are locked together.

Such interlocking means may provide a snap fit or interference fit between adjacent modules. Additional connecting means such as clips, clamps may be used to maintain adjacent modules together.

Preferably, the interlocking means comprises an undercut provided around the inner circumference of the lip and a rim provided around the outer circumference of the second side of the housing, the rim being complimentary in form to said undercut, such that when two or more of said ventilation module are connected, the rim of one module is located in the undercut of an adjacent module.

Preferably, the lip is radially outermost against the rim of an adjacent module.

Preferably, a filter is provided between a fluid inlet to the heat exchanger and the adjacent fluid passage of the ventilation module.

Preferably, the filter is removable.

Preferably, the filter is formed substantially as a hollow cylinder or tube.

Preferably, the filter includes a plurality of filter segments, the filter being rotatable relative to the housing to locate a segment over an inlet of the heat exchanger.

Preferably, the filter includes ribs along its outer surface, which extend parallel to the axis of the cylinder and the housing includes corresponding grooves to receive said protrusions.

Preferably, a removable end plate is provided on one side of the housing. The end plate preferably seals one side of a module. The end plate may be provided with apertures to receiving sockets or spigots for duct connectors.

Preferably, the end plate is received in the receiving means on the first side of the housing.

Preferably, four fluid passages are provided. Preferably, the fluid passages extend though both sides of the module. Preferably, any number of fluid passages are provided through each module, typically an even number of fluid passages is provided.

Preferably, the receiving means is formed such that when two or more of said module are connected, relative rotation therebetween is prevented.

Preferably, the housing is formed of a flexible and/or impact resistant material, for example, expanded polypropylene. The housing may be formed of a resilient material encased in an outer shell of flexible and/or impact resistant material. Preferably, the housing material is thermally insulating.

Preferably, the module includes capping plugs to seal the outlet of one or more of the fluid passages. Preferably, the capping plugs cover the passages in which the filters are received. A user may remove the capping plugs to remove and maintain a filter.

Preferably, the module includes sockets or spigots for connecting duct adaptors.

Preferably, the spigots are formed as straight extending rings. An attached duct connector may be rotatable about the spigot to any desired rotational orientation.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a ventilation system, the system including one or more ventilation modules with a heat exchanger according to the first aspect of the invention.

Preferably, the system further comprising a ventilation module with a by-pass channel.

Multiple ventilation modules with heat exchangers may be connected together and in turn connected to a module with a by-pass channel.

Preferably, the system further comprising extraction means. The extraction means preferably, in use, draw fresh air into the unit and draw warm wet air out of the unit.

The fresh air and the warm air are preferably conducted in separate fluid passages.

The fresh air and the warm air preferably exchange heat via the heat exchanger.

Preferably, the extraction means comprise a mechanical extract ventilation unit.

Preferably, the extraction means include an impellor. Preferably, the extraction means is formed with a housing formed of two half-shells. Preferably, the housing may receive an impellor of more than one diameter. Preferably, an inlet ring is provided. Preferably, the inlet ring is sized to the impellor.

Preferably, control means are provided to control the module with a by-pass module.

Preferably, the control means are provided externally andlor spaced from the unit.

Preferably, the system includes sensors such as heat, movement, carbon dioxide, humidity. Preferably, the system used the sensor readings to control the system.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery unit, wherein the unit comprises one or more interconnectable modules, the unit being configured to allow the number of modules to be changed to adjust the ventilation and/or heat recovery. Preferably, the ventilation hid/or heat recovery/exchange requirements for building may be achieved by providing a system with a predetermined number of modules. Preferably, the modules are formed with substantially the same profile and/or dimension in at least one plane.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a filter for a ventilation module as claimed in any other aspect of the invention, wherein the filter comprises a plurality of discrete filter segments. Preferably, such a filter may be used in any suitable device or application.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a filter apparatus comprising a plurality of discrete filter segments arranged to form a hollow tube.

Preferably, the filter or filter apparatus is rotationally symmetric.

Preferably, the filter or filter apparatus is formed substantially as a hollow cylinder or tube. Preferably, the filter segments are arranged to form a hollow tube.

Preferably, the filter or filter apparatus includes a plurality of filter segments.

Preferably, the filter or filter apparatus includes ribs along its outer surface, which extend parallel to the axis of the cylinder. Preferably, the ribs are joined via ribs extending radially from a hub on the axis of the tube.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a module or unit with a filter apparatus, the filter apparatus comprising a plurality of filters or filter segments, with all but one filter or fitter segment being arranged blind' in the module or otherwise arranged in the module such that fluid may not pass therethrough, and the filter apparatus being insertable into the module or unit to allow any one of the filter segments to be in a fluid flow path in the module or unit.

Preferably, the module or unit is a ventilation module as described in any other aspect of the invention. Preferably, the filter apparatus is a filter apparatus as described in any other aspect àf the invention. Preferably, the filter is an air filter. Preferably, the fluid is air.

Embodiments of aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference to the Figures, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a ventilation system according to an aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a front side assembled view of the ventilation system shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a rear side assembled view of the ventilation system shown in Figures land2; Figure 4 shows an exploded view of a Mechanical Extract Ventilation unit; Figure 5 shows an assembled view of the Mechanical Extract Ventilation unit of Figure 4; Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a summer by-pass ventilation module; Figure 7 shows an assembled view of the summer by-pass ventilation module of Figure 6; Figure 8 shows a front side view of a ventilation module according to an embodiment of a further aspect of the present invention; Figure 9 shows a rear side view of the ventilation module of Figure 8; Figure 10 shows a rear view of the ventilation module of Figures 8 and 9; Figure 11 shows a cross-section of a side view of the summer by-pass ventilation module and heat exchange ventilation module of Figures 6 and 8 respectively; Figure 12 shows a cross-section of a side view of the summer by-pass ventilation module and heat exchange ventilation module shown in Figure 11 when interconnected; Figure 13 shows an embodiment of a ventilation system according to a first aspect of the invention with varying duct connector positions; Figure 14 shows an embodiment a ventilation system according to a first aspect of the invention with a split duct connected to two Mechanical Extract Ventilation units.

Figure 1 shows a ventilation system generally at 1. The ventilation system comprises a heat exchange ventilation module 2, a summer by-pass ventilation module 3, a damp air Mechanical Extract Ventilation unit 4, a fresh air Mechanical Extract Ventilation unit 5, and a front end plate 6.

The front end plate 6 is substantially planar. To the front end plate 6, are connected first and second duct connectors 7a, 7b via respective first and second spigots Ba, 8b.

In use, the first duct connector 7a is connected, for example, via ducting, to fresh air externally a building, in which the ventilation system is installed. The second duct connector 7b is connected, for example via ducting, to rooms in the building. The front end plate 6 may be formed of a flexible and/or impact resistant material, such as expanded polypropylene Such a material also provides insulation to the system. The ducting may also be covered in an insulating material, such as expanded polystyrene.

The heat exchange ventilation module 2 includes a housing 9 and a heat exchanger 10 contained within the housing. In the embodiment shown, first, second, third and fourth fluid passages are provided ha, lib, lic, lid, which extend through opposing sides of the ventilation module. The fluid passages ha, lib, lic and lid are provided in opposing corners of the housing. Diagonally opposing pairs of the fluid passages are fluidly connected via the heat exchanger 10. Two of the fluid passages provide respectively an inlet fluid passage lib for fresh air and an inlet passage ha for warm damp extracted from rooms of the building. In use, the housing is arranged such that the inlet passages are arranged uppermost.

The inlet passage 11 a for damp air and the inlet passage 1 lb for fresh air are each provided with a filter 12a, i2b, which is arranged between the respective inlet passage and the respective inlet into the heat exchanger 10, A first side of the heat exchange ventilation module 2, in the embodiment, the side orthogonal to the axis of the fluid passages ha, hib, llc, lid, includes a lip 14 around the outer circumference of the housing 9 which extends parallel to the axis of the fluid passages to provide a recess which is complimentary in form to the second side of the ventilation module 2 opposite the first side of the ventilation module 2.

The first side of the heat exchange ventilation module 2 is open such that the heat exchanger 10 may be inserted into the housing 9. The housing 9 of the heat exchange ventilation module 2 may be formed of expanded polypropylene.

The summer by-pass ventilation module 3 includes a housing 13 which is similar in form to the housing 9 of the ventilation module 2. The summer by-pass ventilation module includes first, second, third and fourth fluid passages 16a, 1Gb, 16c, 16d, which extend through opposing sides of the housing 13 of the summer by-pass ventilation module 3. The fluid passages 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d are provided in opposing corners of the housing 13. The summer by-pass ventilation module 3 is provided with a lip 15 around the outer circumference of the housing 13 which extends parallel to the axis of the fluid passages 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d to provide a recess which is complimentary in form to the second side of the summer by-pass ventilation module 3, the side opposite the first side of the summer by-pass ventilation module 3.

The damp air Mechanical Extract Ventilation unit 4 and the fresh air Mechanical Extract Ventilation unit 5 may be connected to the ventilation module 2 either directly or via intermediate ducting 19.

Figure 2 shows the ventilation system of Figure 1 in assembled form. The front end plate 6 is formed to fit within the recess provided in the first side of the summer by-pass ventilation module 3. The second side of the summer by-pass ventilation module 3 is formed to fit within the recess provided in the first side of the heat exchange ventilation module 2. To connect the modules, the second side of the summer by-pass ventilation module is located in the recess in the first side of the heat exchange ventilation module 2. The forms of the recess and second side of the summer by-pass module are complimentary.

The modules 2, 3 and front end plate 6 are formed to provide a water-tight seal between modules when adjacent modules and/or front end plate 6 are connected.

A control module 17 is provided externally to the ventilation system 1. The control module is connected to the mechanical extract ventilation units 4, 5 via control wires.

The control module 17 is also connected to the summer by-pass ventilation module.

Although in the embodiment shown, the control module is connected by control wires, embodiments are also envisaged with wireless communication between the control module 17 and the mechanical ventilation units 4, 5 and summer by-pass ventilation module. 3.

When the ventilation system 1 is installed in a building, the control module may be located remotely from the heat exchange ventilation module and summer by-pass ventilation module. In use, sensors such those to detect moisture, temperature, movement, carbon dioxide etc. are provided to input data to control the operation of the ventilation system 1. 10*

Figure 3 shows a rear side view of the assembled ventilation system. The heat exchange ventilation module 2 has a rear side which is substantially planar and includes four outlet apertures corresponding to each of the four fluid passages ha, hib, lic, lid. In the embodiment, the upper two outlet apertures are sealed with capping plugs 21 a, 21 b. One of the lower outlet apertures is connected via a duct 19 to the fresh air MEV jnit 5. The other of the lower outlet apertures is connected directly to the damp air MEV unit 4.

Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the mechanical extract ventilation (MEV) units 4, 5 shown in Figure 1. The MEV unit comprises a housing formed of two half shells 22a, 22b with an inlet 23a and an outlet 23b. Each of the inlet and outlet 23a, 23b of the MEV unit is provided with a spigot which is formed as a ring with a radially extending flange at one end. The housing may be formed of a flexible, impact resistant material and/or heat insulation material such as expanded polypropylene. The flange of each spigot 24a, 24b is received in a corresponding circumferential groove 26a, 26b provided around the inlet 23a and outlet 23b of each half shell 22a, 22b of the MEV unit.

The MEV unit is provided with a fan module 27 comprising a centrifugal impeller, which is received in a recess 28 in the housing of the MEV unit. The spigot 24a at the inlet 23a of the MEV unit includes an inlet ring 29 which fits inside the opening of the impeller. A variety of different size fan modules, e.g. 133mm or 190mm diameter, may be received in the housing of the MEV unit.

Figure 5 shows the MEV unit in assembled form, with the two half shells 22a, 22b joined together and the spigots 24a, 24b located in the inlet and outlet 23a, 23b respectively and the fan module in position.

Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the summer by-pass ventilation module 3. The module 3 includes first, second, third and fourth fluid passages iBa, 16b, 16c, 16d, which are formed as through passages. Between the first and third diagonally opposing fluid passages, a by-pass channel 30 is provided which fluidly connects the first and third fluid passages lea, 16d. In the first fluid passage, a by-pass valve 31 is provided comprising a housing 34. The by-pass housing 34 is located in the first fluid passage 16a and has a through passage in line with the first fluid passage 16a. The housing 34 also includes a by-pass aperture 35 which is open to the by-pass channel. The by-pass valve 31 comprises an actuator 32 and a flap 33 connected to the actuator 32. In its non-actuated position, the flap 33 is positioned to block the by-pass aperture. In its actuated position, which in the embodiment is a position perpendicular to the non-actuated position, the by-pass flap 33 blocks the outlet to the first fluid passage 16a such that, in use, fluid entering the first fluid passage lea is directed through the by-pass channel 30 to the third fluid passage led.

The lip 15 around the circumference of the housing 13 of the summer by-pass ventilation module can be seen to extend continuously around the housing on the first side thereof. On the second opposing side of the module 3, a corresponding rim 36 is provided which is complimentary in form to the recess formed by the lip 15, such that if two of said summer by-pass ventilation modules were positioned adjacent one another, the rim of one module would be received in the lip of an adjacent module. A snap-fit is provided between the lip and rim.

Figure 7 shows the summer by-pass ventilation module 3 in assembled form. The housing 13 of the summer by-pass ventilation module 3 may be formed of expanded polypropylene or any such impact resistant and/or flexible material.

Figure 8 shows an exploded view of the heat exchange ventilation module. The housing 9 has an open recess 37. The recess has a cross section formed substantially as a square with circular forms at each corner. The heat exchanger 10 is shown removed from the housing 9. The heat exchanger 10 has a substantially hexagonal cross-section. When installed in the housing 9, the heat exchanger 10 is held between the internal substantially planar side walls of the heat exchange ventilation module and the internal rear face 36 of the second side of the module 2. When the heat exchanger is contained within the housing 9 of the heat exchange ventilation module 2, the sides of the heat exchanger 10 serve to divide the open recess 37 into the first, second, third and fourth fluid passages. The heat exchanger 10 has fluid passages with openings on first, second, third and fourth sides ba, lOb, bc, lOd thereof. The openings on the first side ba of the heat exchanger 10 are fluidly connected to the openings on the third side and the openings on the second side are fluidly connected to the openings on the fourth side of the heat exchanger. In this way, diagonally opposing fluid passages of the heat exchange ventilation module are fluidly connected via fluid passages of the heat exchanger 10. The warm air outlet fluid passage or fourth fluid passage is provided with a condensation drain connection 45, in order to remove collected water from the heat exchange ventilation module.

The inlet passage ha for damp air and the inlet passage lib for fresh air are each provided with a filter 12a, 12b, which is arranged between the respective inlet passage and the adjacent opening in the heat exchanger 10. The filters are each formed as a hollow tube comprising three filter segments 35a to 3Sf, forming the outer circumferential surface of each tube. Between each segment, a rib 39a, 39b is provided on the outer surface of each tube, which extends along the length of the filter tube.

Corresponding grooves 40a, 40b are provided in the internal wall of each of the first and second fluid passages ha, bib of the ventilation module 2. Each filter 12a, 12b may be inserted into a respective fluid passage 11 a, 11 b such that the ribs 38 slot into the corresponding grooves 40. When each filter is installed, one filter segment of the filter is positioned between the fluid passage and the adjacent openings in the heat exchanger 10. The other two segments face the internal wall of the passage in which the filter is mounted. Accordingly, when the filter becomes worn or blocked, the filter can be removed, rotated to a fresh filter segment and reinstalled into the ventilation module housing. In this way, the time before the filter needs to be replaced is increased. Once installed, the capping plugs 21a, 21b are placed over the outlets of the first and second fluid passages ha, lib.

Figure 9 shows a rear side exploded view of the heat exchange ventilation module 2.

Each filter 12a, 12b includes internal supporting ribs 42a, 42b at one end, in the embodiment three supporting ribs, which extend from a point on the axis of the fitter to the external ribs provided along the outer surface of the filter.

The lip or flange 14 around the circumference of the housing 9 of the heat exchange ventilation module 2 can be seen to extend continuously around the housing on the first side thereof. On the second opposing side of the module 2, a corresponding rim 41 is provided which is complimentary in form to the recess formed by the lip 14, such that if two of said ventilation module were positioned adjacent one another, the rim of one module would be received in the lip of an adjacent module.

Figure 11 shows a cross section through the heat exchange ventilation module 2 and the summer by-pass ventilation module 3 in a plane parallel to the extent of the fluid passages provided therethrough. Typically, the depth of each heat exchange ventilation module is 200mm. On the rear side 20 of the heat exchange ventilation module 2, a rim is provided which extends around the outer circumference of the heat exchange ventilation module. The rim has a cross section formed of two slopes, angled relative to the surface of the housing of the module, which meet at a peak positioned offset from the mid-point of the width of the rim in a direction perpendicular to the rear side 20 of the housing. At the front end of the heat exchange ventilation module 2, receiving means in the form of a recess is formed by the lip 14 which extends around the outer circumferences of the housing of the module 2. The lip extends orthogonal to the first open side of the heat exchange ventilation module. An undercut 42 is provided around the inner circumference of the lip 14, facing radially inwards. The undercut 42 is complimentary in form to the form of the rim 41.

On the rear side of the summer by-pass ventilation module, a rim 36 is provided which extends around the outer circumference of the summer by-pass ventilation module 3.

The rim 36 of the summer by-pass ventilation module is formed identically in form to the form of the rim 41 on the heat exchange ventilation module 2. At the font end of the summer by-pass ventilation module, a recess is formed by the lip 15 which extends around the outer circumference of the summer by-pass ventilation module. The lip 15 extends orthogonal to the first side of the summer by-pass module. An undercut 43 is provided around the inner circumference of the lip 15. The undercut 43 is complimentary in form to the form of the rim 36.

Figure 12 shows the heat exchange ventilation module 2 and the summer by-pass ventilation module 3 connected together. It can be seen that the rim 36 of the summer by-pass ventilation module is received in the undercut 42 of the heat exchange ventilation module 2. The form of the rim 36 and undercut 42 serves to retain the summer by-pass ventilation module in the recess formed by the lip 14 against the radially inwardly extending surface 43 of the heat exchange ventilation module 2.

The housing of the heat exchange and summer by-pass ventilation modules. is formed of a flexible, impact resistant material, for example expanded polypropylene. As such, the ventilation module and by-pass modules may be interconnected and disconnected repeatedly without material failure. When connected, the fluid passages of adjacent ventilation modules are coincident such that the flow of fluid, e.g. air, between the fluid passages of adjacent modules in permitted. When interconnected, a substantially water-tight interconnection is provided between adjacent modules.

Because the undercut 42 of the heat exchange ventilation module is complimentary in form to the form of the rim 41, it is possible to connect a plurality of heat exchange ventilation modules together. When connected, the fluid passages of adjacent modules are coincident. As the heat exchange ventilation modules each contain a heat exchanger1 the heat exchange capacity of the system can be increased, by connecting heat exchange ventilation modules together as described above. In addition, because the system comprises a number of modularly interconnecting ventilation modules and units, installation is facilitated as the system can be reduced to its component parts and passed into the loft space of a building for example. Furthermore, if the ventilation and heat exchange requirements of the system increase or decrease after installation, additional ventilation modules can be added or ventilation modules removed to the existing system to obtain the desired ventilation and heat exchange performance.

In a typical system, one or more heat exchange ventilation modules 2 are used with a single summer by-pass ventilation module. Once the required number of ventilation modules have been connected, a front end plate 6 is interconnected in the recess of the first end heat exchange ventilation module 2 or where fitted, summer by-pass ventilation module 3. The end plate 6 is formed with an edge profile which is complimentary in form to the undercut 42, 43 provided in the heat exchange ventilation module or summer by-pass ventilation module. Capping plugs 21a, 21b are provided over the outlets of the first and second fluid passages 1 la, 11 b of the second end heat exchange ventilation module 2.

Figure 13 shows a view of an assembled ventilation system. The spigots provided in the end plate and rear side of the second end module are straight and sized to fit a standard duct. In this way, straight, 9Q* and 45° duct connectors may be attached. The duct connectors may also be rotated to any desired position.

Figure 14 shows a further embodiment, with a split duct comprising two Mechanical Extract Ventilation units. The provision of two MEV units serves to increase the extraction power of the system.

The operation of the system shown in Figure 2 will now be described. Fresh air is drawn from externally the building through the duct connector 7a and any intermediate dupting by the fan module contained in the Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) unit 5.

The fresh air passes through the second fluid passage 16b of the summer by-pass ventilation module 3 and then into the second fluid passage of the heat exchange ventilation module. Warm damp air is drawn from rooms of the building, for example bathrooms and other wet rooms of the building, through the duct connector 7b and any intermediate ducting by the fan module contained in the Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) unit 4 located downstream of the heat exchange ventilation module. The warm air passes through the first fluid passage I Ga of the summer by-pass ventilation module. When there is a need to recycle the heat from the air extracted from the building or to preheat the incoming fresh air, e.g. in winter, the warm air then passes from the first fluid passage of the summer by-pass ventilation module to the first fluid passage of the heat exchange ventilation module. The warm air passes through the heat exchanger 10 to the diagonally opposing fourth fluid passage of (he heat exchange ventilation module. At the same time, fresh air passes through the heat exchanger from the second fluid passage to the diagonally opposing third fluid passage of the heat exchange ventilation module. As the fresh air and the warm air pass through the heat exchanger, the temperature difference between the fresh and warm air streams causes a transfer of heat such that the fresh air is warmed and the warm air is cooled. As the warm air is cooled, condensation is removed from the air stream and may be removed through the condensation drain connection 45. Warmed fresh air is then fed into rooms in the building, while cooled extracted air is fed out of the building.

When there is no need to preheat the fresh air, e.g. in summer, the summer by-pass ventilation module may be operated to direct the warm air passing into the summer by-pass ventilation module to the fourth fluid passage of the summer by-pass ventilation module. In this way, the warm air extracted from the building passes then to the fourth fluid passage of the heat exchange ventilation module without passing through the heat exchanger first.

The control module 17 may be configured to control the operation of the summer by-pass ventilation module based on the temperature of the incoming fresh air and/or the desired room temperature set by a user. The control module may also be configured to increase the power to the MEV units to increase the flow rate of fresh air into the ventilation system and/or warm air extracted from the building based, for example, upon the humidity of air in the building and/or the determination of people within the building. Appropriate sensors may provide such information to the control module.

Claims

<claim-text>CLAIMS: 1. A ventilation module for a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery unit, the module comprising a housing and a plurality of fluid passages, each of said fluid passages extending through said housing with an inlet on a first side of said housing and an outlet on a second side of said housing, wherein the inlet and outlet of each fluid passage are arranged such that two or more of said ventilation module may be connected, with the fluid outlet of one of said ventilation module being substantially coincident with the fluid inlet of an adjacent one of said ventilation module.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A ventilation module according to claim 1, wherein the module comprises a heat exchanger contained within said housing, wherein pairs of said fluid passages being fluidly connected through flow channels in said heat exchanger.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A ventilation module according to claim 1, wherein the module includes a by-pass channel fluidly connecting a pair of said fluid passages and valve means for selectively blocking the by-pass channel.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A ventilation module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlets of said fluid passages are formed on a side of the housing opposing the side of the housing on which the outlets of said fluid passages are formed.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A ventilation module according to claim 1 wherein the first side of said housing is formed with receiving means for configured to receive the second side of said housing.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A ventilation module according to claim 5, where the receiving means are complimentary in form to the second side of said housing, such that when two or more of said module are connected, the second side of said housing of one module is received in the receiving means of an adjacent module.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A ventilation module according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the receiving means is formed to provide a substantially water-tight seal between ventilation modules when two or more of said module are connected.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A ventilation module according to and one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the receiving means is formed as a recess.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A ventilation module according to claim 8, wherein the recess is formed by a lip or flange which extends around the circumference of the first side of said housing.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A ventilation module according to claim 9, wherein the lip extends orthogonal to the plane of the first side of the housing.</claim-text> <claim-text>It A ventilation module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein interlocking means are provided on said housing, such that when two or more of said ventilation module are connected, adjacent modules are locked together.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A ventilation module according to claim 11, when dependent on claim 9, wherein the interlocking means comprises an undercut provided around the inner circumference of the lip and a rim provided around the outer circumference of the second side of the housing, the rim being complimentary in form to said undercut, such that when two or more of said ventilation module are connected, the rim of one module is located in the undercut of an adjacent module.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A ventilation module according to any preceding claim, when dependent on claim 2, wherein a filter is provided between a fluid inlet to the heat exchanger and the adjacent fluid passage of the ventilation module.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A ventilation module according to claim 13, wherein the filter is removable.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A ventilation module according to claim 14, wherein the filter is formed substantially as a hollow cylinder or tube.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A ventilation module according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the filter includes a plurality of filter segments, the filter being rotatable relative to the housing to locate a segment over an inlet of the heat exchanger.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. A ventilation module according to claim 16, wherein the filter includes ribs along its outer surface, which extend parallel to the axis of the cylinder and the housing includes corresponding grooves to receive said protrusions.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A ventilation module according to any preceding claim, wherein a removable end plate is provided on one side of the housing.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. A ventilation module according to claim 18, when dependent on claim 5, wherein the end plate is received in the receiving means on the first side of the housing.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. A ventilation module according to any one the preceding claims, wherein four fluid passages are provided.</claim-text> <claim-text>21. A ventilation module according to any one of the preceding claims, when dependent on claim 5, wherein the receiving means is formed such that when two or more of said module are connected, relative rotation therebetween is prevented.</claim-text> <claim-text>22. A ventilation module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing is formed of a flexible andfor impact resistant material, for example, expanded polypropylene.</claim-text> <claim-text>23. A ventilation module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module includes capping plugs to seal the outlet of one or more of the fluid passages.</claim-text> <claim-text>24. A ventilation module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module includes sockets or spigots for connecting duct adaptors.</claim-text> <claim-text>25. A ventilation system, the system including one or more ventilation modules as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2 and 4 to 25 when dependent on claim 2.</claim-text> <claim-text>26. A ventilation system, the system further comprising a ventilation module according to claim 3.</claim-text> <claim-text>27. A ventilation system, the system further comprising extraction means.S S</claim-text> <claim-text>28. A ventilation system according to claim 27, wherein the extraction means comprise a mechanical extract ventilation unit.</claim-text> <claim-text>29. A mechanical ventilation with heat recovery unit, wherein the unit comprises one or more interconnectable modules, the unit being configured to allow the number of modules to be changed to adjust the ventilation and/or heat recovery.</claim-text> <claim-text>30. A filter for a ventilation module as claimed in any one of claims I to 24, wherein the filter comprises a plurality of discrete filter segments.</claim-text> <claim-text>31. A filter as claimed in claim 30, wherein the filter is rotationally symmetric.</claim-text> <claim-text>32. A filter as claimed in claim 30 or 31, wherein the filter segments are arranged to form a hollow tube.</claim-text> <claim-text>33. A filter apparatus comprising a plurality of discrete filters arranged to form a hollow tube.</claim-text> <claim-text>34. A module or unit with a filter apparatus, the filter apparatus comprising a plurality of filters or filter segments, with all but one filter or fitter segment being arranged blind' in the module or otherwise arranged in the module or unit such that fluid may not pass therethrough, and the filter apparatus being insertable into the module or unit to allow any one of the filter segments to be in a fluid flow path in the moduie or unit.</claim-text> <claim-text>35. A ventilation module substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accoriipanying drawings.</claim-text> <claim-text>36. A ventilation system substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.</claim-text> <claim-text>37. A mechanical ventilation with heat recovery unit substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.</claim-text> <claim-text>38. A filter for a ventilation module substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS: 1. A ventilation nodule for a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery unit, the module comprising a housing and a plurality of fluid passages, each of said fluid passages extending through said housing with an inlet on a first side of said housing and an outlet on a second side of said housing, wherein the inlet and outlet of each fluid passage are arranged such that two or more of said ventilation module may be connected, with the fluid outlet of one of said ventilation module being substantially coincident with the fluid inlet of an adjacent one of said ventilation module, wherein the module comprises a heat exchanger contained within said housing, wherein pairs of said fluid passages being fluidly connected through flow channels in said heat exchanger.
2. A ventilation module according to claim 1, wherein the module includes a by-pass channel fluidly connecting a pair of said fluid passages and valve means for selectively blocking the by-pass channel.
3. A ventilation module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlets of said fluid passages are formed on a side of the housing opposing the side of the housing on which the outlets of said fluid passages are formed.
4. A ventilation module according to claim 1, wherein the first side of said housing :. is formed with receiving means for configured to receive the second side of said * housing. * 255. A ventilation module according to claim 4, where the receiving means are complimentary in form to the second side of said housing, such that when two or more ****.* of said module are connected, the second side of said housing of one module is received in the receiving means of an adjacent module.6. A ventilation module according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the receiving means is formed to provide a substantially water-tight seal between ventilation modules when two or more of said module are connected.7. A ventilation module according to and one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the receiving means is formed as a recess.8. A ventilation module according to claim 7, wherein the recess is formed by a lip or flange which extends around the circumference of the first side of said housing.9. A ventilation module according to claim 8, wherein the lip extends orthogonal to the plane of the first side of the housing.10. A ventilation module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein interlocking means are provided on said housing, such that when two or more of said ventilation module are connected, adjacent modules are locked together.11. A ventilation module according to claim 10, when dependent on claim 9, wherein the interlocking means comprises an undercut provided around the inner circumference of the lip and a rim provided around the outer áircumference of the second side of the housing, the rim being compflmentary in form to said undercut, such that when two or more of said ventilation module are connected, the rim of one module is located in the undercut of an adjacent modure.12. A ventilation module according to any preceding claim, wherein a filter is provided between a fluid inlet to the heat exchanger and the adjacent fluid passage of *oe** the ventilation module. * .* *;: 25 13. A ventilation module according to claim 12, wherein the filter is removable.14. A ventilation module according to claim 13, wherein the filter is formed *...* substantially as a hollow cylinder or tube.15. A ventilation module according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the filter includes a plurality of filter segments, the filter being rotatable relative to the housing to locate a segment over an inlet of the heat exchanger.16. A ventilation module according to claim 15, wherein the filter includes ribs along its outer surface, which extend parallel to the axis of the cylinder and the housing includes corresponding grooves to receive said protrusions.17. A ventilation module according to any preceding claim, wherein a removable end plate is provided on one side of the housing.18. A ventilation module according to claim 17, when dependent on claim 4, wherein the end plate is received in the receiving means on the first side of the housing.19. A ventilation module according to any one the preceding claims, wherein four fluid passages are provided.20. A ventilation module according to any one of the preceding claims, when dependent on claim 4, wherein the receiving means is formed such that when two or more of said module are connected, relative rotation therebetween is prevented.21. A ventilation module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing is formed of a flexible and/or impact resistant material, for example, expanded polypropylene.* 22. A ventilation module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module includes capping plugs to seal the outlet of one or more of the fluid passages. * 25 *23. A ventilation module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module includes sockets or spigots for connecting duct adaptors. * *24. A venttlation system, the system including one or more ventilation modules as claimed in any one of claims 1 and 3 to 23.25. A ventilation system, the system further comprising a ventilation module according to claim 2.26. A ventilation system according to claim 25, the system further comprising extraction means 27. A ventilation system according to claim 26, wherein the extraction means comprise a mechanical extract ventilation unit.28. A mechanical ventilation with heat recovery unit, wherein the unit comprises one or more interconnectable modules, the unit being configured to allow the number of modules to be changed to adjust the ventilation and/or heat recovery.29. A filter adapted to be used in a ventilation module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the filter comprises a plurality of discrete filter segments.30. A filter as claimed in claim 29, wherein the filter is rotationally symmetric.31. Afilteras claimed in claim 29 or 30, wherein the filter segments are arranged to form a hollow tube.32. A ventilation module substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. St * * . ** 33. A ventilation system substantially as described herein with reference to and as *...*.* illustrated in the accompanying drawings. * S * S..34. A mechanical ventilation with heat recovery unit substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. * *5 p J * *35. A filter for a ventilation module substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.</claim-text>