IT202300010149A1 - Underfloor air conditioning system - Google Patents

Description

TITLE: ?Underfloor air conditioning system?

DESCRIPTION

SCOPE OF APPLICATION

The present invention relates to a floor air conditioning system. This system is particularly used in homes and/or public or private buildings.

Description of the prior art

In the state of the art, there are known systems for heating a room, for example underfloor, wall or ceiling, based on the use of radiant panels, also known as radiant slabs. These radiant panels include pipes suitable for allowing the passage of a heated heat transfer fluid and, therefore, constitute the radiant source of the system.

Known underfloor heating systems also include an insulating layer, typically placed in contact with the floor of the room to be heated, and a screed, made of cement fluid, designed to cover the pipes of the radiant panels and form the base for the floor. In greater detail, the screed provides the correct structural support and, in addition, absorbs heat from the pipes of the radiant panels and releases it to the room to be heated.

Known heating systems also include a heat generator, such as a heat pump, designed to heat the heat transfer fluid. In addition, such systems include a flow collector and a return collector, designed to transport the heated heat transfer fluid to the radiant panels and from the radiant panels to the generator, and a control unit from which it is possible to regulate the distribution of the heat transfer fluid entering and leaving the collectors. Finally, known heating systems include a temperature regulation device, i.e. a thermostat through which to control the heat generator.

Also known are air conditioning systems for cooling the environment having the same structure as the systems mentioned above. In particular, hot-cold air conditioning systems are known, capable of heating and cooling the environment using the same system. In this case, the heat generator, depending on the need, transmits the heat-carrying fluid at a temperature lower or higher than the room temperature.

In the known art, hot-cold air conditioning systems use water as a heat transfer fluid to heat or cool the environment. These systems therefore require a dehumidification module capable of avoiding the condensation effect of the radiant panels.

Prior art problem

In the prior art, underfloor air conditioning systems, and in particular radiant panels and their pipes, require adequate mechanical support to provide adequate protection to the pipes, without however interfering with the arrangement of the pipes themselves. In particular, the prior art radiant panels only carry out the activity of transporting heat transfer fluid, without providing structural support to the slab or contributing to the structural support of the building. For this reason, prior art systems require careful design of the system to adapt both to the structural needs of the building, for example the arrangement of the room to be heated and/or cooled, and to the arrangement of the system within the room.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the invention in question is to provide a floor air conditioning system capable of overcoming the problems of the prior art.

In particular, the purpose of the invention in question is to provide a floor air conditioning system capable of making it easier to integrate the system itself into a building during the construction of that building.

The specified technical task and the specified purposes are substantially achieved by a radiant air conditioning system comprising the technical characteristics set out in one or more of the attached claims.

Advantages of the invention

Thanks to the preferred embodiment, it is possible to obtain a floor air conditioning system that comprises an insulating layer superimposed on a first support layer, and heat exchange means comprising a second support layer and a plurality of ducts, each at least partly defined by the second support layer. In particular, the second support layer allows the heat transfer fluid to be transported through the ducts and at the same time ensures structural support for the system. In greater detail, the second support layer allows structural support to be provided to the structure of a room in a building.

Advantageously, the ducts of the second support layer are arranged parallel to each other and distributed in such a way as to ensure more uniform heating and/or cooling of a room.

A further advantage is given by the fact that the heat exchange means of the floor air conditioning system according to the present invention are substantially superimposable on existing slabs, without screed, so as to facilitate the integration of the floor air conditioning system in a building during the construction of the building itself.

Even more advantageously, the floor air conditioning system according to the present invention uses dry air as a heat transfer fluid, so as to avoid the formation of condensation during the cooling of the room.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a possible practical embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the set of drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a floor air conditioning system according to the present invention with some parts removed to better show others;

- Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the system in Figure 1 installed inside a room;

- Figure 3 shows a sectional view of a detail of the system in Figures 1 and 2;

- Figure 4 shows a working diagram of the system in Figures 1 and 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a floor-mounted air conditioning system 1, shown in Figures 1-3, for heating a room 100, for example in a home or in a public or private building. It should be noted that the floor-mounted air conditioning system 1 of the present invention has a heating mode, for heating the room 100 through the recirculation of a heated heat-transfer fluid, and/or a cooling mode, for cooling the room 100 through the recirculation of the cooled heat-transfer fluid, while maintaining substantially the same structure.

The underfloor air conditioning system 1 comprises an insulating layer 2 placed in contact with a floor slab of the room 100 to be air conditioned, as illustrated in figure 3. In greater detail, the insulating layer 2 is designed to prevent heat dispersion towards the floor slab, so as to improve the heating efficiency of the underfloor air conditioning system in heating mode.

Preferably, the insulating layer 2 has a thickness of between 5 and 10 mm. Also preferably, the insulating layer 2 is made of a material with a thermal transmittance equal to or less than 0.2 W/mK. More preferably, the insulating layer 2 is made of high-density or closed-cell expanded foam, for example expanded polyurethane foam.

The system 1 also comprises a first support layer 14 superimposed on the insulating layer 2, as shown in figure 3.

Preferably, the first support layer 14 is defined by a screed made of a calcium sulphate or cement-based material. Also preferably, the first support layer 14 is made of a material having a specific weight equal to or greater than 1400 kg/m<3 >and/or a transmittance equal to or greater than 1.4 W/mK. Even more preferably, the first support layer 14 has a thickness of less than 5 mm, more preferably equal to 3 mm.

The system 1 therefore comprises heat exchange means 3 placed between the insulating layer 2 and the first support layer 14, as illustrated in figure 3.

In accordance with the present invention, the heat exchange means 3 extends along a principal direction X and comprises a second support layer 31.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated in figures 1-3, the second support layer 31 of the heat exchange means 3 is defined by a corrugated sheet 30 which has an upper side 30a and a lower side 30b opposite the upper side 30a. In detail, the lower side 30b comprises first recesses 32, in which each recess 32 faces the insulating layer 2. In further detail, the upper side 30a comprises second recesses 33, each facing the first support layer 14.

Preferably, the first recesses 32 and the second recesses 33 alternate with each other along the main direction X. Also preferably, the first recesses 32 and the second recesses 33 extend parallel along a transverse direction Y, perpendicular to the main direction X.

Note that the sheet metal 30 allows heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the first support layer 14. Consequently, the sheet metal 30 must have a reduced thickness. Preferably, the thickness of the sheet metal 30 is between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.

Always preferably, the sheet metal 30 extends by a predetermined height in a Z direction perpendicular to the main direction X and to the transverse direction Y. In detail, the predetermined height of the sheet metal 30 is equal to or less than 60 mm, more preferably equal to or less than 55 mm.

In particular, sheet metal 30 is made of metal. Preferably, sheet metal 30 is made of galvanized steel, so as to ensure adequate support of mechanical loads.

According to one aspect of the invention, the first support layer 14 extends at least partly inside each second recess 33 of the sheet metal 30. Advantageously, this allows for greater mechanical resistance to stress to be achieved, ensuring improved mechanical properties of the system 1.

It is worth noting that the second support layer 31 made according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, more specifically the particular conformation of the sheet metal 30, allows the heat transfer fluid to be transported and ensures adequate heat exchange in the heating mode and in the cooling mode of the system 1. Advantageously, the second support layer 31 also allows structural reinforcement to be provided to the first support layer 14 of the system 1 and/or to the existing slab thanks to the conformation of the sheet metal 30 and the interaction between the sheet metal 30 and the first support layer 14.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in figure 3, the system 1 comprises a surface layer 13 superimposed on the first support layer 14. It should be noted that the surface layer 13 acts as a transmitting element, to transfer or receive heat from the room 100 to be air conditioned.

Preferably, the system 1 also comprises a layer of adhesive, not illustrated, placed between the first support layer 14 and the surface layer 13. In detail, the layer of adhesive is preferably made of cementitious material and is suitable for fixing the surface layer 13 to an upper surface 14a of the first support layer 14.

Note that the insulating layer 2, the first support layer 14, the second support layer 31 and the surface layer 13 define a slab 20 of the floor air conditioning system 1 according to the present invention.

Preferably, the insole 20 has an overall height of between 100 mm and 120 mm.

It is worth noting that this slab 20, and in detail the insulating layer 2, can be placed above the floor of room 100 or, alternatively, above an existing radiant slab, without screed (not illustrated). In this way, it is possible to obtain a system 1 that is easily adaptable and integrated within room 100 to be air-conditioned during the construction of room 100 itself, without altering its design dimensions.

Note that the second support layer 31, and in detail the sheet metal 30, is fixed to the insulating layer 2 by means of mechanical anchoring points, not illustrated. Furthermore, when the slab 20 of the system 1 is placed above an existing radiant slab, the sheet metal 30 is also fixed to the existing slab by means of further mechanical anchoring points, not illustrated.

In accordance with the present invention, the heat exchange means 3 further comprises a plurality of ducts 34 for the convective transport of the heat transfer fluid.

Each duct 34 is defined at least in part by the second support layer 31. Preferably, each duct 34 is further defined at least in part by the insulating layer 2. In detail, as shown in figures 1 and 3, each duct 34 is preferably defined by the apposition of the second support layer 31 on the insulating layer 2.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, each first recess 32 of the sheet metal 30 defines at least in part a respective duct 34.

In detail, the ducts 34 extend parallel along the transverse direction Y, more specifically between a respective first end 34a and an opposite respective second end 34b. Advantageously, the parallel arrangement of the ducts 34 allows for uniform convective transport of the heat transfer fluid, so as to ensure correct and homogeneous heating and/or cooling of the room.

According to one aspect of the invention, each first recess 32 and/or each second recess 33 has a trapezoidal cross-section. Consequently, each duct 34 has a trapezoidal cross-section, in which the larger base faces the insulating layer 2, and the smaller base faces the first support layer 14. Advantageously, this allows for better distribution of the first support layer 14, i.e. the screed, around each duct 34. Still advantageously, this allows for better distribution of the loads and greater mechanical resistance of the slab 20.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated in figures 1-3, the system 1 comprises a ventilation apparatus 6 placed in fluid communication with each duct 34. The ventilation apparatus 6 allows the channelling of the heat transfer fluid, in particular dry air, with a pre-established flow rate inside each duct 34.

Preferably, the ventilation apparatus 6 comprises one or more fans, more preferably backward curved centrifugal fans, for channelling dry air with a pre-established flow rate and/or with a pre-established prevalence inside the ducts 34.

It is worth noting that the use of dry air helps to avoid the formation of condensation in the cooling mode of the underfloor air conditioning system 1, thus increasing the safety of this system 1.

According to an aspect of the invention, not illustrated, the system 1 may comprise sound insulation means placed around or included in the ventilation apparatus 6 to reduce noise pollution during use of the system 1.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in Figures 1-3, the system 1 comprises a flow manifold 4 and a return manifold 5 which extend at least along the main direction X between a respective first edge 41, 51 and a respective second edge 42, 52. Preferably, the flow manifold 4 and the return manifold 5 are made of metal, more preferably of galvanized steel.

Preferably, the flow manifold 4 and the return manifold 5 are connected in fluid communication to the ventilation apparatus 6. In detail, the ventilation apparatus 6 is interposed between the flow manifold 4 and the return manifold 5. In further detail, the first edge 41 of the flow manifold 4 and the first edge 51 of the return manifold 5 are closer to the ventilation apparatus 6 than the respective second edges 42, 52.

Always preferably, each duct 34 is connected in fluid communication with the delivery manifold 4 and the return manifold 5. Still preferably, each duct 34 is placed in fluid communication with the ventilation apparatus 6 through the delivery manifold 4 and the return manifold 5. In detail, the ventilation apparatus 6 introduces dry air into the delivery manifold 4 and receives dry air from the return manifold 5. In further detail, the ventilation apparatus 6, the delivery manifold 4, the return manifold 5 and the ducts 34 define a closed circuit for the circulation of dry air.

In accordance with the present invention, the delivery manifold 4 has a first side 4a, specifically extending along the main direction X. The first side 4a is preferably connected to each duct 34, more specifically to each first end 34a of each duct 34. Furthermore, the delivery manifold 4 has a second side 4b, opposite to the first side 4a, comprising a lip 4c suitable for being connected to the floor of the room 100 to be air conditioned.

In accordance with the present invention, the return manifold 5 has a first side 5a, specifically extending along the main direction X. The first side 5a is preferably connected to each duct 34, and more specifically to each second end 34b of each duct 34. Furthermore, the return manifold 5 has a second side 5b, opposite to the first side 5a, comprising a lip 5c suitable for being connected to the floor of the room 100 to be air conditioned. In detail, the lip 4c of the flow manifold 4 and the lip 5c of the return manifold 5 are connected by mechanical connections to perimeter beams of the floor.

According to one aspect of the invention, the flow manifold 4 and the return manifold 5 have a cross-section at the first edge 41, 51 that is larger than the cross-section at the second edge 42, 52. In other words, the cross-section of the flow manifold 4 and the return manifold 5 is increased and/or decreased along the main direction X as a function of the specific flow rate of the heat transfer fluid, so as to ensure adequate pressure drop along the entire length of said manifolds. Preferably, the flow manifold 4 and the return manifold 5 comprise internal deflectors designed to increase and/or decrease their cross-section.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the first support layer 14 is also superimposed on the delivery manifold 4 and the return manifold 5. In detail, the first support layer 14 allows both the ducts 34, the delivery manifold 4 and the return manifold 5 to be uniformly covered. To ensure the uniform arrangement of the first support layer 14, the delivery manifold 4 and the return manifold 5 preferably have a height in the Z direction substantially equal to the predetermined height of the sheet metal 30.

It is worth noting that the flow manifold 4 and the return manifold 5 are arranged inside the room 100 to be air conditioned according to the mechanical properties of the floor and the structural characteristics of the room 100, in such a way as to comply with the structural needs and mechanical resistance requirements. Consequently, the ducts 34 are arranged unidirectionally between the flow manifold 4 and the return manifold 5 and, therefore, perpendicular to the main development direction, i.e. the main direction X, of the flow manifold 4 and the return manifold 5.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in Figures 2 and 3, the flow manifold 4 and the return manifold 5 extend at least partly inside the floor of the room 100. Furthermore, the flow manifold 4 and the return manifold 5 extend at least partly along a wall adjacent to the floor and/or inside the ceiling of the room 100. Preferably, the portion of the flow manifold 4 and the return manifold 5 external to the floor, and therefore internal to the wall adjacent to it and/or internal to the ceiling, is covered with an insulating layer, not shown. Always preferably, the insulating layer has a thickness equal to or greater than 10 mm. Even more preferably, the insulating layer is made of expanded foam.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in figure 4, the system 1 comprises a heat flow generator 7 suitable for heating and/or cooling the heat transfer fluid, and in detail the dry air circulated by the ventilation apparatus 6. Preferably, the heat flow generator 7 is placed in fluid communication with the flow manifold 4 and with the return manifold 5.

Always preferably, the heat flow generator 7 comprises a heat pump, comprising an external unit 12 for heating the heat transfer fluid, and an internal unit 15 with direct expansion of the ducted type, suitable for transferring the heat produced by the external unit 12 to the slab 20 of the system 1. Note that the internal unit 15 comprises a fan, not illustrated, distinct from the ventilation apparatus 6.

It is worth noting that the system 1 thus constructed is highly adaptable. In fact, the slab 20 of the system 1, the flow manifold 4 and the return manifold 5 can be connected to an existing ventilation system 6 and/or a heat flow generator 7, so as to be able to use elements already present during the construction of a building that are capable of working synergistically with the slab 20, the flow manifold 4 and the return manifold 5 of the system 1 according to the present description.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in figure 4, the system 1 comprises a control unit 8. In detail, the control unit 8 comprises at least a first actuation module 81, in signal communication with the ventilation apparatus 6. The control unit 8 further comprises a second actuation module 82 in signal communication with the heat flow generator 7.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the system 1 comprises at least a first temperature sensor 9 capable of continuously acquiring the temperature of the room 100 to be air conditioned. Preferably, the system 1 comprises a second sensor 10 capable of acquiring the temperature of the dry air in the closed circuit.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the first actuation module 81 is adapted to operate the ventilation apparatus 6 to regulate the flow rate of dry air. Furthermore, the second actuation module 82 is adapted to operate the heat flow generator 7 to regulate the temperature of the dry air as a function of the temperature of the room 100 to be air conditioned acquired by the first temperature sensor 9. More preferably, the second actuation module 82 operates the heat flow generator 7 to regulate the temperature of the dry air as a function of both the temperature acquired by the first temperature sensor 9 and the temperature acquired by the second temperature sensor 10.

In accordance with the form

of preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit 8 is configured to switch the system 1 of the present invention between the heating mode and the cooling mode. More specifically, the second actuation module 82 of the control unit 8 is adapted to operate the heat flow generator 7 depending on the mode of the system 1.

According to an aspect of the invention, shown in figure 4, the system 1 comprises a control panel, i.e. a thermostat, not illustrated, placed in signal communication with the control unit 8 and usable by a user U to regulate the flow rate and temperature of the heat transfer fluid.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the system 1 comprises an interface panel 11 placed in signal communication with the control unit 8 and with the heat flow generator 7. In detail, the interface panel 11 is designed to allow the user U to interface with the heat flow generator 7 to display error signals or verify its correct functioning.

Below, a use of the floor air conditioning system 1 according to this description will be illustrated.

While using system 1, user U, via the control panel, and therefore via the control unit 8, can switch system 1 between heating mode and cooling mode. In detail, user U can set a target temperature via the control panel. The control unit 8 is therefore configured to calculate a fictitious temperature proportionally to the temperature acquired by the first temperature sensor 9.

Following the comparison between the fictitious temperature, the target temperature and the temperature acquired by the second temperature sensor 10, relating to the temperature of the closed circuit in which the dry air circulates, the control unit 8 is then configured to regulate the flow rate of the dry air by means of the first actuation module 81, activating the ventilation apparatus 6. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to regulate the temperature of the dry air by means of the second actuation module 82, activating the heat flow generator 7 to increase and/or decrease the fictitious temperature and, consequently, the temperature of the closed circuit and the temperature of the room 100.

The control unit 8 is therefore configured to update the fictitious temperature based on the new temperature of room 100.

Claims (10)

1. Floor air conditioning system (1), comprising: - an insulating layer (2) configured to be placed in contact with the floor of a room (100); - a first support layer (14) superimposed on the insulating layer (2); - heat exchange means (3) placed between the insulating layer (2) and the first support layer (14) and extending at least along one main direction (X), the heat exchange means (3) comprising a plurality of ducts (34) for the convective transport of a heat transfer fluid; characterized by the fact that: - the heat exchange means (3) comprise a second support layer (31), each duct (34) being defined at least in part by the second support layer (31). 2. System (1) according to claim 1, wherein each duct (34) is defined at least in part by the insulating layer (2). 3. System (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second support layer (31) of the heat exchange means (3) is defined by a corrugated sheet metal (30) having an upper side (30a) and a lower side (30b) opposite the upper side (30a), the lower side (30b) comprising first recesses (32), each facing the insulating layer (2), the upper side (30a) comprising second recesses (33), each facing the first support layer (14), the first recesses (32) and the second recesses (33) being alternated along the main direction (X), each first recess (32) defining at least in part a respective duct (34). 4. System (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first support layer (14) extends at least partly inside each second recess (33) of the sheet metal (30). 5. System (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, comprising a ventilation apparatus (6) placed in fluid communication with each duct (34) and configured to introduce dry air with a pre-established flow rate inside each duct (34). 6. System (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, comprising: - a heat flow generator (7) configured to heat and/or cool the heat transfer fluid, the heat flow generator (7) being placed in fluid communication with each duct (34). 7. System (1) according to claims 5 and 6, comprising: - a control unit (8) comprising a first actuation module (81) in signal communication with the ventilation apparatus (6) and a second actuation module (82) in signal communication with the heat flow generator (7), the heat flow generator (7) being configured to heat and/or cool dry air circulated by the ventilation apparatus (6), - at least one first temperature sensor (9) configured to continuously acquire the temperature of the room (100) to be air conditioned, in which: - the first actuation module (81) is configured to operate the ventilation apparatus (6) to regulate the flow rate of dry air, and - the second actuation module (82) is configured to operate the heat flow generator (7) to regulate the temperature of the dry air as a function of the temperature of the room to be air conditioned acquired by the temperature sensor (9). 8. System (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a delivery manifold (4) and a return manifold (5) extending along the main direction (X) between a respective first edge (41, 51) and a respective second edge (42, 52), each duct (34) being connected in fluid communication to the delivery manifold (4) and to the return manifold (5). 9. System (1) according to claim 8, wherein the flow manifold (4) and the return manifold (5) respectively have a first side (4a, 5a) connected to each duct (34) and a second side (4b, 5b) opposite to the respective first side (4a, 5a) and comprising a lip (4c, 5c) configured to connect to the floor of the room (100). 10. System (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the flow manifold (4) and the return manifold (5) respectively have a cross-section at the first edge (41, 51) larger than a cross-section at the second edge (42, 52).