WO2016093773A1

WO2016093773A1 - Device and method for ventilation

Info

Publication number: WO2016093773A1
Application number: PCT/SI2015/000010
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Novak; Damjan BAHČ; Tomaž POŽlN; Franci PLIBERŠEK; Alen PLIBERŠEK
Original assignee: Mikrovent 5 D.O.O.
Priority date: 2014-12-08
Filing date: 2015-03-02
Publication date: 2016-06-16
Also published as: SI24903A

Abstract

The subject of the invention is the device and method for ventilation, which solve the technical problem of air exchange in a room and reduction of heat loss from a room when the surroundings are colder than the room or reduction of heat gain in a room when the surroundings is warmer than the room. The subject of the invention is constructed in such a manner that a ventilation device (1) has a counterflow heat exchanger (3) including heat exchanger slats (6) made of plastic material, whereby an individual heat exchanger slat (6) includes several parallel channels that convey air. One counterflow of air runs through the heat exchanger slats (6), while the other counterflow runs into spaces between the heat exchanger slats (6). A gap between the heat exchanger slats (6) is maintained by two ribbed edge elements (7), which also enclose the flow surface, between the heat exchangers slats (6). Both sides of the counterflow heat exchanger (3) are fitted with triangular fittings (5), whereby one flow surface of the triangular fitting (8) is connected to flow channels through the heat exchanger slats (6), and the other flow surface of the triangular fitting (8) is connected to flow surfaces between individual heat exchanger slats (6). By turning the triangular fittings (5), the position of air inlet and/or outlet opening is changed.

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR VENTILATION

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Field of Technology

Heat recuperation; heat exchanger; counterflow heat exchanger; ventilation. Technical Problem

In the past, there was always plenty of fresh air in older buildings, because the method of construction and the quality of materials enabled buildings to breathe, whereas heating costs were low. Modern buildings have become very airtight due to the increasing demand for energy efficiency. In addition to the reduction in heat loss, improved air-tightness of buildings also causes negative effects, such as accumulation of low-quality air and humidity inside a room (leading to window condensation and wall mould).

High-quality modern windows are much more airtight and have better thermal insulation compared to old windows; however, this prevents the exchange of air through the small cracks inside a room. Air-tightness of windows results in changes to the environment in living areas, since the concentrations of harmful gases, humidity and exhaled carbon dioxide can no longer be balanced out by the lower concentrations in ambient air.

The most comfortable living conditions in a room are achieved when the relative humidity is between 35% and 70% at a temperature of 18°C to 22°C. Excessive relative humidity is unpleasant and may cause water vapour condensation on cold wall and glass surfaces. Low relative humidity in a room accelerates the formation of airborne dust, which dries the human mucous membrane and generates a feeling of dry air. In a properly glazed and insulated building, on average, 50% of the energy is used for heating and cooling the building to a temperature suitable for a comfortable and high- quality living environment, while the other 50% of the energy is used for ventilation of the living areas. Therefore, in addition to proper glazing and insulation of a building, proper ventilation of living areas is also desirable, since it further reduces energy consumption and costs.

State of the Art

Living areas can be ventilated in several ways:

- by natural ventilation, i.e., by occasionally opening windows for a short period of time, thus allowing cold and unfiltered air to enter into the room, and causing a draft and significant heat loss from a room in the winter and significant heat gain in the summer;

- by local or central forced ventilation systems, where the air is filtered, preheated or cooled, and then supplied to a room without a draft or significant heat losses.

Natural ventilation causes undesirable heat losses and permits intrusion of outside noise, dust particles and insects.

It is desirable that high-quality devices for local or central mechanical ventilation of living areas have an integrated heat recovery unit for exhaust to ensure ventilation of the living areas in an energy efficient way.

Central ventilation devices usually operate continuously, providing the same efficiency in every room. The local ventilation system ensures greater flexibility, since it allows the regulation of air humidity and odours for each room individually. The demand for fresh air cannot be precisely determined for different rooms throughout the day. For example, more fresh air is needed in sanitary facilities in the morning, in kitchens in the afternoon, and in living rooms and bedrooms in the evening. That is why local ventilation is much more convenient and cost efficient in terms of construction. Description of new invention

The subject of the invention is the device and method for ventilation, which solve the technical problem of air exchange in a room and reduction of heat loss from a room when the surrounding area is colder than the room or reduction of heat gain in a room when the outside surroundings are warmer than the room.

In one general aspect, a ventilation device 1 is provided with a counterflow heat exchanger 3. The counterflow heat exchanger 3 includes several heat exchanger slats 6 that may be made of any thermally conductive material, for example, of plastic material, Each individual heat exchanger slat 6 may be shaped as a hollow chamber. Two surfaces of the hollow chamber may be joined by transverse connections in such a manner that the heat exchanger slats 6 would include several parallel channels that would convey air.

The individual heat exchanger slat 6 may be formed as a plate may be made of plastic material, and fitted with several micro-channels. One of two counterflows of air runs through the heat exchanger slats 6, while the other counterflow runs into the spaces between the heat exchanger slats 6. The gap between the heat exchanger slats 6 may be maintained by two ribbed edge elements 7, which may also enclose the flow surface between the individual heat exchangers slats 6.

Both sides of the counterflow heat exchanger 3 may be provided with triangular fittings 5. On© flow surface of the triangular fitting 8 may be connected to the flow channels through the heat exchanger slats 6, and the other flow surface of the triangular fitting 8 may be connected to the flow surfaces between the individual heat exchanger slats 6. By turning the triangular fittings 5, the position of the air inlet and/or the outlet opening may be changed.

The supply of air into the room and the discharge of air from the room would function in a similar way as with regular windows; however, the subject of the invention enables the heat recovery from used air and would distribute air equally around the entire room, thus ensuring pleasant living conditions without a draft or noise.

The air intake in the room 9, the air supply into the room 10, the air exhaust into the surrounding area 1 1 and the air intake from the surrounding area 12 may be optionally equipped with washable filters to prevent insects and dust from entering the room and to eliminate entry of dust, pollen and dirt particles.

The ventilation device 1 may be equipped with a remote control which may include several pre-set ventilation modes, such as:

- automatic control mode;

- manual control mode;

- winter mode; and

- summer mode.

The ventilation device I may be equipped with:

a carbon dioxide sensor or/and

- a humidity sensor and/or

- a temperature sensor.

In the automatic control mode mentioned above, the humidity sensor, the temperature sensor and the C0₂ sensor may be used. The intensity of air exchange may be regulated by controlling the fan flow. If the outside temperature is lower, water may be extracted from the air and accumulated at the lowest point when flowing through the heat exchanger due to a drop in the temperature of the used air. The extracted water may be supplied through a channel to the heated inlet air, where the inlet air may be moistened, which would ensure that the inlet air would not be too dry or that its humidity level would not be too low.

Sensors may automatically turn on the ventilation device 1 or increase the intensity of operation when the concentration of humidity or carbon dioxide in the air rises above or drops below a pre-set level. This way, the ventilation device 1 may provide the option of automatic regulation of the air quality within a room, as well as the option of manual activation or deactivation of ventilation.

In the manual control mode, the ventilation device 1 would function in a manner similar to the automatic control mode, with the exception that the relevant control parameters would be set manually with a control unit, such as a remote control, for example.

The air inlet and the air outlet may be fully closed with shutters by shifting the shutter levers, whereby a toothed shutter lever closure may be shifted manually or by means of an electric motor. By closing the shutters, air-tightness of a properly constructed building may be ensured, thus preventing negative effects in tall buildings in the event of high wind. If the shutters are closed by means of an electric motor, they may be automatically closed in case of power outage, which may be ensured by additional power supply, such as one or more batteries. The batteries may be rechargeable, which means that they may be configured to self-charge or be charged externally. Alternatively, the batteries may be replaced with new ones when they are exhausted.

In the winter operation mode, the shutter on the channel for fresh air supply from the surrounding area may be closed, while the shutter for used air outlet may be opened. The used air exhaust fan may remove by suction the air from the room and may create a slight under-pressure, which would cause the fresh air to enter the room. As a result of low temperatures, which would cause condensation on the outer side of the counterflow heat exchanger 3, the counterflow heat exchanger may be switched off. If outdoor air is supplied into the room, it may be led through an electric heater, which would heat the inlet air before it would enter the room.

In the summer operation mode, the ventilation device 1 may be used for cooling. A fan may blow colder outside air into the room, particularly at night, when the outside temperatures are lower. The supply fan may supply outside air by suction through an inlet grille and an outdoor air filter, for example by pushing outside air into the room through the counterflow heat exchanger 3.

The counterflow heat exchanger 3 can be made of any material with suitable thermal and mechanical properties, including but not limited to plastic material or polypropylene, for example. Due to the modular construction of the ventilation device 1 , the counterflow heat exchangers 3 may be configured in standard dimensions, whereby each dimension of the counterflow heat exchanger may correspond to a certain length range of the ventilation device 1.

The air intake in the room 9, which collects the air from the room, may be installed at the highest possible position or under the ceiling, if such installation would be feasible in terms of construction. The air may be pushed out through the indoor filter and counterflow heat exchanger 3. Since the air under the ceiling would usually be the warmest and the most polluted, the polluted air would be removed from the room first and at the same time the heat from the exchanging air may be used.

The ventilation device may have a modular structure and may include three basic components:

- a component with an air inlet and an air outlet on the inner side 2, which may include a housing, an integrated fan, an air filter or filters, a shutter, a shutter lever, and, optionally, an integrated electronics for controlling the device. The shutter may be equipped with a toothed closure that may be opened manually or by means of an electric motor;

- a counterflow heat exchanger 3;

- a component with an air inlet and an air outlet on the outer side 4, which may include a housing, an integrated fan, an air filter or filters, a shutter, a shutter lever, and, optionally, an integrated electronics for controlling the device. The shutter may be equipped with a toothed closure that may be opened manually or automatically by means of an electric motor. The component with an air inlet and an air outlet on the inner side 2 and the component with an air inlet and an air outlet on the outer side 4 may include the same basic parts, may be symmetrical and may differ primarily by their subsequently inserted parts - for example, one of the components may be equipped with electronics for controlling the ventilation device.

The inlet air may be led through the filter before entering the room. If the filter is congested, a sound signal may be triggered based on the measured increased pressure drop of air flowing through the filter, which may mean that the filters may need to be cleaned or replaced. If required, a carbon filter can be installed in the device if the outside air is highly polluted with smog or odours.

The ventilation device 1 may be constructed in such a manner that it would enable simple cleaning or maintenance. The counterflow heat exchanger 3 and the suitable filters can be configured to be easily removed from the ventilation device 1 and washed with water, if necessary.

The air supply into the room 10 may be primarily designed as a grille, through which fresh air may be supplied into the room and the air flow may be directed in a pre-set direction. If necessary, the grille can also be reversed.

The complete ventilation device 1 may be contained in a housing, which may be made of aluminium to ensure the dimensional stability or non-deformability of the housing as a result of weather impacts. In addition to ensuring dimensional stability, the aluminium base may also be suitable for painting.

The ventilation device housing may be configured with magnets that may be positioned on the ventilation device housing 13 and on the housing cover 14 to provide the option of a screwless opening or closing of the ventilation device housing 13 or to otherwise permit opening or closing without requiring the use of additional fasteners. Sound insulation may be installed between the ventilation device fans and the housing to further reduce the noise level.

If a higher-performing ventilation device 1 is desired, several counterflow heat exchangers 3 may be installed side by side in a larger housing, thus increasing the capacity of the ventilation device.

The electronic components of the ventilation device 1 may be controlled via a remote device, for example, a mobile phone or any other device equipped with a CPU, such as a computer, a tablet computer or a similar device.

The essence of the invention is further explained below with the description of the embodiment and attached figures, whereby the figures are part of this patent application and show the following:

Figure 1 shows a ventilation device 1, a component with an air inlet and an air outlet on the inner side 2, a heat exchanger 3, a component with an air inlet and an air outlet on the outer side 4 and a triangular fitting 5.

Figure 2 shows a heat exchanger 3, a heat exchanger slat 6 and a ribbed edge element 7.

Figure 3 shows a triangular fitting 5 and a flow surface of the triangular fitting 8.

Figure 4 shows a triangular fitting 5 and a flow surface of the triangular fitting 8.

Figure 5 shows a heat exchanger 3, a triangular fitting 5 and a flow surface of the triangular fitting 8. Figure 6 shows an air intake in the room 9, an air supply into the room 10, an air exhaust into the surrounding area 1 1, an air intake from the surrounding area 12, a ventilation device housing 13 and a housing cover 14.

Figure 7 shows a ventilation device 1, a component with an air inlet and an air outlet on the inner side 2, a heat exchanger 3, a component with an air inlet and ah air outlet oh the outer side 4, an air intake in the room 9, an air supply into the room 10, an air exhaust into the surrounding area 1, an air intake from the surrounding area 12, a ventilation device housing 13 and a housing cover 14.

Exemplary embodiment:

As illustrated in Fig. 1, the ventilation device 1 is fitted with a counterflow heat exchanger 3.

As further shown in Fig. 2, the heat exchanger 3 is composed of several heat exchanger slats 6 made of plastic material. Each individual heat exchanger slat 6 has the shape of a hollow chamber. Two plastic surfaces of the hollow chamber are joined by transverse connections in such a manner that the heat exchanger slats 6 include several parallel channels that convey air. One of two counterflows of air runs through the heat exchanger slats 6, while the other counterflow runs into the spaces between the heat exchanger slats 6. The gap between the heat exchanger slats 6 may be maintained by two ribbed edge elements 7, which may also enclose the flow surface between the individual heat exchangers slats 6.

Each heat exchanger slat 6 in the exemplary embodiment is 460 mm long, 80 mm high and 4.5 mm thick. Several parallel channels that convey air may run along the heat exchanger slat.

The counterflow heat exchanger 3 is fitted with eleven heat exchanger slats 6, installed side by side. As a result, the total thickness of the counterflow heat exchanger is 100 mm. As further shown in Fig. 3, both sides of the counterflow heat exchanger 3 are fitted with triangular fittings 5. The flow surface of the triangular fitting 8 is connected to flow channels through the heat exchanger slats 6, and the other flow surface of the triangular fitting 8 is connected to the flow surfaces between the individual heat exchanger slats 6. By turning the triangular fittings 5, the position of an air inlet and or an outlet opening is changed. In the exemplary embodiment, the triangular fittings 5 are installed in such a manner that the flow surfaces of the triangular fitting 8 for air intake in the room 9 and air supply into the room 10 would face the inside of the room, while the flow surfaces of the triangular fitting 8 for air exhaust into the surrounding area 1 1 and air intake from the surrounding area 12 would face outwards or towards the surrounding area.

The air intake in the room 9, the air supply into the room 10, the air exhaust into the surrounding area 1 1 and the air intake from the surrounding area 12 are equipped with washable filters that prevent insects and dust from entering the room and eliminate dust, pollen and dirt particles.

The ventilation device 1 is equipped with a remote control and includes several pre-set ventilation modes, for example: automatic control mode, manual control mode, winter mode and summer mode.

The ventilation device 1 is equipped with a carbon monoxide sensor, a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor.

The intensity of air exchange is regulated by controlling the fan flow, and it is within the range of 0-30 m /h. If the outside temperature is lower, water may be extracted from the air and accumulated at the lowest point when flowing through the heat exchanger due to a drop in the temperature of the used air. The extracted water is supplied through a channel to the heated inlet air, where the inlet air is moistened. The sensors automatically turn on the ventilation device 1 or increase the intensity of operation every time the concentration of humidity or carbon dioxide in the air rises above or drops below a pre-set level.

The air inlet and outlet may be fully closed with shutters by shifting the shutter levers, whereby a toothed shutter lever closure is shifted by means of ah electric motor. By- closing the shutters, air-tightness of a properly constructed building would be ensured, thus preventing negative effects in tall buildings in the event of high wind. The shutters are automatically closed in case of power outage, which is ensured by using an additional power supply. In the winter operation mode, the shutter on the channel for fresh air supply from the surrounding area is closed, while the shutter for used air outlet is opened. The used air exhaust fan removes the air from the room by suction and creates a slight under-pressure, causing the fresh air to enter the room.

The supply fan sucks in the outside air through the inlet grille and the outdoor air filter, pushing it into the room through the counterflow heat exchanger 3. The counterflow heat exchanger 3 is made of polypropylene. The air intake in the room 9, which collects the air from the room, is installed under the ceiling.

The ventilation device has a modular structure and is composed of three basic components: a component with an air inlet and an air outlet on the inner side 2, a counterflow heat exchanger 3 and a component with an air inlet and an air outlet on the outer side 4. The inlet air is led through the filter before entering the room. If the pressure drop of air flowing through the filter increases, a sound signal is triggered, which means that the filters need to be cleaned or replaced. The counterflow heat exchanger 3 and the suitable filters can be configured to be easily removed from the ventilation device 1 and washed with water, if necessary.

The air supply into the room 10 is designed as a grille, through which fresh air is supplied into the room and the air flow is directed in a pre-set direction. The entire ventilation device 1 is contained in an aluminium housing, whereby magnets are fitted on the ventilation device housing 13 and housing cover 14 to provide the option of opening or closing of the ventilation device housing 13 without additional fasteners.

Sound insulation is installed between the ventilation device fans and the housing to reduce the noise level.

The ventilation device is fitted with electronics for controlling the ventilation device 1 via telephone.

Although the embodiments described hereinabove use specific examples and alternatives, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional alternatives may be used and equivalents may be substituted for elements and/or steps described herein, without necessarily deviating from the intended scope of the application. The invention is therefore not limited to particular details of this disclosure except to the extent that the following claims are necessarily so limited.

Claims

1. A ventilation device ( 1 ) with an integrated counterflow heat exchanger (3) characterized in that the counterflow heat exchanger (3) comprises several heat exchanger slats (6) in such a manner that one of two counterflows of air runs through the heat exchanger slats (6), while the other eouhtefflow runs into the spaces between the heat exchanger slats (6), whereby both sides of the counterflow heat exchanger (3) are fitted with triangular fittings (5) in such a manner that one flow surface of the triangular fitting (8) is connected to flow channels through the heat exchanger slats (6), and the other flow surface of the triangular fitting (8) is connected to flow surfaces between individual heat exchanger slats (6).

2. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that by turning the triangular fittings (5), the position of air inlet and/or outlet opening is changed.

-3. The device according to any claims 1 to 2 characterized in that each of the heat exchanger slats (6) is shaped as a hollow chamber, wherein two surfaces of the hollow chamber are joined by transverse connections in such a manner that the heat exchanger slats (6) include several parallel channels or micro-channels that convey air.

4. The device according to any claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the heat exchangers slats (6) are made of plastic material.

5. The device according to any claims 1 to 4 characterized in that a constant gap between the heat exchanger slats (6) is determined by two ribbed edge elements (7) enclosing the flow surface between the individual heat exchangers slats (6).

6. The device according to any claims 1 to 5 characterized in that an air intake in a room (9), an air supply into the room (10), an air exhaust into a surrounding area (1 1) and the air intake from the surrounding area (12) all comprise washable filters.

7. The device according to any claims 1 to 6 characterized in that it comprises a carbon dioxide sensor, a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor.

8. The device according to any claims 1 to 7 characterized in that water may be accumulated at the lowest point when flowing through the heat exchanger (3) due to a drop in the temperature of used air, and the water is supplied through a channel to the heated inlet air, where the inlet air is moistened.

9. The device according to any claims 1 to 8 characterized in that the air inlet and outlet are fully closed with shutters by shifting the shutter levers, whereby a toothed shutter lever closure is shifted by means of an electric motor.

10. The device according to any claims 1 to 9 characterized in that it is fitted with an electric heater configured to heat the inlet air before it enters the room.

1 1. The device according to any claims 1 to 10 characterized in that it has a modular structure comprising three basic components:

o a component with an air inlet and an air outlet on the inner side (2), which includes a housing, a fan, an air filter, a shutter, a shutter lever, a toothed closure and a micro motor;

o a counterflow heat exchanger (3);

o a component with an air inlet and an air outlet on the outer side (4), which includes a housing, a fan, an air filter, a shutter, a shutter lever, a toothed closure and a micro motor.

12. The device according to claim 1 1 characterized in that the component with an air inlet and an air outlet on the inner side (2) and the component with an air inlet and an air outlet on the outer side (4) comprise common parts, are symmetrical and differ in subsequently inserted parts, whereby one of the components is also equipped with electronics for controlling the ventilation device.

13. The device according to any claims 1 to 12 characterized in that the air supply into the room (10) is designed as a grille, through which fresh air is supplied into the room and the air flow is directed in a pre-set direction.

14. The device according to any claims 1 to 13 characterized in that the entire ventilation device (1) is contained in an aluminium housing.

15. The device according to any claims 1 to 14 characterized in that a ventilation device housing (13) and a housing cover (14) are fitted with magnets configured for opening or closing of the ventilation device housing (13) without additional fasteners.

16. The device according to any claims 1 to 14 characterized in that several counterflow heat exchangers (3) are installed side by side in the ventilation device

(1).

17. The ventilation method performed by the ventilation device according to claim 1 characterized in that both counterflows of air are supplied to the counterflow heat exchanger (3) through triangular fittings (5) in such a manner that one flow surface of the triangular Fitting ( 8) is connected to the flow channels through the heat exchanger slats (6), and the other flow surface of the triangular fitting (8) is connected to the flow surfaces between individual heat exchanger slats (6), whereby one of the two counterflows of air runs through the heat exchanger slats (6), while the other counterflow runs into the spaces between the heat exchanger slats (6).

18. The method according to claim 17 characterized, in that an intensity of air exchange is regulated by controlling a fan flow.

19. The method according to any claims 17 to 18 characterized in that sensors automatically turn on the ventilation device (1 ) or increase the intensity of operation when the concentration of humidity or carbon dioxide in the air rises above or drops below a pre-set level.

20. The method according to any claims 17 to 19 characterized in that if shutters are closed by means of an electric motor, the shutters are automatically closed in case of power outage, which is ensured by additional power supply.

21. The method according to any claims 17 to 20 characterized in that in a summer operation mode, colder outside air flows into the room at night, when the outside temperatures are lower.

22. The method according to any claims 17 to 21 characterized in that the air intake is installed under the ceiling.

23. The method according to any claims 17 to 22 characterized in that clogging of filters is determined on the basis of measured increased pressure drop of air flowing through the filter.

24. The method according to any claims 17 to 23 characterized, in that the ventilation device is configured to be controlled via a remote device equipped with a CPU.