GB2555388A

GB2555388A - Air-conditioning unit and method

Info

Publication number: GB2555388A
Application number: GB1617847.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gillatt Philip
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: PHILIP GILLATT
Priority date: 2016-10-21
Filing date: 2016-10-21
Publication date: 2018-05-02
Also published as: GB201617847D0; WO2018073573A1

Abstract

An air-conditioning unit 100, which in one mode conditions a localised area, comprises a front side 110 having a first fan 112 for supplying conditioned air to the localised area and a rear side 120 comprising a second fan 122 for expelling exhaust air used to condition the conditioned air. The first fan generates a first airflow by drawing in air from the localised area, and the second fan generates a second airflow by drawing in external air. A heat exchanger 130 in thermal contact with both airflows transfers heat between the airflows. A first air outlet 114 may be located in a peripheral area of the front side and comprise a plurality of openings. The first outlet may generate an air curtain, which may enclose or partially enclose an air conditioned zone. A first air inlet 116 may be located in a central area of the front side and may cooperate with the first outlet to circulate the first airflow. The heat exchanger may be a thermoelectric heat pump or two radiators with fins. The unit may be mounted overhead in a suspended ceiling or in a movable frame (fig.10). The unit may redistribute heat within a building.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Air-conditioning unit and method

Abstract Title: Air-conditioning unit and method of supplying conditioned air to a localised area (57) An air-conditioning unit 100, which in one mode conditions a localised area, comprises a front side 110 having a first fan 112 for supplying conditioned air to the localised area and a rear side 120 comprising a second fan 122 for expelling exhaust air used to condition the conditioned air. The first fan generates a first airflow by drawing in air from the localised area, and the second fan generates a second airflow by drawing in external air. A heat exchanger 130 in thermal contact with both airflows transfers heat between the airflows. A first air outlet 114 may be located in a peripheral area of the front side and comprise a plurality of openings. The first outlet may generate an air curtain, which may enclose or partially enclose an air conditioned zone. A first air inlet 116 may be located in a central area of the front side and may cooperate with the first outlet to circulate the first airflow. The heat exchanger may be a thermoelectric heat pump or two radiators with fins. The unit may be mounted overhead in a suspended ceiling or in a movable frame (fig. 10). The unit may redistribute heat within a building.

116

1/7

Fig. 2

126

116

2/7

Fig. 3

3/7

Fig. 4 114a

116

4/7

Fig. 6

;Ί12

5/7

Fig. 8

Fig. 9

115

6/7

Fig. 10

310

7/7

AIR-CONDITIONING UNIT AND METHOD

FIELD [01] The present disclosure relates in general to an air conditioner and particularly to an airconditioning unit and method of providing conditioned air to localised areas for, although not exclusively for, conditioning personal spaces.

BACKGROUND [02] An air conditioner may be used to supply an interior space with conditioned air. Known examples of air conditioners include air-conditioning systems, which may require extensive installation work.

[03] In relation to air-conditioning systems, the required installation work may be substantial building work in order to provide ductwork, wiring and other components of the system. Such installation work may be both costly and time-consuming, and also render areas of the building unusable for an extended period of time. Notably, it may take many hours to install an airconditioning system in an open-plan office. Particularly in an office environment, however, it would be beneficial to keep interruptions minimal or to avoid them entirely.

[04] Standalone air-conditioning units provide a known alternative to air conditioning systems. Such units do not require extensive installation work and come in various forms, for example as a freestanding unit or a wall-mounted unit. However, placement of a wall-mounted unit is restricted, while a freestanding unit may take up valuable floor space. Moreover, both of these options may be considered unsightly and require trunking from the unit to the outside.

[05] Therefore, it is now desired to provide an air-conditioning unit as an alternative to previously available designs. The example embodiments have been provided with a view to addressing at least some of the difficulties that are encountered with current air conditioners whether those difficulties have been specifically mentioned above or will otherwise be appreciated from the discussion herein.

SUMMARY [06] It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least one of the above or other disadvantages. It is an aim of the present invention to provide an air-conditioning unit for straightforward installation. It is a further aim to provide an air-conditioning unit for personal airconditioning.

[07] According to an exemplary embodiment, there is provided an air-conditioning unit. The air-conditioning unit, abbreviated AC unit, is suitable for installation in the vicinity of a localised space and suitable for, in use, supplying said localised space with conditioned air. One particular application of an exemplary AC unit is the installation in a suspended ceiling so as to provide personal air-conditioning to a personal, localised space located under the AC unit within a wider space. Alternatively, the AC unit may be provided in an apparatus including a moveable frame that can be repositioned relative to a wider room, within which the localised space is situated.

[08] The AC unit has a front side and a rear side. In use, the front side (or ‘front portion’) provides conditioned air, while the rear side (or ‘rear portion’) expels exhaust air generated as a result of conditioning air.

[09] The AC unit comprises a first fan. Suitably, the first fan is provided on the front side and arranged for supplying conditioned air. In some examples, the first fan is located in a front face of the AC unit. Conveniently, the first fan is arranged to generate a first airflow by drawing in ambient air. In use, the first airflow may be generated by drawing in ambient air of an office or other interior environment.

[10] The AC unit comprises a second fan. Suitably, the second fan is provided on the rear side and suitable for expelling exhaust air. Conveniently, the second fan is arranged to generate a second airflow by drawing in ambient air. In use, the second airflow may be generated by drawing in ambient air located in a clearance space between a suspended ceiling and a structural ceiling. Alternatively, the ambient air maybe drawn in from the same wider room as the ambient air from the first side. The exhaust air is expelled away from the localised space being conditioned by the first side. The AC unit therefore predominantly acts as a localised redistribution of heat rather than a global temperature change affecting the wider room.

[11] In use a suspended ceiling may separate the first airflow and the second airflow. The suspended ceiling may hence separate conditioned air from exhaust air.

[12] The AC unit comprises a heat exchanger. Suitably, the heat exchanger is in thermal contact with the first airflow and the second airflow. Conveniently, the heat exchanger is arranged to transfer heat between the first airflow and the second airflow. The heat exchanger may be a single unit or may be a plurality of units.

[13] In some examples, the AC unit comprises a first air outlet. In use, the first air outlet supplies conditioned air. Suitably, the first air outlet is provided on the front side of the AC unit. In one example, the first air outlet is located in an outer area of the front side. Conveniently, conditioned air may be discharged through the first air outlet in a particular direction. For example, the first air outlet may be configured such that in use conditioned air is blown generally downwardly from an overhead-mounted AC unit.

[14] In an exemplary embodiment, the front side forms an enclosure wherein ambient air is drawn into the enclosure by the fan. The enclosure includes a divider that separates the enclosure in to an inlet side and an outlet side. The enclosure acts to direct the inlet air onto the heat exchanger and then to divert the air from the heat exchanger to the outlet side. The outlet side of the enclosure being in fluid communication with the outlet to expel the conditioned air. In some embodiments, the outlet side of the enclosure is separated from the inlet side by a continuous boundary. In some embodiments, the continuous boundary partially or fully encloses the inlet side of the enclosure. When the boundary fully encloses the inlet side of the enclosure, the outlet side of the enclosure forms a closed loop wherein air-pressure within the outlet side of the enclosure can be equalised before exiting from a plurality of outlets. In contrast, when the boundary only partially encloses the inlet side of the enclosure, air pressure between multiple outlets can differ dependent on their respective proximity to the air flow source. By equalising the pressure more evenly over the multiple outlets, the noise generated by the moving air can be reduced. In the exemplary embodiments, the boundary is formed as a wall extending from a front of the enclosure towards the heat exchanger which is mounted facing the front of the enclosure. The wall does not extend completely to the heat exchanger allowing an ai passage between the inlet side and the outlet side. The passage may be discrete apertures formed through the wall, in which case parts of the wall extend fully between the internal faces of the enclosure, or the air passage may be continuous wherein the wall does not extend fully between the internal faces.

[15] In some examples, the first air outlet comprises a plurality of openings. These openings may be provided about, along or across the front side of the AC unit. For example, the openings may be provided around the entire outer area of the front side. In other examples, the air outlet comprises a single opening. The single opening may be localised in a particular location on the front side, or may extend about, across or along the front side.

[16] In some examples, the air outlet is configured to generate an air curtain. Conveniently, the air curtain is generated from conditioned air and, in use, encloses a space under the AC unit. Thereby a localised environment may be provided with conditioned air in order to, in use, generate a custom temperature zone. Suitably, the air curtain has a shape which is, for example, generally conical or cylindrical.

[17] In some examples, the air curtain encloses a space which is generally circular. However, any other suitable cross-section provides an alternative. In other examples, the air curtain encloses an oval shape ora rectangular shape.

[18] In other examples, the air curtain does not or only partially encloses a space.

[19] In some examples, the AC unit comprises a first air inlet. Conveniently, the first fan is arranged to draw in ambient air through the first air inlet. Suitably, the first air inlet is provided in a central area of the front side.

[20] In some examples, the first air outlet and first air inlet are arranged to cooperate to circulate the first airflow. That is, conditioned air discharged through the first air outlet is directed such that it is drawn in again though the first air inlet. Suitably, the first air outlet and the first air inlet are suitably directed.

[21] In some examples, the AC unit is operational in one of two alternative modes. In a cooling mode, the heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the first airflow to the second airflow. Conveniently, waste heat is transferred to the second airflow in order to cool the first airflow. Thereby the AC unit may supply cooled air.

[22] In a heating mode, heat is transferred from the second airflow to the first airflow. Thereby the AC unit may supply heated air.

[23] In further examples, the AC unit is operational in a ventilation mode in which the heat exchanger is arranged to remain inactive.

[24] In some examples, the AC unit further comprises a second air inlet. Conveniently, the second fan is arranged to draw in ambient air through the second air inlet. Suitably, the second air inlet is located in a central area of the rear side.

[25] In some examples, the AC unit further comprises a second air outlet. Conveniently, the second fan is arranged to expel waste air through the second air outlet. Suitably, the second air outlet is located in an outer area of the rear side.

[26] In some examples, the heat exchanger comprises a thermoelectric heat pump.

[27] In some examples, the heat exchanger comprises a first heatsink with fins in the first airflow, and a second heatsink with fins in the second airflow.

[28] In some examples, the thermoelectric heat pump comprises a Peltier unit.

[29] In some examples, the AC unit is specifically adapted for overhead-mounting in a suspended ceiling.

[30] In some examples, the AC unit is installed in a suspended ceiling of a building.

[31] According to another exemplary embodiment there is provided a method of providing a person with conditioned air from an overhead-mounted air-conditioning unit.

[32] The method comprises drawing in ambient air by a first fan and generating a first airflow. The method further comprises drawing in ambient air by a second fan and generating a second airflow. The first fan being located on a front side of the air-conditioning unit, and the second fan being located on a rear side of the air-conditioning unit.

[33] The method further comprises transferring heat between the two airflows through a heat exchanger which is in thermal contact with both airflows. The method further comprises supplying conditioned air using the first fan, and expelling exhaust air using the second fan.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [34] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how example embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[35] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary air-conditioning unit installed in a suspended ceiling;

[36] Fig. 2 shows an exemplary air-conditioning unit.

[37] Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a typical application of the exemplary airconditioning unit;

[38] Fig 4 shows a perspective view of a first side of an exemplary air-conditioning unit viewed from a front side;

[39] Fig 5 shows a plan view of an exemplary air-conditioning unit;

[40] Fig 6 shows a side view of the exemplary air-conditioning unit of Fig 5;

[41] Fig 7 shows a plan view of an exemplary air-conditioning unit viewed from a front side;

[42] Fig 8 shows a plan view of the exemplary air-conditioning unit of Fig 7 viewed from a rear side;

[43] Fig 9 shows a side view of the exemplary air-conditioning unit of Fig 7 and Fig 8;

[44] Fig 10 shows a side view of an exemplary air-conditioning unit; and [45] Fig 11 shows a side perspective view of a yet further exemplary air-conditioning unit.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [46] At least some of the following example embodiments provide an improved airconditioning unit. The example device is simple and straightforward to install. At least some examples may be suitable for providing localised air-conditioning. Many other advantages and improvements will be discussed in more detail herein.

[47] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary air-conditioning unit 100, abbreviated AC unit. The unit is suitable for redistributing heat within a building, and in particular for cooling a personal space being a discrete space 250 within a wider space 240 without necessarily being defined by any particular physical boundary.

[48] The AC unit 100 is suitable for overhead mounting. That is, the AC unit may be installed in a structure located above a space which is to be provided with conditioned air. In this example, the AC unit 100 is installed in a ceiling 200. In particular, the ceiling comprises a structural ceiling 210 and a suspended ceiling 220. A plenum space or, generally, clearance space 230 is formed between the structural ceiling and the suspended ceiling.

[49] In some examples, the AC unit 100 may be fitted into the suspended ceiling by replacing or retrofitting one or multiple ceiling tiles. Conveniently, the AC unit is suitably dimensioned to enable quick and straightforward installation. In some examples, the AC unit has a width of approximately 360 mm (millimetres), a length of approximately 380 mm, and a height of approximately 180 mm. Alternatively, the unit may have a width and length of approximately 600x600mm or 600x1200mm corresponding to typical ceiling unit sizes.

[50] In some examples, the AC unit 100 is configured for a discrete appearance. In one example, the AC unit may be installed such that only the front side 110 remains visible, or such that only the front face of the front side remains visible. In another example, the first fan 112 is located inside the AC unit, thereby providing a more discrete appearance and improved noise reduction during operation of the AC unit.

[51] An interior space, such as a space between the ceiling 200 and a floor 300 may be supplied with conditioned air by the AC unit 100. Conveniently, the AC unit may provide personal air-conditioning. For example, a particular workspace in an open-plan office may be supplied with conditioned air.

[52] The AC unit comprises a heat exchanger 130. Conveniently, the heat exchanger 130 is arranged to transfer heat to or from the clearance space 230. In some examples, the AC unit 100 has a power draw which is sufficiently low such that the clearance space is sufficient for release or collection of heat, without requiring ductwork or ventilation of the clearance space. In some examples, the AC unit has a power draw of approximately 700 W (watts), and is hence operational using a regular 13 amp electrical socket.

[53] In this example, the AC unit 100 is an air-to-air heat pump. That is, heat is transferred between a first airflow and a second airflow. Suitably, the AC unit comprises a first fan 112 and a second fan 122.

[54] The first fan 112 is arranged to generate the first airflow by drawing in ambient air. Suitably, the first fan is provided on the front side 110 of the AC unit 100. In use, the first fan draws in the ambient air of the environment which is to be provided with conditioned air.

[55] The second fan 122 is arranged to generate the second airflow by drawing in ambient air. Suitably, the second fan is provided on the rear side 120 of the AC unit 100. In use, the second fan draws in air located in the clearance space 230.

[56] Suitably, the heat exchanger 130 is in thermal contact with both airflows and arranged to transfer heat between the airflows. Thereby the first airflow may be conditioned, while the second airflow may expel exhaust air.

[57] Fig. 2 shows a side view of the exemplary AC unit 100.

[58] In this example, the AC unit 100 comprises a first air outlet 114. The first air outlet is suitably formed to guide the first airflow. Conveniently, the first air outlet is arranged to guide the first airflow generally away from the AC unit such that, in use, a space under the AC unit may be provided with conditioned air. Suitably, the first air outlet 114 is located in an outer area of the front side.

[59] In some examples, the first air outlet 114 is arranged to generate an air curtain enclosing a custom temperature zone. In some examples, the air curtain is generated by a single continuous first air outlet 114 extending along, across, or about the AC unit 100. In other examples, a plurality of openings 114 is provided to generate the air curtain. Accordingly, the air curtain may be generated as a single spatially continuous airflow about a location, or may be generated by a plurality of discrete airflows about the location.

[60] In some examples, the air curtain encloses or extends about a space which has a generally conical shape. In other examples, that space may have other geometrical shapes, such as cylindrical.

[61] In some examples, the air curtain encloses the custom temperature zone. In other examples, for instance where few discrete openings 116 are provided, the air curtain is formed about the custom temperature zone but without enclosing it.

[62] In some examples, the AC unit 100 comprises a first air inlet 116. Conveniently, the first air inlet is located in a central area of the front side 110. Notably, in some examples the first air outlet 114 is located in an outer area, or peripherally, while the first air inlet is located in a central area, or centrally.

[63] The first fan 112 is arranged to draw in ambient air though the first air inlet 116. In some examples, the first fan corresponds to the first air inlet. In other examples, a separate first air inlet is provided for improved noise reduction or appearance.

[64] In some examples, the first air outlet 116 and the first air inlet 114 are arranged to cooperate to circulate the first airflow. That is, the first airflow that is being discharged through the first air outlet is recirculated through the first air inlet. Thereby localised air-conditioning may be improved. An illustration is provided in Fig. 1.

[65] In some examples, the AC unit 100 is operational in multiple operation modes. These operation modes may include a cooling mode, a heating mode, ora ventilation mode.

[66] In the cooling mode, the heat exchanger 130 is configured to transfer heat from the first airflow to the second airflow. Accordingly, the second airflow is being used to remove exhaust heat.

[67] In the heating mode, the heat exchanger 130 is configured to transfer heat from the second airflow to the first airflow.

[68] In the ventilation mode, the AC unit 100 predominantly shifts ambient air through the first fan 112, without substantially conditioning the ambient air. That is, the heat exchanger remains substantially passive.

[69] In some examples, the AC unit 100 comprises a second air outlet 124. The second air outlet is for discharging of exhaust air from the AC unit. Suitably, the second air outlet is provided on the rear side of the AC unit. Conveniently, in use the second air outlet is arranged for the removal of exhaust air into the clearance space 230. Suitably, the second air outlet 124 is located in an outer area of the rear side.

[70] In some examples, the AC unit 100 comprises a second air inlet 126. Suitably, the second fan 122 is arranged to draw in ambient air through the second air inlet 126. Conveniently, the second fan 122 is arranged to, in use, draw in air present in the clearance space 230.

[71] In some examples, the heat exchanger 130 comprises a thermoelectric heat pump. Suitably, the heat pump is reversible such that the AC unit 100 may provide cooling or heating. Conveniently, the thermoelectric heat pump comprises one or multiple Peltier units.

[72] In some examples, the heat exchanger 130 comprises a first radiator. Conveniently, the first radiator has fins extending into the first airflow.

[73] In some examples, the heat exchanger 130 comprises a second radiator. Conveniently, the second radiator has fins extending into the second airflow.

[74] In some examples, the AC unit 100 is specifically adapted for overhead mounting in the suspended ceiling 220. Suitably, the AC unit 100 is dimensioned for fitting into a space otherwise occupied by one or multiple ceiling tiles.

[75] In some examples, the AC unit 100 is installed into the suspended ceiling 220 of a building. Where only a low number of units are installed in the ceiling compared to the void space of the ceiling to which the air is expelled, the ceiling void may need no extra conditioning its self. That is, where the units expel heated air, if the ceiling void is large, the natural ventilation of the ceiling void may be sufficient to prevent unacceptable heating in the ceiling void. Alternatively, the ceiling void may be vented to limit excessive build up of heat in the ceiling void.

[76] According to an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method of providing a person with conditioned air from an overhead-mounted air-conditioning unit.

[77] The method comprises drawing in ambient air by a first fan and generating a first airflow. The method further comprises drawing in ambient air by a second fan and generating a second airflow. The first fan being located on a front side of the air-conditioning unit, and the second fan being located on a rear side of the air-conditioning unit.

[78] The method further comprises transferring heat between the two airflows through a heat exchanger which is in thermal contact with both airflows. The method further comprises supplying conditioned air using the first fan, and expelling exhaust air using the second fan.

[79] Referring to Figure 4, an alternative arrangement of a front side 110 of an air-conditioning unit is shown. Air is drawn into the front side through an opening 116. In the exemplary embodiment a first fan 112, draws air though the opening and turns the air through 90° at an elbow. In order to direct the airflow over the heat exchanger 130. To form a continuous flow, the first fan is arranged toward a corner of the front side 110 and the fan 112 arranged to direct air towards the opposed corner. The air is cooled by passing over the heat exchanger as herein described. After passing over the heat exchanger, the air is directed into a peripheral area of the front side.

[80] In this embodiment, the peripheral area of the front side forms a closed loop around a central area housing the first fan and heat exchanger. Here the peripheral area is separated from the central area by internal dividing walls. The conditioned air enters the peripheral area at one location. Shown in Figure 4 as a corner region. The air enters the peripheral region through an aperture or gap in the internal partition. The air flows around the peripheral region creating a closed loop that tends to equalise the air pressure at a plurality of outlets from the peripheral area.

[81] The outlet from the peripheral area 114 may form a ring or other pattern as herein described for directing the air toward the personal space being conditioned. In addition, the peripheral area may include internal apertures 114a in the partition in order to re-supply a percentage of the air back into the first airflow at or in the proximity to the first fan. Such recirculation means the air is re-cooled and can help improve the temperature change.

[82] Figure 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment showing two AC units in side-by-side arrangement. Here, in each AC unit, the heat exchanger is provided by a first and second Peltier unit 130. It will be appreciated that the number of AC units can be arranged in any suitable pattern or number as can the number of individual heat exchangers forming the heat exchanger in each AC unit, as should be required by the specific heating requirements of individual locations.

[83] In figure 6, the first fan and second fan are shown suitably as providing a change in flow direction of the air. This aids the compactness of the unit, particularly where space is an issue. Suitably, the fans turn the air through a 90° elbow.

[84] With reference to Figures 7-9 an exemplary airflow path of the first and second sides is described. Advantageously, the air flow on the first side is shown in Figure 7 as travelling from the fan 112 to the heat exchanger 130. The air flow is constrained by ducting 115. After passing over the heat exchanger 130, the airflow is forked. Here, the ducting splits into two opposed legs. The ducting is arranged so that each leg guides the air around a path, wherein the legs rejoin so that the path forms a closed loop. The closed loop is advantageous, because when multiple exits 114 are provided from the ducting, the closed loop arrangement helps to equalise the pressure within the closed loop ducting so that the air pressure to each outlet is levelled. In contrast, where a ducting has a distal end, the air pressure at exits positioned closer to the air source tends to exit at a higher pressure than exits more distant. Air movement is a consideration for the operating noise levels and therefore one outlet generates more noise than the other, which is undesirable.

[85] Figure 8 shows the second side, wherein ducting 125 guides the air from the second fan 122 over the heat exchanger and to exit away from the unit.

[86] Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment, wherein the AC unit 100 is housed in a frame. Suitably, the frame is moveable around a wider space. For instance, the wider space may be a hospital room and the AC unit moved in position to condition a patient’s bed. For instance, the AC unit includes a frame 300 in which the first and second side is defined. The frame is shown as having legs 310. As herein explained, the frame includes an intake to the first and second sides and first 112 and second 122 fans arranged to draw air through the intakes and over a heat exchanger 130. In Figure 10, the frame is shown as defining a duct for ducting the air after passing over the heat exchanger to an outlet of the first and second sides respectively. In this embodiment, the ducting is reasonably long in order to separate the fans further from the outlets. This can be helpful in removing the fans further from the personal space and quieten the overhead system. The outlet to the second side is arranged to be directed away from the area being conditioned. It is shown suitably as being directed upwards towards a ceiling of the wider room. The outlet to the first side is arranged to be directed towards the area being conditioned. Suitably, the outlet to the first side is as herein described and may form a closed loop.

[87] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment. This embodiment is very similar to the previous embodiment. The stand has slight differences, but the functioning of the conditioning unit remains the same. The stand includes a control 400 for controlling the AC unit. For instance, the control ,may control fan speeds to provide control to the temperature change. Additionally or alternatively, the control may switch the voltage on the Peltier unit forming the heat exchanger in order to alternate between the hot and cold side of the heat exchanger in order to switch between providing warm air or cool air to the personal space.

[88] In summary, exemplary embodiments of an air-conditioning unit have been described. The described exemplary embodiments provide for an improved air-conditioning unit for overhead installation. Additionally, the described exemplary embodiments are convenient to install, maintain and replace. Moreover, using a low power heat exchanger such as a Peltier unit to redistribute temperature within a wider room in order to provide a localised environment control to a personal space within the wider room that is not explicitly defined by a boundary, allows users improved customisation of personal spaces within wider environments that is not achievable with known AC units.

[89] The air-conditioning unit may be manufactured industrially. An industrial application of the example embodiments will be clear from the discussion herein.

[90] Although preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. An air-conditioning unit (100) for conditioning a personal space, the air-conditioning unit comprising:

a front side (110) comprising a first fan (112) for supplying conditioned air;

a rear side (120) comprising a second fan (122) for expelling exhaust air;

the first fan arranged to generate a first airflow by drawing in ambient air, and the second fan arranged to generate a second airflow by drawing in ambient air;

a heat exchanger (130) in thermal contact with both airflows and arranged to transfer heat between the airflows.

2. The air-conditioning unit according to claim 1, further comprising a first air outlet (114) located in an outer area of the front side.

3. The air-conditioning unit according to claim 2, wherein the first air outlet comprises a plurality of openings.

4. The air-conditioning unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first air outlet is arranged to generate an air curtain.

5. The air-conditioning unit according to claim 4, wherein the air curtain encloses or partially encloses a custom temperature zone.

6. The air-conditioning unit according to any previous claim, further comprising a first air inlet (116) located in a central area of the front side.

7. The air-conditioning unit according to claim 6, wherein the first air outlet and the first air inlet are arranged to cooperate to circulate the first airflow.

8. The air-conditioning unit according to any previous claim, wherein the heat exchanger is operational in a cooling mode or in a heating mode, wherein in the cooling mode the heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the first airflow to the second airflow, and in the heating mode the heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the second airflow to the first airflow.

9. The air-conditioning unit according to any previous claim, further comprising a second air outlet (124) located in an outer area of the rear side.

10. The air-conditioning unit according to any previous claim, further comprising a second air inlet (126) located in a central area of the rear side.

11. The air-conditioning unit according to any previous claim, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a thermoelectric heat pump.

12. The air-conditioning unit according to any previous claim, wherein the exchanger comprises a first radiator with fins in the first airflow and a second radiator with fins in the second airflow.

13. The air-conditioning unit according to any previous claim, wherein the air-conditioning unit is specifically adapted for overhead mounting in a suspended ceiling.

14. The air-conditioning unit according to claim 13, wherein the air-conditioning unit is installed in the suspended ceiling.

15. A method of supplying conditioned air to a personal space using an air-conditioning unit, the method comprising:

drawing in ambient air by a first fan and generating a first airflow, drawing in ambient air by a second fan and generating a second airflow, wherein the first fan is located on a front side of the air-conditioning unit and the second fan is located on a rear side of the air-conditioning unit;

transferring heat between the two airflows through a heat exchanger which is in thermal contact with both airflows;

supplying conditioned air using the first fan;

expelling exhaust air using the second fan.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1617847.7 Examiner: Ms Janet Kohler