RU2809963C2 - Ventilation device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: air treatment.

SUBSTANCE: invention is related to devices for treating air in a confined space and, in particular, for reducing the concentration of radon in a confined space. A device for treating air in a confined space, comprising a first module and a second module connected telescopically so that the two modules can be slid relative to each other to adjust according to different thicknesses of the wall that separates the interior space from the exterior space. The device contains: a heat exchanger located in the first module; a first fan located in the first module downstream of the filter to supply air from the outside to the inside, and a second fan located in the second module to suck air from the inside to the outside. The device also contains a radon detector connected to a control unit through which two fans are controlled.

EFFECT: object of the invention is to overcome the known shortcomings of this field of technology, by creating a device for treating air in a confined space, which is efficient and practical, low energy consumption, least bulky, facilitating the installation process, universally suitable for installation in walls of various thicknesses.

9 cl, 12 dwg

Description

The invention for an industrial patent relates to a device used to treat air in a confined space and, in particular, to reduce the concentration of radon in a confined space.

As is known, radon is a natural inert gas formed as a result of the alpha decay of radium resulting from the alpha decay of uranium, which is diffusely present in the earth's crust.

The harmful effects of radon come from polonium and bismuth, which arise from the radioactive decay of radon. When inhaled, polonium and bismuth are deposited in the bronchial epithelium, releasing significant doses of alpha radiation, which can determine the onset of lung cancer and leukemia.

The main source of radon is the earth, from which radon is released and spreads into the environment. Radon accumulates in confined places and is dangerous to human health. In particular, the basements of buildings can contain very high concentrations of radon due to direct penetration of radon from the ground and due to their generally insufficient ventilation.

To a lesser extent, other sources of radon may include water and building materials, especially if they are of volcanic origin, such as tuff or granite.

The higher the concentration of radon in a confined space, the higher the risk of cancer may be. In addition, it should be noted that at standard temperatures and pressures, radon is odorless, colorless, and therefore it is impossible to detect its presence without the use of a special device.

Devices used to determine the concentration of radon in the air can be active type, based on detectors that need to be powered while measurements are being taken, or passive type, based on detectors that do not need to be powered. Active devices measure the radon concentration in a space in real time, while passive devices measure the radon concentration only after a certain period of time. Typically, ventilation is used to remove radon that has accumulated in a confined space.

Ventilation can be done naturally by simply opening windows and doors, or by force using ventilation devices such as fans.

Natural ventilation is often an insufficient or ineffective solution; in addition, it requires significant financial costs to heat or cool a confined space.

Forced ventilation is usually carried out by means of a device containing:

- a first pipe comprising an inlet suitable for placement in a confined space for supplying contaminated air to the first pipe, and an outlet suitable for placement outside the confined space for discharging contaminated air outside the confined space;

- a second pipe comprising an inlet suitable for placement outside the enclosed space for supplying clean air to the second pipe, and an outlet suitable for placement in the enclosed space for supplying clean air into the enclosed space;

- fans placed in the first pipe and in the second pipe to pass air inside the pipes;

- detector for detecting the concentration of radon in the air in a confined space; And

- a control unit connected to fans and sensors so as to operate the fans according to the concentration of radon in the air.

Such a device, known in the art, has the disadvantage that it is bulky and difficult to install. In fact, since it consists of two separate pipes, two through holes must be drilled into the wall enclosing the enclosed space, and complex, expensive installation work must be performed. In addition, such a device is not universal and is not suitable for walls of different thicknesses.

Moreover, since the device known in the art consists of two separate modules: an air removal module and an air supply module; it has the disadvantage that it is inefficient, highly energy-consuming, and requires frequent maintenance operations.

EP 3045831 discloses a compact ventilation system that solves the problem of maintaining a specific microclimate in enclosed spaces and with minimal energy consumption. The device contains a tubular housing in which are installed: a filter, a three-volume heat exchanger with a heater, and first and second fans. Both fans operate separately: the first fan is used to introduce air, and the second fan is used to remove air from the room.

The object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the known solution in the art by providing a device for treating air in a confined space that is efficient and practical, with low energy consumption.

An additional objective is to provide a device for treating air in a confined space that is not bulky, easy to install, versatile and adaptable to different wall thicknesses.

These objectives are achieved according to the invention with the characteristics listed in independent claim 1 of the claims.

Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.

The device according to the invention is defined in independent claim 1 of the claims.

The advantages of the device according to the invention are obvious. Providing two fans at two ends of the device makes it possible to simultaneously remove air from the enclosed space and introduce air into the enclosed space without mixing the air flows.

For clarity, the description of the device according to the invention continues with reference to the drawings, which are merely illustrative and non-limiting.

In fig. 1 shows an axial sectional view of a device according to the invention, showing the air flow from inside to outside;

in fig. 1A and 1B are two parts of FIG. 1, highlighted respectively by circles A and B in FIG. 1, two views on an enlarged scale;

in fig. 2 - the first modular device shown in FIG. 1, axial section view;

in fig. 3 - second modular device shown in FIG. 1, axial section view;

in fig. 4 and 5 are two cross-sectional views along planes IV-IV and V-V in FIG. 2;

in fig. 6 is a sectional view along plane VI-VI in FIG. 1;

in fig. 7 - air flow from outside to inside, view in an axial section along plane VII-VII of Fig. 6;

in fig. 7A and 7B are two parts of FIG. 7, which are highlighted, respectively, by circles A and B in FIG. 7, two enlarged views;

in fig. 8 is a block diagram showing electrical connections of a device according to the invention.

With reference to the figures, a device according to the invention is disclosed, which is generally designated at numeral 100.

The device 100 is adapted to be installed in a wall by which an enclosed interior space is separated from an exterior space to reduce/eliminate radon concentrations in the enclosed space.

The device 100 (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) contains a first module 1 and a second module 2 of tubular shape.

The first module 1 and the second module 2 are telescopically connected to be slidably movable in the axial direction and change the length of the device 100 in the axial direction according to the thickness of the wall in which the device is installed.

The first module contains an outlet 10 (see Fig. 2), adapted for placement in a confined space. The outlet 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape with a side wall 11 provided with openings 12 forming a grille for the passage of air from the inside.

The outlet 10 includes a rear wall 13 connected to an outer pipe 14 projecting rearward from the outlet. The diameter of the outer pipe 14 is less than the diameter of the outlet 10, and the length of the outer pipe 14 is greater than the length of the outlet.

The outlet 10 contains a conical front wall 15 connected to the inner pipe 16. The inner pipe 16 runs coaxially inside the outlet 10 and inside the outer pipe 14. The length of the inner pipe 16 is less than the length of the outer pipe 14.

The outer pipe 14 includes a shank 17 located at the rear and having a smaller diameter than the outer pipe. The shank 17 is connected to the outer pipe 14 by means of a rear flange 5 projecting radially from the shank. The shank 17 includes a collar 19 protruding inward.

The first axial channel D1 is located in the inner pipe 16 to accommodate the first fan V1, filter Z and conveyor 6.

The first fan V1 is located near the front end of the inner pipe 16, near the front exhaust wall 15. The first fan V1 is configured to remove air from the first axial channel D1 of the inner pipe and eject air inward from the front wall of the outlet 10.

Filter Z is located in front of the first fan V1 and is designed to filter the air drawn by the first fan V1 from the outside to the inside. Advantageously, the Z filter is a particle filter configured to capture particles with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 microns. In this way, the air is filtered before being introduced into the confined space.

Conveyor 6 is located in front of filter Z. The conveyor has a tapering, conical or pyramidal shape with the apex directed towards filter Z.

The first annular air gap G1 is formed between the inner pipe 16 and the outer pipe 14, in which the heat exchanger 3 is located.

The second module contains an outlet 20 (see Fig. 3), adapted for placement outside. The outlet 20 has a substantially cylindrical shape with a side wall provided with openings 22 forming a grille for the passage of air from the outside.

The outlet 20 is connected to an outer pipe 24 having the same diameter as the outlet. The inner diameter of the outer pipe 24 of the second module is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the outer pipe 14 of the first module so that the outer pipe of the first module can be inserted into the outer pipe of the second module and the two pipes can be slidably moved on top of each other.

The outlet 20 of the second module includes a rear end that is bent in the shape of the letter "U" and connected to a cone-shaped shank 25, which is coaxially located inside the outlet 20. The shank 25 is connected to the inner pipe 26 through a wall 27 projecting radially from the inner pipe 26 The inner pipe 26 runs coaxially inside the outer pipe 24. The length of the inner pipe 26 is less than the length of the outer pipe 24. The second axial channel D2 is located inside the inner pipe 26.

The outer diameter of the inner pipe 26 of the second module is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner pipe 16 of the first module. In view of the above, the inner pipe 26 of the second module is inserted into the inner pipe 16 of the first module and forms a second annular air gap G2 between the two inner pipes 26, 16. The shank flange 19 of the first module is slidably moved along the inner pipe 26 of the second module in an axial direction towards the middle inner pipe 26 of the second module.

The second fan V2 is located inside the shank 25 of the second module near the rear end of the inner pipe 26. The second fan V2 is configured to remove air from the second axial channel D2 of the inner pipe of the second module and discharge the exhaust air out of the shank 25.

The heat exchanger 3 (see FIG. 6) contains a plurality of profiles 30, preferably made of aluminum, attached to the inner pipe 16 of the first module. Each profile 30 has a substantially U-shaped cross-section connected to the inner pipe 16 of the first module to define first passages 31 for air passage from the inside to the outside.

Each profile 30 is provided with tongues 32 projecting outward from the profile 30. The function of the tongues is to maximize heat exchange with air flowing outside the profile.

The profile 30 may also be attached to the outer pipe 14 of the first module by means of extensions to define an air gap 34 between the profile and the outer pipe 14. The tongues 32 are located in the air gap 34 because the air entering the air gap 34 from outside must be subject to heat exchange. In such a case, the profile 30 may have an H-shaped cross section.

In addition, the profiles 30 are arranged in an angular relationship so that the second channel 36 is located between the two profiles 30 for the passage of air from the outside to the inside.

The inner tube 16 of the first module has an octagonal cross-section. In this case, the heat exchanger 3 contains four profiles 30 located on four non-adjacent sides of the inner pipe 16 and angularly equally spaced from each other by 90°. Thus, four first passages 31 are provided for passage of air from the inside to the outside and four second passages 36 are provided for passage of air from the outside to the inside.

The heat exchanger 3 (see Fig. 2) is located between the rear flange 5 and the front flange 4. The front flange 4 and the rear flange 5 act as air distributors.

The front flange 4 (see FIGS. 4, 1A and 7A) is provided with openings 40 in correspondence with the first heat exchanger passages 31, blocking the second passages 36 and the heat exchanger air gaps 34. Taking into account the above, the air coming from the inside, which impinges on the front flange 4, is supplied exclusively to the first channels 31 of the heat exchanger.

The rear flange 5 (see FIGS. 5, 1B and 7B) is provided with openings 50, 51 corresponding to the second heat exchanger passages 36 and air gaps 34 and blocks only the first heat exchanger passages 31. In view of the above, air passing from the outside, which impinges on the rear flange 5, is supplied to the second channels 36 and to the air gaps 34 of the heat exchanger, and is not supplied to the first channels 31.

It should be noted that the rear end of the inner pipe 16 (see Fig. 1B) of the first module is located at a distance from the shank 17. Communication channels 55 are provided in the rear flange 5 for bringing the first heat exchanger channels 31 into communication with the second air gap G2 between the inner pipe 16 the first module and the inner pipe 26 of the second module.

Openings 16a (see FIG. 7B) are provided in the inner tube 16 of the first module in correspondence with the front flange 4 between the filter Z and the conveyor 6. Communication channels 45 are provided in the front flange 4 for introducing second heat exchanger channels 36 into communication with the inner tube openings 16a the first module for the passage of air from the outside to the first axial channel D1 between the conveyor 6 and the filter Z so that this conveyor 6 carries air to the filter Z.

In fig. 1, 1A and 1B show the passage of air flow from the inside to the outside, created by introducing the second fan V2. This air flow is shown by arrows and designated as Fo.

Air from the enclosed space enters the holes 12 of the outlet 10 of the first module and reaches the first air gap G1 between the inner pipe 16 and the outer pipe 14 of the first module, encountering the front flange 4. Then the air is introduced into the holes 40 of the front flange and flows into the first channels 31 heat exchanger, passes through the communication channels 55 of the rear flange 5 and enters the second air gap G2 between the inner pipe 16 of the first module and the inner pipe 26 of the second module, following an S-shaped winding path until it reaches the first axial channel D1 of the first module. By means of conveyor 6, air is prevented from approaching filter Z.

The air contained in the first axial channel D1 of the first module is drawn into the second axial channel D2 of the second module by the second fan V2 and is thrown outward from the shank 25.

In fig. 7, 7A and 7B show an outside-in air flow created by operating the first fan V1. This air flow is shown by arrows and designated as Fi.

The air from the outside enters the holes 22 of the outlet 20 of the second module and encounters the rear flange 5. Then the air passes into the holes 50, 51 of the rear flange and flows into the second channels 36 and into the air gaps 34 of the heat exchanger.

The air flowing into the second channels 36 of the heat exchanger reaches the communication channels 45 of the front flange and passes through the holes 16a of the inner pipe 16 of the first module, is introduced into the first axial channel D1 of the first module, between the conveyor 6 and the filter Z. By means of the conveyor 6, air is supplied to the filter Z.

The air contained in the first axial channel D1 of the first module is removed by the first fan V1, introduced into and exhausted from the rear wall of the outlet 10 of the first module.

It should be noted that the air flow Fi from outside to inside is countercurrent to the air flow Fo from inside to outside. Thus, heat exchanger 3 operates as efficiently as possible, providing heat exchange between the air from the inside and the air from the outside.

The function of the first fan V1 is to supply air flow Fi from outside to inside the enclosed space. The function of the second fan V2 is to remove the air flow Fo from the enclosed space and discharge the air flow Fo outside. The flow trajectories of the two air streams are shown in Fig. 1 and 7. When the fans V1 and V2 operate, the device 100 simultaneously creates two air flows Fi, Fo, which are always separated.

It should be taken into account that the front flange 4 and the rear flange 5 act as air distributors. The front flange 4 directs the air flow Fo inside the heat exchanger profiles 30; while the rear flange 5 directs the air flow Fi to the outer side of the profiles 30.

The function of heat exchanger 3 is to absorb heat from the air flow Fo from the inside and release heat to the air flow Fi from the outside. Through the heat exchange 3, the air supplied into the enclosed space does not cause any sudden change in temperature in the enclosed space.

The device 100 (see Fig. 8) contains a radon detector R and a control unit 7 connected to the radon detector R. The R radon detector is independent and separate from the air removal/supply system. With that being said, a Radon R detector can be installed anywhere in a confined space to detect the presence of radon in a confined space.

The radon R detector can be any active measurement device, such as a scintillation counting chamber, a semiconductor detector, or an ionization chamber. When used with an active measurement device, real-time monitoring of radon concentrations in a confined space is provided.

The control unit 7 is configured to receive information about the concentration of radon in a confined space from the radon detector R. The control unit 7 contains a comparator for comparing the radon concentration detected by the radon detector R with a threshold value stored in the comparator.

The control unit 7 is connected to fans V1, V2, which are activated according to the radon concentration determined by the radon detector R.

The control unit 7 is configured to simultaneously activate and drive the fans V1, V2 when the radon concentration is above a threshold value.

More specifically, the control unit 7 is configured to drive the second fan V2 to draw air from inside and drive the first fan V1 to supply air into the confined space when the radon detector R detects a radon concentration in the confined space exceeding a threshold value.

Conversely, the control unit 7 turns off the fans V1, V2 when the radon detector R detects a radon concentration in a confined space that is less than or equal to the threshold value.

The control unit 7 is configured to drive the fans V1, V2 with a variable rotation speed according to the inlet/outlet air flow that must be present to reduce the initial radon concentration. In any case, the control unit 7 is configured to drive the first fan V1 at a higher rotation speed than the second fan V2. In view of the above, the air flow Fi provided by the first fan V1 from the outside to the inside is greater than the air flow Fi provided by the second fan V2 from the inside to the outside.

The control unit 7 is configured to regulate the speed of the first fan V1 to increase the pressure in a confined space.

By introducing an air flow into a confined space that is greater than the air flow removed from the confined space, they provide increased pressure in the confined space, thereby limiting the increase in radon released from the ground due to the so-called “stack effect”, and preventing its accumulation in confined space.

Advantageously, the device 100 includes a pressure sensor P connected to the control unit 7 so that it sends information about the air pressure in the enclosed space to the control unit 7.

Optionally, device 100 includes other sensors, such as a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, and PM10 and PM2.5 particle sensors of 10 μm and 2.5 μm, respectively, not shown in the drawings.

When the radon detector R detects a radon concentration exceeding the threshold value stored in the comparator of control unit 7, the following actions are simultaneously performed:

- the first fan V1 is driven to create an air flow Fi from the outside to the inside;

- the first fan V1 removes air through holes 22 in the outlet of the second pipe;

- thanks to the presence of the rear flange 5, the air flow Fi flows into the outer part of the profiles 30 of the heat exchanger 3, heating the profiles 30;

- the air flow Fi flows into the first axial channel D1 of the first module through the communication channels 45 of the front flange 4 and is directed to the filter Z through the conveyor 6;

- the first fan V1 introduces air flow Fi into the enclosed space through the front wall of the outlet 10 of the first module;

- the second fan V2 is driven to create an air flow Fo from the inside to the outside, where Fo<Fi;

- the second fan V2 removes air through holes 12 in the outlet of the first module;

- thanks to the presence of the front flange 4, the air flow Fo flows into the first channels 31 of the profiles 30 of the heat exchanger 3, releasing heat;

- the air flow Fo is transferred to the second air gap G2 between the inner pipe 16 of the first module and the inner pipe 26 of the second module through the communication channels 55 of the rear flange and is transferred to the second axial channel D2 of the inner pipe of the second module to the second fan V2;

- the second fan V2 releases the air flow Fo out through the outlet shank 25 of the second module.

The two air flows Fo and Fi never intersect during the operation of fans V1, V2.

By means of the control unit 7, the fans V1, V2 are switched off when the radon detector R detects a radon concentration less than or equal to the threshold value stored in the comparator of the control unit 7.

While air is supplied inside from outside, the speed of the first fan V1 is adjusted so that the internal pressure increases. In fact, high pressure inhibits the formation of radon.

The device 100 is more compact than the device known in the art, since it contains two modules 1, 2, located coaxially within each other, instead of two separate modules, thus simplifying installation compared to the device known in the art. The innovative aspect of the device is introduced by providing a Z filter to capture fine particles, thereby increasing the utility of the enclosed space and eliminating the formation of accumulation of fine particles and radon particles harmful to human health.

Claims (18)

1. A device (100) for treating air in a confined space, including: - the first module (1), containing: an outlet (10), adapted for placement in a confined space; an outer pipe (14) projecting rearward from the outlet; and an inner pipe (16) located axially inside the outlet and inside the outer pipe and defining a first axial channel (D1); wherein said outlet is provided with holes (12) for supplying air from the inside to the first air gap (G1) between the inner pipe and the outer pipe of the first module; - a second module (2) containing: an outlet (20) adapted to be placed outside said enclosed space; an outer pipe (24) protruding forward from the outlet; shank (25) located inside the outlet; and an inner pipe (26) projecting forward from the shank, located axially within the outer pipe and defining a second axial channel (D2); wherein said outlet (20) of the second module is provided with holes (22) for supplying air from outside to the air gap between the inner pipe and the outer pipe of the second module; - a first fan (V1) located in the region of the front end of the first axial channel (D1) of the inner pipe of the first module, for removing air from the first axial channel (D1) and introducing air into the enclosed space; - a second fan (V2) located in said tail (25) of the second module to remove air from said second channel (D2) of the inner pipe of the second module and exhaust the air to the outside; - a heat exchanger (3) located in said first air gap (G1) of the first module; wherein said heat exchanger (3) is provided with first channels (31) for the passage of air from the inside to the outside and second channels (36) for the passage of air from the outside to the inside; - a filter (Z) located in said first axial channel (D1) of the first module in front of the first fan, for filtering air supplied to the enclosed space; - a radon detector (R) adapted to detect the presence of radon in said enclosed space; And - a control unit (7) connected to said radon detector (R) to obtain information about the concentration of radon in said enclosed space; wherein said control unit (7) contains a comparator for comparing the radon concentration detected by the radon detector (R) with a threshold value stored in the comparator; wherein said control unit (7) is connected to said fans (V1, V2) to activate them when a radon concentration in a confined space is detected by the radon detector (R), which is higher than a threshold value stored in the comparator; wherein said first module (1) and second module (2) are connected telescopically; wherein the outer pipe (24) of the second module is configured to slide relative to the outer pipe (14) of the first module; the inner pipe (26) of the second module is located inside the inner pipe (16) of the first module to form a second air gap (G2) so that the two modules (1, 2) can slide to adjust to the thickness of the wall that separates the inner space from the outer space space and in which the said device is installed. 2. Device (100) according to claim 1, comprising a conveyor (6) located in said first axial channel (D1) in front of the filter (Z); wherein said conveyor, having a tapering shape, is directed towards the filter (Z) with its apex for transporting air supplied from outside to the filter. 3. The device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first module includes a shank (17) projecting rearwardly from the outer pipe and comprising a collar (19) projecting inwardly for sliding movement along the inner pipe (26) of the second module . 4. Device (100) according to any one of claims. 1-3, in which said heat exchanger (3) contains a plurality of profiles (30) located on said inner pipe (16) of the first module, and said first heat exchanger channels (31) are defined; wherein said profiles (30) are provided with outwardly projecting tongues (32), and said second heat exchanger channels (36) are defined outside said profiles. 5. The device (100) according to claim 4, wherein said inner tube (16) of the first module has an octagonal cross-section, and said heat exchanger (3) comprises four first channels (31) located on four non-adjacent sides of the inner tube (16) the first module, and four second channels (36) located at the same angular distance on additional four non-adjacent sides of the inner pipe (16) of the first module. 6. Device (100) according to any one of claims. 1-5, comprising a front flange (4) and a rear flange (5) located respectively in the front end region and in the rear end region of said heat exchanger (3); wherein said front flange (4) allows air flow to said first channels (31) and prevents air flow to said second channels (36) of the heat exchanger; and said rear flange (5) allows air flow to said second passages (36) and prevents air flow to said first passages (31) of the heat exchanger. 7. Device (100) according to claim 6, wherein said rear flange (5) is provided with communication channels (55) through which said first heat exchanger channels (31) communicate with said second air gap (G2) between the inner pipe (16) the first module and the outer pipe (14) of the second module; and said front flange (4) is provided with communication channels (45) through which said second heat exchanger channels (36) communicate with openings (16a) of the inner pipe of the first module for introducing air into said first axial channel (D1) of the first module. 8. Device (100) according to any one of claims. 1-7, containing a pressure sensor (P) connected to a control unit (7) for sending information about the amount of air pressure in a confined space; wherein said control unit (7) is suitably configured to regulate the speed of the first fan (V1) so that it is greater than the speed of the second fan (V2) to increase the pressure in the enclosed space. 9. Device (100) according to any one of claims. 1-8, containing a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor and sensors PM10 and PM2.5 for particle content of 10 microns and 2.5 microns.

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