ITTV20090004A1 - APPARATUS FOR CARRYING OUT THE AIR RENOVATION OF A LIVING SPACE - Google Patents

Description

"APPARATUS FOR RENEWING THE AIR OF A LIVING SPACE"

DESCRIPTION

The present invention refers to an apparatus capable of carrying out, in an improved way, the renewal of the air of a living space.

As is known, harmful substances may be present in a living space such as, for example, nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide, tobacco smoke, formaldehyde, radon and so on.

In addition, in certain rooms such as, for example, bathrooms, showers, kitchens, laundries, there is often a high percentage of humidity which can favor the proliferation of fungi, molds and mites. The change of air in a living space therefore assumes the utmost importance for the well-being of the people living there habitually.

Traditionally, the renewal of the air is carried out by opening the windows of the living space.

This operation, however, may involve some inconveniences such as, for example, the influx of pollutants, dust or pollen from the external environment, noise or disturbances and heat dispersion.

Thus, often, the living space is not sufficiently ventilated, particularly in densely populated residential areas.

On the other hand, nowadays, the natural exchange of air through cracks or leaks in windows and doors is very low, if we take into account the significant improvements that modern construction techniques have introduced with regard to the thermal and acoustic insulation of buildings. In view of these problems, the most recent regulations on environmental hygiene have made it mandatory to use equipment or systems designed to renew the air in buildings accessible to the public.

Moreover, the use of these systems is increasingly spreading even in the private sphere, in particular in the more densely populated inhabited centers.

Unfortunately, the equipment for air renewal, currently available, is characterized by not negligible drawbacks.

Some known types of equipment have relatively high consumption and offer very limited performance as regards the treatment of the fresh air, especially as regards its heating / cooling or humidification / dehumidification.

This can compromise the comfort of the people residing in the living space.

Other known types of equipment ensure better treatment of the fresh air but use auxiliary systems, such as water batteries and related hydraulic circuits, to heat / cool the air entering the living space. These devices have relatively high costs for the user and considerable bulk. Even the operational operation of these devices is expensive, due to an often unsatisfactory overall energy performance.

The present invention aims to provide an apparatus for the renewal of the air of a living space that allows to overcome the problems of the prior art described above.

In this context, the present invention aims to provide an apparatus capable of carrying out an effective treatment of the fresh air.

The present invention also aims to provide an apparatus that allows you to vary, easily and automatically, the methods of treatment of the fresh air, in relation to the environmental conditions present outside the living space.

The present invention furthermore proposes to provide an apparatus which has a high overall energy efficiency and a relatively low electrical power consumption.

The present invention finally aims to provide an apparatus that has a considerable versatility of operation and relatively low operating costs, which is highly reliable, easy and economical to manufacture and install.

This task and these purposes, as well as other purposes that will appear evident from the subsequent description and the attached drawings, are achieved, according to the present invention, by an apparatus for the renewal of the air of a living space, according to claim 1 attached hereafter.

In its most general definition, the apparatus, according to the present invention, comprises an air inlet channel and an air expulsion channel, respectively provided with a first ventilation unit and a second ventilation unit suitable for ensuring transit of air from / to the living space.

The apparatus, according to the present invention, also includes a heat exchange unit which includes a circuit for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid and a compressor device.

The heat exchange unit is equipped with a first heat exchanger, operationally positioned at the air inlet channel to exchange thermal energy between the aforementioned heat transfer fluid and the air passing through the air inlet channel.

The heat exchange unit also includes a second heat exchanger, operationally positioned at the air expulsion channel to exchange thermal energy between the aforementioned heat transfer fluid and the air passing through the air expulsion channel.

The apparatus, according to the present invention, includes a control device, operationally connected at least to the heat exchange unit and to the ventilation units. By generating suitable control signals, this control device is capable of driving the compressor device of the heat exchange unit and / or at least one of said ventilation units so as to modulate the energy supplied and / or the rotation speed, respectively.

Preferably, the control device is capable of modulating the rotation speed of at least the first ventilation unit.

Even more advantageously, however, both ventilation units are able to modulate their own rotation speed according to the command signals sent by the control device.

Advantageously, the heat exchange unit is able to assume a first operating configuration, in which the heat transfer fluid circulating therein can absorb heat from the air circulating in the air inlet channel and transfer heat to the air passing through the duct. air expulsion.

In this operating configuration, the first heat exchanger therefore functions as the evaporation unit of a reversible heat exchange circuit while the second heat exchanger functions as a condensing unit.

The heat exchange unit is also able to assume a second operational configuration, in which the aforementioned heat transfer fluid can absorb heat from the air passing through the air expulsion channel and release heat from the air circulating in the air inlet channel. In this operating configuration, the first heat exchanger works as the condensing unit of a reversible heat exchange circuit while the second heat exchanger works as an evaporation unit.

The heat exchange unit is also able to assume a third operational configuration, in which the aforementioned heat transfer fluid does not interact with the air circulating in the air inlet and expulsion channels, in correspondence with the heat exchangers.

Thanks to its versatility of operation, the heat exchange unit is able to transfer heat between the incoming and outgoing air to / from the living space, according to the air conditioning needs of the living space itself and the environmental conditions present in the living space. 'external. If the incoming air must be cooled, since the outside air temperature is relatively higher than that of the living space, the heat exchange unit extracts heat from the air entering the living space to transfer it to the outgoing air. In this phase, the incoming air can be de-humidified by means of the first heat exchanger functioning as an evaporation unit.

If the incoming air must be heated, since the outside air temperature is relatively lower than that of the living space, the heat exchange unit extracts heat from the outgoing air to transfer it to the incoming air. In this phase, the incoming air can be humidified by means of a humidification unit operatively positioned in correspondence with the air inlet channel.

If the incoming air does not have a significant thermal impact on the living space, the heat exchange unit is placed in a stand-by configuration with a significant decrease in overall energy consumption.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus according to the present invention comprises at least one device for heating the air passing through the air inlet channel. Preferably, this heating device is able to modulate the thermal energy delivered, as a function of command signals received from the control device.

Advantageously, the control device is operationally connected to sensor means, designed to detect the temperature and humidity of the air entering and leaving the air inlet channel and into the living space.

Depending on the signals detected by said sensor means, and on the operating settings selected by the user, the control device is therefore capable of automatically managing the inflow, cooling / heating and humidification / dehumidification of the air in entry into the living space, through appropriate control procedures.

In particular, thanks to the modulation of the energy delivered by the compressor device and / or the modulation of the rotation speed of at least one of the ventilation units, and thanks to the possible modulation of the energy delivered by the other air handling devices, the The apparatus, according to the present invention, is capable of automatically carrying out a so-called "fixed point" regulation of the thermo-hygrometric conditions of the air introduced into the living space.

According to the state of the air in the external environment and in the living space, the apparatus, according to the present invention, is able to automatically vary the thermohygrometric conditions of the air introduced into the living space, in an attempt to make the state of the air in the living space as close as possible to the conditions selected by the user.

In this regulation, the apparatus uses its own electrical power supply as the only source of energy to regulate the thermo-hygrometric conditions of the air introduced into the living space. This avoids the use of auxiliary air heating / cooling systems. This allows to obtain a very high overall energy efficiency and a considerable reduction of the overall dimensions.

For a high purification of the air coming from the external environment, the apparatus according to the present invention advantageously comprises an air filter device passing through the air inlet channel, preferably an electrostatic type filter.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the description of preferred but not exclusive embodiments of the apparatus, according to the present invention, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 schematically illustrates the structure of the apparatus, according to the present invention; And

- Figure 2 schematically illustrates a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus, according to the present invention; And

- figure 3 schematically illustrates a further partial perspective view of the embodiment of figure 2 of the apparatus, according to the present invention; And

- Figure 4 schematically illustrates a partial perspective view of the apparatus, according to the present invention, in a further embodiment variant; And

- Figures 5-7 schematically illustrate some control procedures used by the apparatus, according to the present invention.

With reference to the attached figures, the present invention refers to an apparatus 1 for carrying out the renewal of the air of a living space 100.

The term "living space" means any type of residential or commercial space. This term can therefore refer to residential, industrial buildings, shopping centers, offices, shops, public places and so on.

The apparatus 1 comprises an air inlet channel 2 and an air expulsion channel 3, used respectively for the transit of air from the external environment 101 to the living space 100 and, vice versa, for the transit of air from the living space 100 to the external environment 101. The term "external environment" generally refers to the environment surrounding the building including the living space 100. This term can, however, also be extended to any other space outside the living space 100.

The air inlet duct 2 includes a first air intake vent 21 in communication with the external environment 101 and a first air delivery outlet 22 in communication with the living space 100.

The air intake mouth 21 and the air delivery mouth 22 can communicate directly or by means of suitable pipes, respectively, with the external environment 101 and with the living space 100. For example, from the air delivery mouth 22 several pipes can be branched, each of which communicating with a ventilation orifice located in a room of the living space 100.

The air expulsion channel 3 includes a second air intake mouth 31 in communication with the living space 100 and a second air delivery mouth 32 in communication with the external environment 101, directly or through appropriate pipes.

In the embodiments illustrated in the aforementioned figures, the air circulation channels 2 and 3 are defined by adjacent sections of the apparatus 1, inside a casing 11. This allows to obtain a particularly compact structure and to reduce the overall dimensions.

In alternative forms of the present invention, however, the air circulation channels 2 and 3 could also be physically separated. This inevitably leads to an increase in the structural complexity of the apparatus 1 even if it makes it possible to meet specific installation needs, related for example to the structure of the building including the living space 100.

The apparatus 1 also includes a first ventilation unit 23, preferably a fan, to ensure the transit of air in the air inlet channel 2.

Similarly, to ensure the circulation of air in the air expulsion channel 3, the apparatus 1 comprises a second ventilation unit 33, also preferably comprising a fan.

According to the invention, the apparatus 1 is equipped with a heat exchange unit 4 comprising a compressor device 43.

The heat exchange unit 4 also includes a circuit 430 for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid (for example a gas), made with components typically used in reversible heat exchange circuits.

The heat exchange unit 4 comprises at least a first heat exchanger 41, operatively positioned in the air inlet channel 2 in order to exchange thermal energy between the heat transfer fluid, circulating in the heat exchange unit 4, and the air passing through the air intake duct 2.

In addition, the heat exchange unit 4 includes a second heat exchanger 42, operationally positioned in the air expulsion channel 3 to exchange thermal energy between the aforementioned heat transfer fluid and the air passing through the air expulsion channel 3.

The control apparatus, according to the present invention, comprises a control device 8, preferably provided with a digital processing unit 80 and a user interface 81, which can be remotely positioned and operationally connected by means of connections with wires or wireless.

The control device 8 is operatively connected, by means of suitable connections, to the components of the apparatus 1, in particular to the heat exchange unit 4 and to the ventilation unit 23 and is capable of generating command signals to modulate the energy delivered by the compressor device 43 and / or the rotation speed of at least one of the ventilation units 23 and 33.

Preferably, the control device 8 is capable of generating command signals to modulate the rotation speed of at least the ventilation unit 23, since it is the air introduced into the living space 100 that needs to be suitably treated to ensure comfort. to the user.

More advantageously, the control device 8 is capable of generating command signals to modulate the rotation speed of both the ventilation units 23 and 33. This can be useful to avoid and / or to regulate the establishment of pressure gradients. between the living space 100 and the external environment 101.

According to the invention, the energy delivered by the compressor 43 and / or the rotation speed of at least one of the ventilation units 23 and 33 can therefore be modulated by sending appropriate command signals.

In the context of the present invention, by "modulation" of the energy delivered by the compressor device 43 and / or of the rotation speed of the ventilation units 23 and 33, we mean any type of variation / regulation that is not simply of the ON / OFF. In other words, the term "modulation" means any type of control that takes place according to at least three differentiated regulation levels, for example at least three energy levels delivered in the case of compressor 43 and / or at least three speed levels rotation, in the case of the ventilation unit 23.

For example, in the simplest case of modulation, an OFF level (zero delivered energy), an intermediate level (energy delivered at a nominal operating level) and a MAX level (maximum delivered energy) could be available for the compressor device 43.

A similar example may apply to the ventilation units 23 and / or 33.

The control device 8 is also capable of generating command signals to make the heat exchange unit assume 4 different operating configurations, so as to make it work as a reversible heat exchange circuit, in which each of the heat exchangers 41 and 42 can work as an evaporation unit or condensation unit, or not interact with the passing air.

In this way, the heat exchange unit 4, by means of the heat transfer fluid circulating therein, can transfer heat from the air circulating in the inlet channel 2 to the air circulating in the air expulsion channel 2, and vice versa, according to requirements. .

In a first operational configuration of the heat exchange unit 4, generally usable during the summer period, the heat transfer fluid is made to circulate so as to subtract heat from the air circulating in the intake channel 2, in correspondence with the first heat exchanger 41 (thus functioning as an evaporation unit), and transferring heat to the air circulating in the expulsion channel 3, in correspondence with the second heat exchanger 42 (thus functioning as a condensing unit).

In a second operational configuration of the heat exchange unit 4, generally usable during the winter period, the heat transfer fluid is made to circulate so as to transfer heat to the air circulating in the intake channel 2, in correspondence with the first heat exchanger 41 (thus functioning as a condensing unit), and subtracting heat from the air circulating in the expulsion channel 3, in correspondence with the second heat exchanger 42 (thus functioning as an evaporation unit).

The heat exchange unit 4 is also capable of assuming a third operating configuration, substantially stand-by, in which the deactivation of the compressor 43 is envisaged. In this operating configuration, typically used when there is no significant thermal gradient between the temperatures of the air in the living space 100 and in the external environment 101, as for example in mid-seasons, the heat exchange unit 4 does not carry out any treatment of the incoming air, at the heat exchangers 41 and 42.

Preferably, the apparatus 1 comprises at least one heating device designed to provide heat to the air passing through the intake channel 2.

This heating device can deliver thermal energy, according to an ON / OFF operating mode.

Preferably, however, the aforementioned heating device is capable of modulating the thermal energy delivered, according to the command signals received from the control device 8. Preferably, upstream and downstream of the first heat exchanger 41, according to the direction of circulation of the air in the intake channel 2, the apparatus 1 comprises respectively a first and a second heating device 26 and 27, operating according to the methods indicated above and preferably consisting of electrical resistances.

The heating device 27 is typically used when the heat exchange unit 4 assumes the first operational configuration, described above, in order to avoid excessive cooling of the air entering the living space 100.

The heating device 26, on the other hand, is typically used when the heat exchange unit 4 assumes the second operating configuration, described above, in the event that the temperature of the air in the external environment 101 is excessively low and it is expected that it cannot be sufficiently heated by the first heat exchanger 41.

The heating devices 26 and 27 can also be used in the event that the heat exchange unit 4 is in stand-by and there is a reduced thermal gradient between the air temperatures in the living space 100 and in the external environment 101 .

Preferably, upstream of the first heat exchanger 41, the apparatus 1 comprises a filter device 28 for the air passing through the air inlet channel 2. The filter device 28 is advantageously constituted by an electrostatic filter, which , as is known, effectively blocks the entry of impurities and dust into the living space 100. For de-humidification of the air circulating in the intake duct 2, therefore of the air entering the living space 100, the apparatus 1 advantageously uses the first heat exchanger 41, when the latter functions as an evaporation unit.

In a preferred embodiment (Figure 4), the apparatus 1 can be arranged in such a way as to be able to humidify the air entering the living space 100, in particular if it is necessary to heat it.

For this purpose, the apparatus 1 advantageously comprises a humidification device 29, positioned at the delivery mouth 22, externally to the main body of the apparatus 1, as illustrated in figure 4.

In a preferred embodiment, the humidification device 29 is able to suitably modulate the energy delivered for the dehumidification, according to command signals received from the control device 8.

In one of its preferred embodiments, the apparatus 1 also comprises a bypass duct 5 adapted to operatively connect the air intake duct 2 and the air expulsion duct 3. At the interface with the air intake duct 2, the bypass channel 5 advantageously comprises a regulation damper 51 for regulating the air flow between the channels 2 and 3.

The bypass channel 5 is particularly useful in the case in which the second heat exchanger 42 functions as a condensing unit. In fact, a greater air flow rate can be ensured at the heat exchanger 42, without increasing the rotation speed from the ventilation unit 23.

In this way, the performance of the heat exchanger 42 is optimized, in its operation as a condensing unit, without significantly increasing the electrical power consumption of the ventilation unit 33 or causing pressure variations in the living space 100.

Preferably, the apparatus 1, according to the present invention, comprises first sensor means 61 and second sensor means 62, respectively adapted to generate detection signals indicative of the temperature of the air entering and leaving the air inlet channel 2 .

In addition, third sensor means 63 and fourth sensor means 64 are advantageously provided, respectively suitable for generating detection signals indicative of the relative humidity of the incoming and outgoing air to / from the air inlet channel.

Preferably, the sensor means 61 and 63 are operatively positioned at the first air intake mouth 21 while the sensor means 62 and 64 are operatively positioned at the first air delivery mouth 22, so as to provide information on the state of the air. in correspondence with its actual entrance from the external environment 101 and into the living space 100 respectively.

Finally, the apparatus 1 advantageously comprises fifth sensor means 65 and sixth sensor means 66 respectively adapted to generate detection signals indicative of the temperature and relative humidity of the air in the living space 100. The sensor means 65 and 66 are advantageously positioned within the living space 100 or alternatively in correspondence with the second inlet 32.

Further sensor means could be positioned in correspondence with the gripping mouth 32.

For the control of the apparatus 1, the control device 8, and in particular the digital processing unit 80, is advantageously capable of receiving and processing the input signals, in particular the signals coming from the user interface 81 and from the means sensors 61-66.

The digital processing unit 80 can thus receive in input:

- indicative values of the TAMB temperature and humidity UAMB of the air at the intake 21, in order to have information on the conditions of the air in the external environment 101, entering the intake channel 2; And

- indicative values of the temperature TC and humidity UC of the air in correspondence with the delivery mouth 22, in order to have information on the actual state of the air leaving the intake channel 2 and entering the living space 100; And

- indicative values of the TINT temperature and of the relative humidity UINT of the air in the living space 100; And

- indicative values of the temperature TOP and humidity UOP selected by the user for the living space 100.

The digital processing unit 80 is advantageously able to store the data sent by the sensor means 61-66, so as to be able to use such information as required. Based on the incoming signals received, the digital processing unit 80 is able to generate command signals to regulate the operation of the apparatus 1.

For the generation of the aforementioned control signals, the digital processing unit 80 is able to perform one or more control procedures, in which the aforementioned information is used in whole or in part.

For this purpose, the digital processing unit 80 can include one or more programs or routines in programming languages that can be compiled and executed by one or more resident microprocessors.

Some preferred control procedures, which can be used by the digital processing unit 80 to manage the treatment of the air entering the living space 100, will now be described in greater detail.

As we have seen, during the operation of the apparatus 1, the heat exchange unit 4 can assume different operational configurations that define some methods of treatment of the air entering the living space 100.

The transition from one operational configuration to another can take place according to a manual activation method by the user.

By acting on the user interface 81, it is possible to send suitable control signals to the digital processing unit 80, which, depending on the input signals received, generates control signals to make the heat exchange unit 4 assume one of the configurations operational described above.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, however, the passage from one operating configuration to the other can also take place automatically, as a function of information indicative of the temperature of the air circulating in the intake channel 2 and of the established operating parameters by the user.

To this end, the control device 8 can advantageously carry out a first control procedure 50 (Figure 5), which advantageously provides a step 501 of acquiring from the sensor means 61 and 65 at least the indicative values of the temperature TAMB of the air in the environment. outside and the TINT temperature of the air in the living space 100.

The control procedure 50 also includes a step 502 to acquire at least indicative values of the TOP temperature preset by the user, through the user interface 81.

A step 503 is therefore provided for generating command signals C1, depending on the information acquired in the previous steps, to make the heat exchange unit 4 assume one of the operating configurations described above.

Preferably, in step 503 one or more control variables indicative of the thermal gradients existing between the air temperature values in the external environment 101, in the living space 100 and those set by the user are generated.

If the thermal gradient (TAMB-TOP) is higher than a predefined threshold, the control unit 8 generates command signals C1 apt to make the heat exchange unit 4 assume the described first operating configuration. In this case, the the air circulating in the intake duct 2 will be cooled in correspondence with the heat exchanger 41.

If the thermal gradient (TOP-TAMB) is higher than another predefined threshold, the control unit 8 generates command signals C1 apt to make the heat exchange unit 4 assume the second operating configuration described above. In this case, the air circulating in the intake channel 2 will be heated in correspondence with the heat exchanger 41.

If the aforementioned thermal gradients are lower than their own reference thresholds, the control unit 8 generates command signals C1 apt to make the heat exchange unit 4 assume the described third operating configuration. In this case, the air circulating in the inlet channel 2 will not be treated by the heat exchange unit 4 and the apparatus 1 will assume a "free-cooling" or "free-heating" mode of operation, depending on the existing thermal gradient. In these operating modes, any cooling / heating of the air in the living space 100 does not depend on the heat exchange unit 4.

Once the heat exchange unit 4 has been operationally configured, the control device 8 can advantageously carry out some control procedures, alternative to each other and aimed at ensuring effective integration between the renewal and treatment functions of the air entering the space. housing 100.

When the heat exchange unit 4 assumes the aforementioned first operating configuration, the control device 8 preferably performs a second control procedure 51 (Figure 6) adapted to manage the treatment of the air entering the living space 100, according to the environmental conditions detected and user predefined operating parameters. The control procedure 51 is characterized by the fact of carrying out a main cycle of regulating the temperature of the air entering the living space 100, suitably modulating the energy supplied by the compressor 43 and, possibly, of the second heating device 27.

Procedure 51 also provides for de-humidification of the air in the intake duct 2, suitably modulating the energy delivered by the compressor 43 and, alternatively, the flow of air circulating in the intake duct 2, by means of the ventilation unit 23.

Initially, the procedure 51 provides a step 511 to acquire at least indicative values of the temperature TC in correspondence with the delivery mouth 22 and the TINT temperature and the relative humidity UINT of the air in the living space 100.

The control procedure 51 also provides for a step 512 to acquire information relating to the operating parameters established by the user, in particular the temperature values TOP and humidity UOP selected for the living space 100.

Procedure 51 initially provides for regulating the temperature of the air entering the living space 100.

Procedure 51 therefore includes a step 513 of calculating a first control value ∆T1 = (TINT-TOP), that is, indicative of the difference between the air temperature value at the inlet 21 and that set by the user.

At step 514, the control value ∆T1 is then compared with a predefined threshold value TH1.

If the control value ∆T1 is higher than the threshold value TH1, the procedure 51 provides for a step 515 to generate command signals C2 to modulate the energy delivered by the compressor device 43 as a function of the control value ∆T1.

Since the first heat exchanger 41 functions, in this case, as an evaporation unit, step 515 therefore provides that the absorption of heat by the heat transfer fluid circulating in the heat exchange unit 4, and therefore the cooling of the air at the first heat exchanger 41, is modulated as a function of the control value ∆T1.

Procedure 51 therefore provides for a further step 516 to generate control signals C3 to modulate the thermal energy delivered by the heating device 27 as a function of the temperature value of the air TC detected at the delivery port 22.

The eventual activation of the heating device 27, downstream of the heat exchanger 41, is carried out to ensure that the air introduced into the living space 100 is not excessively cooled by the heat exchanger 41, in the previous step 515.

Procedure 51 therefore provides for regulating the humidity of the air entering the living space 100.

A step 517 is therefore envisaged to calculate a second control value ∆U2 = UINT-UOP indicative of the difference between the relative humidity values of the air in the living space 100 and the humidity value desired by the user.

The procedure 51 therefore provides for a step 517 to generate command signals C4 to modulate the energy delivered by the compressor device 43 as a function of the control value ∆U2.

In other words, in step 517 it is planned to adjust the energy delivered by the compressor device 43 so as to be able to vary, as a function of ∆U2, the dehumidification capacity of the heat exchanger 41, operating as an evaporation unit.

To increase the dehumidification capacity of the heat exchanger 41, the compressor device 43 can be brought up to a maximum level of deliverable energy.

At this point, the procedure 51 provides for a further step 518A of generating command signals C5 to modulate the rotation speed of the first ventilation unit 23 as a function of the control value ∆U2.

In practice, once the compressor 43 has been brought to the maximum energy that can be supplied, the flow rate of the air flow in the intake channel 2 is varied in order to be able to vary the temperature of the heat exchanger 41, operating as an evaporation unit, and therefore be able to further vary the de-humidification capacity.

It should be noted that, for example, as the rotation speed of the ventilation unit 23 decreases, the flow of air circulating in the intake duct 2 decreases and, consequently, the heat exchange temperature of the heat exchanger 41 decreases. an increase in the dehumidification capacity of the heat exchanger 41.

It should be noted that, in this phase, the rotation speed of the ventilation unit 33, in the air expulsion channel 3, is kept equal to the nominal conditions. The bypass channel 5 avoids the establishment of pressure differences between the living space 100 and the external environment 101. If the control value ∆T1 is lower than the threshold value TH1, the procedure 51 foresees to bring the heat exchange 4 in the described third operating stand-by configuration. The procedure 51 therefore provides a step 519 of generating command signals C1 to make the aforementioned third operating configuration assume the heat exchange unit 4.

The compressor device 43 is thus deactivated and the apparatus 1 operates only the air renewal and the filtration of the air entering the living space 100.

Any cooling of the air in the living space 100 is now left to the fact that the natural temperature TAMB of the outside air is lower than the air temperature TINT in the living space 100 ("free-cooling" operating mode).

Even in this situation, however, the procedure 51 can advantageously provide for suitably modulating the thermal energy delivered by the heating device 27 to correct any reduced thermal gradients (for example of a few ° C) between the temperature of the air in the external environment 101 and in the living space 100.

When the heat exchange unit 4 assumes the aforementioned second operating configuration, the control device 8 preferably carries out a third control procedure 52 (figure 7), also aimed at managing the treatment of the air entering the space 100, according to the environmental conditions detected and the operating parameters predefined by the user.

The procedure 52 is characterized by the fact of providing for the maintenance of the ventilation unit 23 at its own rated rotation speed and of carrying out a cycle for regulating the temperature of the air entering the living space 100, suitably modulating the energy supplied by the compressor 43. Any humidification of the air is carried out by means of the humidification device 29, if installed.

Initially, procedure 52 provides for a step 521 to acquire indicative values of the TAMB temperature in correspondence of the inlet 21 and the TINTe temperature of the relative humidity UINT of the air in the living space 100.

The control procedure 52 also provides for a step 522 to acquire information relating to the operating parameters established by the user, in particular the temperature value TOP and humidity UOP selected for the living space 100.

The procedure 52 therefore comprises a step 523 of generating control signals C6 to maintain the ventilation unit 23 at a nominal operating rotation speed. A step 524 is therefore envisaged to calculate a third control value ∆T3 = TOP - TINT, indicative of the difference between the air temperature value desired by the user and the air temperature value in the living space 100.

Procedure 52 therefore provides a step 525 for comparing the third control value ∆T3, thus calculated, with a second predefined threshold value TH2.

If the control value ∆T3 is higher than the predefined threshold value TH2, procedure 52 involves carrying out a step 526 to generate control signals C7 to modulate the energy delivered by the compressor device 43 as a function of the control value ∆T3.

Since the first heat exchanger 41 functions, in this case, as a condensing unit, step 526 provides that the transfer of heat by the heat transfer fluid, circulating in the heat exchange unit 4, and therefore the heating of the air in correspondence with the first heat exchanger 41, are modulated as a function of ∆T3.

If the air temperature in the external environment 101 is too low, the compressor 43 will not be able to provide sufficient energy to heat the air circulating in the intake channel 2, up to values compatible with those set by the user. In this case, procedure 52 provides for using the heating device 26 to heat, upstream of the heat exchanger 41, the air circulating in the intake channel 2.

In procedure 52 there is therefore a step 527 to generate control signals C8 to modulate the thermal energy delivered by the heating device 26 as a function of the temperature value of the air TAMB in correspondence with the inlet 21.

In an embodiment of the present invention, if the humidification device 29 (Figure 4) is installed, during the temperature regulation just described, the control procedure 52 can also foresee the step 529 of generating command signals C9 for the control device humidification 29, in order to regulate the humidity of the air in the living space 100, according to the relative humidity values UINT in the living space 100 and the relative humidity value UOP, set by the user.

If the control value ∆T3 is lower than the threshold value TH2, procedure 52 provides for bringing the heat exchange unit 4 into the described third operating stand-by configuration. Step 528 is envisaged to generate command signals C1 to make the aforementioned third operating configuration assume the heat exchange unit 4.

The compressor device 43 is thus deactivated and the apparatus 1 operates only the renewal of the air and the filtration of the air entering the living space 100. Any heating of the air in the living space 100 will in this case be merely due to the fact that the natural temperature TAMB of the external air is higher than the air temperature TINT in the living space 100 (“free-heating” operating mode).

Even in this situation, however, the procedure 51 can advantageously provide for suitably modulating the thermal energy delivered by the heating device 27 to correct any small variations (for example of a few ° C) of the air temperature in the living space 100.

When the heat exchange unit 4 assumes the aforementioned third operating configuration, advantageously usable during the mid-seasons, the control device 8 simply renews the air present in the living space and filters the incoming air, since there is no heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid in the heat exchange unit 4, and the air passing through the circulation channels 2 and 3 (“free-cooling” or “free-heating” operating mode).

As we have seen, however, small thermal gradients between the air temperature in the external environment 101 and in the living space 100 can be corrected by suitably modulating the thermal energy supplied by the heating device 27.

The control procedures 50-52 described above can be advantageously repeated at regular intervals, since the environmental conditions can vary rather quickly, for example based on the weather situation, and / or whenever the user sends new operating parameters to the input. to the control device 8.

Variants of procedures 50-52 are possible depending on the performance ensured by the components used for air treatment in the intake duct 2. For example, if the heating devices 26 and / or 27 and / or the humidification device 29 they have operating modes of the ON / OFF type, the procedures 50-52 can simply provide operating steps for generating command signals to activate / deactivate the aforementioned devices, without modulating the energy delivered.

In practice it has been verified that the apparatus, according to the present invention, allows to achieve the intended purposes.

The apparatus, according to the present invention, is able to automatically adjust the thermo-hygrometric conditions of the air introduced into the living space 100, according to the state of the air in the living space 100, the state of the air in the external environment 101 and user-selected values.

The apparatus, according to the present invention, thus allows to obtain a considerable integration and coordination of the functions of renewal, heating / cooling and humidification / de-humidification of the air entering the living space, in order to make the most of energy. heating / cooling made available by the exhaust air leaving the living space 100 and reducing consumption when possible (“free-cooling” or “free-heating” operating modes).

These air treatment functions can effectively integrate, or even replace, the environmental air conditioning functions commonly devolved to air heating / cooling devices.

Apparatus 1 uses its own electrical power supply as the only source of energy to treat the air entering the living space 100. This allows for relatively high energy yields and a reduction in overall dimensions.

The use of the heat exchange unit 4, which advantageously constitutes a reversible thermal / cooling circuit, also allows to limit the consumption of electrical power. The above allows to obtain high performance with regard to the treatment of fresh air, in relation to the environmental conditions present outside the living space, together with a high overall energy efficiency, with relatively low electrical power consumption.

The apparatus, according to the present invention, has a considerable versatility and reliability of operation and can be easily programmed by the user according to the needs.

The apparatus, according to the present invention, is also highly reliable, easy to install and industrial construction, at very competitive costs.

Claims (18)

CLAIMS 1. Apparatus (1) to carry out the air renewal of a living space (100) including: - an air inlet duct (2) in said living space, said air inlet duct comprising a first air intake port (21) from the external environment (101) to said living space and a first air delivery outlet ( 22) in said living space; - a first ventilation unit (23) designed to ensure the transit of air in said air inlet channel; And - an air expulsion channel (3) from said living space, said air expulsion channel comprising a second air intake opening (31) from said living space and a second air delivery opening (32) towards the external environment to said living space; And - a second ventilation unit (33) designed to ensure the transit of air in said air expulsion channel; And - a heat exchange unit (4) comprising a compressor device (43) and a circuit (430) for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid, said heat exchange unit comprising at least a first heat exchanger (41), operatively positioned in said air inlet channel for exchanging thermal energy between said heat-carrying fluid and the air passing through said air inlet channel, and a second heat exchanger (42), operatively positioned in said air expulsion channel to exchange thermal energy between said heat-carrying fluid and the air passing through said air expulsion channel; characterized in that it comprises a control device, operatively connected to at least said heat exchange unit and said ventilation units, said control device generating command signals (C4, C5, C6, C7) to modulate the energy delivered by said compressor device and / or the rotation speed of at least one of said ventilation units. 2. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one heating device (26, 27) for the air passing through said air inlet channel. 3. Apparatus, according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that said control device generates command signals (C3, C8) to modulate the thermal energy delivered by said at least one heating device. 4. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that said control device generates command signals for activating / deactivating said at least one heating device, according to an ON / OFF operating mode. 5. Apparatus, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a filter device (28) of the air passing through said air inlet channel. 6. Apparatus, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a humidification device (29) of the air passing through said air inlet channel. 7. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a bypass channel (5) between said air intake channel and said air expulsion channel, said bypass channel comprising a damper adjustment (51). 8. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises first sensor means (61) adapted to generate detection signals indicative of the temperature of the air entering said air inlet channel and second sensor means (62 ) adapted to generate detection signals indicative of the temperature of the air leaving said air inlet channel. 9. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises third sensor means (63) adapted to generate detection signals indicative of the relative humidity of the air entering said air inlet channel and fourth sensor means (64) adapted to generate detection signals indicative of the relative humidity of the air leaving said air inlet channel. 10. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises fifth sensor means (65) suitable for generating detection signals indicative of the air temperature in said living space and sixth sensor means (66) suitable for generating signals indicators indicative of the relative humidity of the air in said living space. 11. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said heat exchange unit can assume a first operating configuration, according to which said heat-carrying fluid absorbs heat from the air circulating in said air inlet channel, in correspondence with of said first heat exchanger, and transfers heat to the air circulating in said air expulsion channel, in correspondence with said second heat exchanger. 12. Apparatus, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said heat exchange unit can assume a second operating configuration, according to which said heat-carrying fluid transfers heat to the air circulating in said air inlet channel, in correspondence with of said first heat exchanger, and absorbs heat from the air circulating in said air expulsion channel, in correspondence with said second heat exchanger. 13. Apparatus, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said heat exchange unit can assume a third operating configuration, according to which said heat-carrying fluid does not exchange thermal energy with the air circulating in said air inlet channel and with the air circulating in said air expulsion channel. 14. Apparatus, according to one or more of claims 11 to 13, characterized by the fact that the operating configuration of said heat exchange unit is manually defined by the user. 15. Apparatus, according to one or more of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that said control device carries out a first control procedure (50) designed to define the operating configuration of said heat exchange unit, said first control procedure including the following operational steps: - acquire (501) at least indicative values of the temperature (TAMB) of the air at said first intake and of the temperature (TINT) of the air at said living space; And - acquire (502) information relating to the operating parameters (TOP) established by the user; And - generating (503) control signals (C1) to make said heat exchange unit assume said first operating configuration, said second operating configuration or said third operating configuration, as a function of the air temperature value (TAMB) in correspondence with said first inlet, the air temperature value (TINT) in said living space and the air temperature value (TOP) set by the user. 16. Apparatus, according to one or more of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that when said heat exchange unit assumes said first operating configuration, said control device performs a second control procedure (51) which includes the following operating steps : - acquire (511) at least indicative values of the temperature (TC) of the air in correspondence with said first outlet and of the temperature (TINT) and humidity (UINT) of the air in correspondence with said living space; And - acquire (512) information relating to the operating parameters (TOP, UOP) established by the user; And - calculate (513) a first control value (∆T1) indicative of the difference between the air temperature value (TINT) in said living space and the air temperature value (TOP) established by the user; - comparing (514) said first control value with a first predefined threshold value (TH1); And - if said first control value is higher than said first threshold value (TH1), carry out the following steps: - generate (515) command signals (C2) to modulate the energy delivered by said compressor device as a function of said first control value; And - generating (516) control signals (C3) to modulate the thermal energy delivered by a heating device, downstream of said first heat exchanger, as a function of the air temperature value (TC) at said first delivery port; And - calculate (517) a second control value (∆U2) indicative of the difference between the relative humidity value of the air (UINT) in said living space and the relative humidity value of the air (UOP) established by the user; And - generate (518) command signals (C4) to modulate the energy delivered by said compressor device as a function of said second control value; And - if necessary, generating (518A) control signals (C5) to modulate the rotation speed of said first ventilation unit as a function of said second control value; or - if said first control value (∆T1) is lower than said first threshold value (TH1), carry out the following steps: - generating (519) control signals (C1) for making said third operating configuration to said heat exchange unit. 17. Apparatus, according to one or more of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that when said heat exchange unit assumes said second operating configuration, said control device performs a third control procedure (52) which includes the following operating steps : - acquire (521) at least indicative values of the temperature (TAMB) at the inlet 21 and of the temperature (TINT) and relative humidity (UINT) of the air in said living space; and - acquire (522) information relating to the operating parameters (TOP, UOP) established by the user; And - generating (523) control signals (C6) to maintain said first ventilation unit at a nominal operating rotation speed; and - calculate (524) a third control value (∆T3) indicative of the difference between the air temperature value (TOP) established by the user and the air temperature value (TINT) in said living space; And - comparing (525) said second control value with a second predefined threshold value (TH2); And - if said second control value is higher than said second predefined threshold value (TH2), carry out the following steps: - generate (526) command signals (C7) to modulate the energy delivered by said compressor device as a function of said second control value; And - generating (527) control signals (C8) to modulate the thermal energy delivered by said a heating device, upstream of said first heat exchanger, as a function of the air temperature value (TAMB) at said first intake mouth; or - if said third control value (∆T3) is lower than said predefined threshold value (TH2), carry out the following steps: - generating (528) control signals (C1) for making said third operating configuration to said heat exchange unit. 18. Apparatus, according to claim 17, characterized in that said third control procedure (52) which comprises the following operating steps: - generate (529) command signals (C9) to activate said humidification device according to the relative humidity value of the air (UINT), in said living space and a relative humidity value (UOP), established by the user .