WO2023073425A1

WO2023073425A1 - Ventilation assembly of a ventilation unit and a control unit with several preset ascending use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curves

Info

Publication number: WO2023073425A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/000638
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bram Egidius DE GROOT
Original assignee: Heatfan B.V.
Priority date: 2021-10-29
Filing date: 2022-10-28
Publication date: 2023-05-04
Also published as: NL2029558B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a ventilation assembly for directing a forced air flow along a heating/cooling device, such as a radiator or convector, to increase heat exchange thereof with the surrounding air, comprising: - a ventilation unit (10), a temperature sensor, and a control unit (1). The control unit comprises several preset ascending use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curves, wherein each preset use level temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curve follows its own preset course along which a temperature-dependent rotary speed is set for the fans in such a way that at a higher or lower temperature of the heating/cooling device measured by the temperature sensor, a higher or lower rotary speed is set for the fans according to their own preset course, and wherein operating means are provided for manual selection by a user of one of the preset ascending use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curves.

Description

Title: Ventilation assembly of a ventilation unit and a control unit with several preset ascending use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curves

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a ventilation assembly for directing a forced air flow along a heating/cooling device, such as a radiator or convector, to increase heat exchange thereof with the surrounding air.

PRIOR ART

With the aim of using energy for heating rooms/houses as efficiently as possible, it is already known, for controlling a heat source for space heating, also to take outdoor temperature, surrounding room temperature, and/or, indirectly, a heat loss of a space, as parameters for operating a combustion boiler and/or heat pump as efficiently as possible. Thus, among other things, flow rate and temperature of a circulating medium can be adapted, like an instructed heating with a calculated heating time. Thermostats for this purpose are also getting smarter and smarter, and are for example tailored to a heat question, so as to contribute to efficient use of energy.

This complexity means that a user can exert less and less direct influence on influencing factors such as output temperature of the heat source and flow rate. Adjustment of settings may optionally still be possible, but extensive descriptions in combination with complexity and infrequent adjusting, will mean that the user is limited more and more often exclusively to indicating a desired room temperature and switch-on times.

It is already known, in all kinds of configurations, to apply a ventilation unit on a radiator or convector. The switching-on of fans thereof will allow forced increase of flow of convection air along/through the heat exchange surface of the radiator or convector. As a result, more heat can be exchanged, relative to maximum convection on the basis of the physical principle that cold air descends due to gravity, thereby displacing the warm air, which is then forced upwards (convection).

An example of a ventilation unit of this kind is disclosed in Dutch patent NL-2015238. This comprises control equipment that regulates the rotary speed of its fans based on a comparison of two temperatures, namely water temperature in a return pipe of a radiator relative to the temperature of the environment in which the radiator is located. For this purpose, two temperature sensors have to be applied, on the return pipe and in the room to be heated. A booster button is provided, with which the control equipment can be overruled temporarily to allow the fans to operate at maximum for a certain length of time.

However, the control technology for all this is not simple, and with two temperature sensors and the control equipment interacting therewith for modulating control of rotary speeds of the fans and the necessary tuning, it is complex and expensive.

Moreover, determining a specific place for the room temperature sensor in order to get a good reflection of the room temperature for the average user will not be an easy choice. The chances are that through specific local circumstances at this place for the room temperature sensor, such as opening of doors, walking past, air currents in the room, both warmer and cooler, or even draughts, the measured room temperature value will not always indicate an average temperature, which may be a problem and may adversely affect correct control.

Furthermore, the ambient temperature is included as a control factor, just as is already done by a modulating thermostat, and it is known that several separate controls with the same source factor may quite quickly affect each other negatively.

With this modulating function, tailored to the ambient temperature and return water temperature, this will not contribute to the feeling on the part of the users that they could exert more influence on their level of comfort. Since the desire is to exert more influence on the parameters, an extensive, detailed description will mean that only few of us will take the trouble to follow this route.

Another example of a ventilation unit of this kind is disclosed in British patent GB2337811. The control equipment of this is such that on the basis of temperatures measured by a temperature sensor on a radiator, fans are switched on and off at preset constant rotary speeds. Although the control equipment of this is much simpler, and there cannot be any question of two modulating systems interfering with each other, its user friendliness again leaves something to be desired.

The fans turning at preset constant speeds displace air and in addition to motor friction contact, they all make a noise. This noise from the fans may sometimes be considered annoying by users, and for users it is of decisive importance to what extent ventilation units of this kind fitted on radiators are or are not acceptable in rooms. The positions, the number of ventilation units fitted, as well as room-specific circumstances and positions of people and furniture in the room have an influence on the extent to which people may experience this as annoying. Besides the ventilation noise produced as a boundary, perceptible movement of air is also an element of possible irritation. The forced air flow through the ventilation unit will admittedly very probably be warmer than the ambient air that is originally drawn in from under the radiator, but - especially with radiators that are less high or that have a smaller heat exchange capacity - might, owing to the relatively high speed, nevertheless quickly be experienced as (too) cooling relative to one's own body temperature.

Experience teaches us that these two elements are important in the perception of comfort and are considered more important compared to things such as efficiency and/or energy saving that are not directly tangible, which may or may not be achieved with the ventilation unit in combination with a total system of thermostat settings and heat source control, which cannot be or can hardly be affected by the user.

WO-2009/133543 presents a system of a radiator connected to (central) heating and a ventilation unit placed thereunder with several fans installed next to each other. The electric drive of the fans takes place in turns, to reduce noise and to save electricity. A control unit is provided, which is arranged to supply electricity in turns to one of the fans, as soon as a water temperature sensor measures a preset minimum radiator water temperature, whereas an air temperature sensor still does not yet measure a preset maximum air temperature. Moreover, the user can choose from twelve different presettable maxima for air temperatures. In addition, the user can set a maximum rotary speed for the fans, wherein it is possible to choose from six different maximum rotary speeds to be preset. If the radiator water temperature begins to rise, the control unit will gradually allow the fans to turn faster and faster until the preset maximum rotary speed is reached. As soon as the air temperature sensor has then reached the preset maximum air temperature, the control unit will switch the fans off.

When a room is heated with a radiator of this kind, the (central) heating is generally controlled by a (central) thermostat, with switching based on the measured room air temperature at a position in the room that is influenced as little as possible by temporary/changing circumstances, for example such as door open or closed, or by local circumstances, such as behind a sofa, cupboard or curtain. Generally, (central) heating has been an apparatus burning fossil fuels, and now more and more often it is a heat pump. In this (central) heating, conversion of energy into heat for the room takes place most efficiently if the difference between room air temperature and radiator water temperature is as small as possible. The (central) heating is more and more often controlled not only from the room air temperature measured by the (central) thermostat, but also for example from weather forecast/wind speed/precipitation and/or outdoor temperature measured in real time, all of which also influence the air conditioning of the room. The (central) thermostat is more and more often "smart" and tailored to the specific type of (central) heating, so that it can control the (central) heating in such a way that the room is able to offer a desired comfort level at the right times. Starting time, intention time and outgoing heat are essential elements thereof. The radiators in the room will heat the room by means of radiant heat and convection air. Radiant heat, with which for example an exterior wall or back of a piece of furniture is also heated unnecessarily, is thus a less efficient way of heating the room than convection heat, with which ascending air in particular is warmed up, which is experienced as comfort and based on which the (central) thermostat executes control.

The fans switched on in turns in WO-2009/133543 contribute to an increase in convection heat versus radiant heat and therefore to more efficient energy utilization of the (central) heating.

However, WO-2009/133543 has the drawback that comfort and achievable efficiency still leave something to be desired. In WO-2009/133543 the air temperature sensor is on the radiator housing, and therefore measures the local air temperature at the location of the radiator, for example behind a curtain, behind a sofa or near a door, and therefore measures a different temperature than the (central) thermostat. That means that the air temperature sensor in WO-2009/133543 will generally always emit a control signal earlier or later than the (central) thermostat to switch off the fan that is in operation at that moment. This does not help the efficiency of the (central) heating and will even disturb the operation thereof.

Another drawback in WO-2009/133543 is that in each case it is only proposed to operate one fan at a time for periods of 15 minutes. Because the other fans are not turning, the air flow forced by the fan in operation at that moment will follow the path of least resistance, including flowing along fan blades of the other stationary fans instead of, as intended, through and along the radiator located above. Therefore the efficiency and intended increase in convection heat are greatly reduced, and the sequential operation of the fans is not efficient. This too does not help the efficiency of the (central) heating.

Yet another drawback in WO-2009/133543 is that the fan in operation at that moment is switched off abruptly on local measurement of the preset maximum air temperature. However, the forced increase in convection air then also stops abruptly, and the radiator will, as a direct consequence thereof, begin to emit a greater part of radiant heat relative to the convection heat emitted and therefore become less efficient with respect to heat transfer. If the (central) heating is then still circulating hot water, while all fans of the ventilation unit are at that moment already switched off, the heat of the heated water will not be used as efficiently, relative to the situation in which the fan in operation at that moment was propelling forced convection air along the radiator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks at least partially and provide a usable alternative. In particular, the aim of the invention is to provide a user-friendly ventilation assembly with which user's wishes and requirements in the area of comfort and silence can better be satisfied without neglecting the main aim of increasing heat exchange by generating a forced air flow along a heating/cooling device on which a ventilation unit of a ventilation assembly of this kind is fitted.

This aim is achieved with a ventilation assembly for directing a forced air flow along a heating/cooling device, such as a radiator or convector, to increase heat exchange thereof with the surrounding air according to claim 1. The ventilation assembly comprises:

- a ventilation unit with:

• a housing frame;

• one or more fans with controllable rotary speed provided in the housing frame;

• one or more coupling elements that are arranged for fastening the housing frame on the heating/cooling device; and

- a temperature sensor that is arranged for measuring a temperature of the heating/cooling device; and

- a control unit for controlling the rotary speeds of the fans as a function of a temperature of the heating/cooling device measured by the temperature sensor.

According to the inventive idea of the invention, it is envisaged that the control unit comprises several preset ascending use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curves. Each preset use level temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curve then follows its own preset course along which a temperature-dependent rotary speed for the fans is set so that, according to its own preset course, a higher or lower rotary speed is set for the fans at a higher or lower temperature of the heating/cooling device measured by the temperature sensor. Operating means are provided for manual selection, by a user, of one of the preset ascending use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curves.

The present invention thus relates advantageously to a control system integrated in the control unit wherein a choice can be made by a user for one of the various preset curves, wherein a voltage to be supplied to the fans and an associated rotary speed for the fans is coupled to a varying temperature of the heating/cooling device measured by the sensor. The heating/cooling device, such as a radiator or convector of a central heating installation, relates to a heat exchanger with a heat exchange surface, which in particular is in fluidic communication with a heating source, such as a central heating installation, for supply and discharge and pumping through of a heated or just cooled liquid heating medium, such as water.

This control system is extremely user-friendly, and a user can change the personal preferences as to sound and airflow easily and quickly. The directly perceptible effects of this make the use of the ventilation assembly pleasant and comprehensible for the user. This is a welcome personally connected situation, relative to the complicated connection between thermostat and modulating heat source described above, as well as relative to NL-2015238, in which the efficiency of energy utilization seems more important than the user's choices. According to the present invention it has now really become possible to set personal choices easily and quickly and therefore also to be able to determine the feeling of comfort through sensory factors such as whether or not the ventilation noise generated is experienced as annoying and whether or not the forced air flow is experienced as too cooling.

The ventilation unit, the temperature sensor and the control unit may be integrated in a combined housing, but are preferably configured as separate units with wired and/or wireless connection to each other. This embodiment with separate units makes it possible very advantageously to position them at different places and fasten them to the heating/cooling device. These different positions can then be determined specifically by the user, so that the user can thus also make comfort choices. The ventilation unit and/or the temperature sensor and/or the control unit of the ventilation assembly may be fitted selectively by the user, for example under, above, at the inlet of the heating medium into and/or at the outlet of the heating medium out of the heating/cooling device.

The temperature sensor is preferably provided on, at or in a housing of the control unit. Measurement of the temperature of the heating/cooling device preferably takes place by means of contact conduction between fastening magnets of the housing of the control unit and a metallic part of the wall of the heating/cooling device. Behind these fastening magnets of the control unit, an electrical temperature sensor may then again come into contact with the fastening magnets of the control unit. An alternative way of detecting the temperature is positioning the temperature sensor in the air flow, so that the temperature of the air flow reaches the sensor and reacts thereto. This is possible for example by placing the temperature sensor on the heating/cooling device, whether or not together with the control unit itself if the temperature sensor is incorporated on, at or in the housing of the control unit.

With this it is possible to influence, when depending on flow of heating medium through the heating/cooling device in a somewhat earlier or later stage thereof, the temperature change is always measured, and in each case the corresponding fan rotary speed is also regulated on the basis of the preset curve. Thus, with mounting of the temperature sensor, whether or not together with the control unit, close to the inlet side of the heating medium in the heating/cooling device and/or at the top of the heating/cooling device, the fans switch on earlier, relative to mounting of the temperature sensor, whether or not together with the control unit, at the bottom of the heating/cooling device and/or closer to the outlet side of the heating medium in the heating/cooling device, when the heating medium has first passed through an upper part of the heating/cooling device and has warmed up. With mounting of the temperature sensor, whether or not together with the control unit, at the bottom of the heating/cooling device, the heating medium will often already have passed through the part of the heating/cooling device positioned above and have been warmed up, so that at that moment more heat can be exchanged owing to a larger delta T between the longitudinal air flow forced through the ventilation unit and the heating/cooling device.

Owing to the invention, users are able to increase the heat transfer efficiency of their heating/cooling device, even at a relatively low temperature of the heating medium flowing through it, so that they can nevertheless let their house get warm enough. Herein, the ventilation unit of the assembly will always be able to come into operation quickly and will always react quickly to measured temperature changes. This is in contrast for example to the ventilation unit in NL-2015238, which as a result of measuring the temperature of the return pipe will often come into operation (too) late, i.e. as the radiator already begins to warm up whereas the return temperature is still too low relative to the ambient temperature, so that the fans have not yet been set in modulating operation by the control unit, and this is also in contrast to WO-2009/133543, where there is no question of setting the fans in modulating operation but where it is a question of abrupt switch-off of the fan in operation at that moment as soon as the preset local air temperature is reached. This is in contrast to the present invention where there is a possibility of continuously regulating the rotary speeds of the fans both upwards and downwards along the preset modulation curve selected by a user at that moment, i.e. precisely tailored to the comfort requirement preset by this user.

The starting point of the invention is furthermore that an intended comfort level with respect to warmth, sound and air flows experienced can be determined quickly and easily by the user as desired and depending on the circumstances, for example such as at certain times there is a greater desire for silence. This may mean that the heat exchange at such a time is perhaps suboptimal, but the feeling of comfort is good. Simply by pressing a button, it is always possible to switch directly from maximum feeling of comfort to maximum efficiency.

The invention effects switching on the basis of the temperature of the heating/cooling device and not only ensures that the fans will turn faster if a higher temperature of the heating/cooling device is measured, but additionally ensures that the fans will turn more slowly if a lower temperature of the heating/cooling device is measured. The fans are not switched off when a preset maximum temperature is reached. The fans will then not work as hard. If there is a high demand for heat, they continue to turn gently. As a result, the temperature of the heating/cooling device can remain more constant, so that the temperature in the room will fluctuate less. This modulating speeding up and slowing down of all fans simultaneously has proved to be an efficient manner of operation, with which the energy supplied can be used with maximum efficiency in a manner that is the most comfortable for users. A (central) thermostat, whether or not modulating, also present in the room will also detect this, and help to reinforce this manner of control and comfort to be achieved therewith for users.

Advantageously, when the temperature of the heating/cooling device goes down, the air flow forced by the fans decreases, since that might otherwise be experienced as a cooling breeze. Although the temperature of this forced air flow with falling temperature can still heat the room (for example above 20 degrees), as human beings with a higher body temperature we may then experience this as cooling.

The invention makes it possible to choose several modulating speed curves, with which the air flow forced by the fans can be influenced, both for speeding up and slowing down, so as to be able to influence both the strength of the air flow forced by the fans and the sound level. The ease of operation with a button makes it possible to switch quickly when the situation so demands, such as in a severe cold period.

The ventilation assembly according to the invention thus increases the heat capacity of the heating/cooling device and effects a change from radiant heat to convection heat. The temperature of the circulating medium can be set lower, even to a low temperature level for a heat pump and the room will nevertheless be able to warm up quickly. The modulation function has several positions and the control unit then modulates automatically - depending on the temperature of the heating/cooling device. The control unit connects seamlessly to for example a modulating heating boiler and/or a modulating heat pump. The ventilation assembly can therefore simply be preset as soft as it can, and as hard as it must.

The temperature sensor is calibrated and can switch the fans on accurately at a preset startup temperature, of for example approx. 25°C. Then the control unit will allow the fans to blow harder, modulating as the temperature of the heating/cooling device goes up. If the heating/cooling device then begins to cool down again, the control unit will allow the fans to blow softer, modulating until a preset switch-off temperature, of for example approx. 25°C, is reached. Only then, the fans stop automatically. In a preferred embodiment, the several preset ascending use levels temperature-versus- rotary speed modulation curves can each have their own preset maximum end value for rotary speed, which is regulated by measuring a preset maximum temperature of the heating/cooling device by the temperature sensor. These individual preset maximum end values for the rotary speeds are then preferably in each case higher for a higher use level. This increases the ease of use for the user directly, because the latter knows from this that setting a lower use level will mean a quieter ventilation unit and/or smaller volume of air flow forced through and felt by the user, on reaching the end value for the selected modulation curve.

In particular, a voltage that is supplied to the fans for reaching the preset maximum end value for rotary speed of a lowest of the use levels is at least 50% lower than a voltage that is supplied to the fans for reaching the preset maximum end value for rotary speed of a highest of the use levels. Advantageously, this makes a sufficiently large difference in user experience possible in respect of comfort for each of the use levels to be chosen.

In a preferred embodiment the several preset ascending use levels temperature-versus- rotary speed modulation curves may each follow an exponentially levelling preset course, wherein a reduced multiple increase in rotary speed is followed relative to an increase in temperature of the heating/cooling unit measured by the temperature sensor. In particular, the several preset ascending use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curves may then each follow a different extent of exponentially levelling preset course. It was found in practice that these smoothing curve courses connect well for comfort aimed at by users versus efficiency increase to be obtained with slowly rising temperature of the heating/cooling device.

According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit may indicate with a light the selected preset use level temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curve, and with pressing of an operating means by a user, such as the use of a push button, cause the light to jump to the next preset use level temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curve, with which one's own preset course will then be followed, the rotary speed for the fans of the ventilation unit in each case being regulated relative to the temperature of the heating/cooling device measured by the temperature sensor.

In a variant of the provision of a push button for setting a discrete use level modulation curve, it may also be envisaged that the preset ascending use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curves are continuously adjustable, for example because the operating means for that comprise a manually adjustable potentiometer. According to a further preferred embodiment, an option may also be offered for allowing the fans to turn continuously at a preset voltage/rotary speed, which for example may be cooling in the summer.

In a further preferred embodiment, 3, 4 or 5 preset ascending use levels temperature-versus- rotary speed modulation curves may be provided in the control unit, with which the coupling is established between measured temperature and varying voltage/rotary speed of the fans. This limited number of discrete curves to be set can still be followed by a user, and each can be assigned an associated suitable indication that matches the actual line of the curve that is followed, with which for said curve the coupling of temperature and voltage/rotary speed has been established, for example through the aforementioned reduced multiple increase.

These curves can then advantageously adapt to a supplied bandwidth of temperature of the heating/cooling device on the basis of the heat source, for example such as a combustion boiler or heat pump.

In another preferred embodiment, the initial temperature at which the fans begin to turn is preset differently for each of the curves. As a result, it is easy to start up for example low temperature heating such as convectors in combination with a heat pump.

It is in keeping with the method that the heat source provides the heating/cooling device with a medium, such as water, wherein the heating/cooling device is not abruptly at temperature, but warms up slowly. The increasing air flow complying with the course of the preset curve is advantageously coordinated with this, so that the right amount of air for the user is forced, so that it can then satisfy both the demand for increasing heat exchange, but also the user's wish that the air flow and sound should remain at an acceptable level.

The present invention thus fits perfectly with the users' need for a simple, comprehensible control system with considerable ease of use. No complicated user manuals, but for example a simple push button, which indicates the curve selected and causes it to jump, wherein the selected level is indicated with a light. The choice is executed directly, so that the user receives confirmation directly by means of the illuminated button and optionally can make another selection, wherein the user can determine the maximum sound and air flow associated with that preset curve according to his/her wish.

The unambiguous and simple use and the use of exclusively analogue components advantageously make the control of the control unit of the ventilation assembly cost-efficient, so that the payback time for the user will once again be influenced positively. In a further variant, the control unit may be arranged so that, after the room temperature has been reached and the air flow forced upwards by the fans directed along the heating/cooling device has stopped, the air circulation is not immediately stopped completely, but only the direction of rotation of the fans is reversed and these are forced downwards for closure along the heating/cooling device, in order to obtain good mixing of the air in the room being heated. As a result, the relatively warmest air that has risen to the top of the room will advantageously mix with the relatively coldest air present at the bottom of the room. This can then take place during a preset limited period, and will further benefit comfort for the user and the efficiency of heating.

The invention realizes actively forced air displacement along a heating/cooling device and modulates this depending on the measured temperature of the associated heating/cooling device. More and more (central) heating systems are configured for a constant or slightly fluctuating flow of heat to the heating/cooling device so as to keep a AT relative to a desired room temperature as small as possible, so that heating of the room can take place most efficiently. In a further variant it may be envisaged that the control unit is in communication with a (central) room thermostat of a (central) heating system, so that a room temperature preset on the (central) room thermostat can be used automatically for a switch-on and switch-off time preset in the control unit for the forced convection created by the ventilation unit. Similarly, communication can also be provided between the control unit and a (central) heating system, so that the modulation according to the invention can also be made dependent on the type of heating system and the maximum final temperature achievable therewith for the heating medium, which for example for heat pumps is at most 55°C, and will generally even be lower than 30-35°C.

The modulating function along one of the preset modulation curves can advantageously be used not only for heating a room but also for cooling a room. During cooling it is then possible, for example from a heat pump, just to circulate a medium with a lower temperature than the ambient temperature through the heating/cooling device. For this cooling, the fans may be operated with respect to direction of rotation to blow downwards. On the analogy of the inventive idea of the invention for heating, during cooling it may be envisaged that the control unit further comprises several preset falling use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curves. Each preset use level temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curve follows its own preset course by which a temperature-dependent rotary speed is set for the fans so that, according to its own preset course, a higher or lower rotary speed is set for the fans at a lower or higher temperature of the heating/cooling device measured by the temperature sensor. In another variant, the control unit may be arranged so that, after the cooler room temperature has been reached and the air flow forced by the fans downwards directed along the heating/cooling device has stopped, the air circulation is not caused directly to come to a complete standstill, but to reverse the direction of rotation of the fans, to force it to close temporarily upwards along the heating/cooling device, in order to obtain good mixing of the air in the cooled room. As a result, the relatively coldest air that has collected at the bottom of the room will advantageously mix with the relatively warmest air at the top of the room. This may then take place during a preset limited period, and will further benefit comfort for the user and the efficiency of cooling.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent subclaims.

The invention also relates to a method according to claim 15.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be explained hereunder by means of a non-limiting example on the basis of the appended drawings, in which:

- Fig. 1 shows a graphical representation of six modulation curves used in a control unit according to the invention;

- Fig. 2 is a view in perspective of the control unit;

- Fig. 3 shows a bottom view of Fig. 2;

- Fig. 4 shows an assembly of the control unit from Figs. 2 and 3 with a ventilation unit according to the invention;

- Fig. 5A is a schematic representation of a ventilation assembly according to the invention provided on a radiator;

- Fig. 5B is a partial view of Fig. 5A which shows the control unit fitted on top of the radiator;

- Fig. 5C is a partial view of Fig. 5A which shows the ventilation unit fitted underneath against the radiator; and

- Fig. 6A-B are partial views according to Fig. 5B-C.

Fig. 1.

This relates to a graph, with which various examples of preset ascending use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curves MC1-MC6 of a control unit 1 of a ventilation assembly are indicated, wherein the X-axis indicates a temperature T measured by a temperature sensor TS and the Y-axis indicates an ascending voltage V that is supplied to fans VL1-VL4 of a ventilation unit 10 of the ventilation assembly. This voltage V thus determines the operation of the fans VL1-VL4 of the ventilation unit 10, wherein an increase in voltage V means an increase in rotary speed of the fans VL1-VL4 and forced air flow volume to be generated thereby.

In this drawing, a switch-on time Tin is provided for each of the use levels modulation curves MC1-MC6 to be set, of approx. 25 degrees Celsius and the curves MC1-MC6 in the graph represent the varying voltage V with a varying measured temperature T.

Figs. 2 and 3.

Herein, the control unit 1 is indicated, wherein it can be seen where fastening magnets 6 are positioned as coupling elements of the control unit 1. A temperature sensor TS, as a component of the electrical control unit 1, is placed behind these fastening magnets 2. The control unit 1 is supplied with voltage by means of a connector 3 and provides, via a connector 3, electrical connection to the fans VL1-VL4.

On the control unit 1, a display is shown, consisting of push buttons 5 and light points 4, with which the various use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curves MC1-MC6 are indicated. An on/off switch 2 is also provided.

The difference in the use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curves MC1- MC6 is made visible on the push buttons 5.

Fig. 4.

This shows the ventilation assembly of the control unit 1 and the ventilation unit 10. The control unit 1 is supplied with voltage by means of a mains line 8, which is connected to one of the connectors 3. A similar mains line 9, which is connected to the other connector 3, is led from the control unit 1 - with a generally adapted voltage signal - to the ventilation unit 10.

The ventilation unit 10 may be mounted on a heating/cooling device CV, such as a radiator or a convector, or other heat exchanger, for example on the underside thereof. The control unit 1 may be mounted on or placed on the same heating/cooling device CV, such as a radiator or convector, or other heat exchanger, for example on the top thereof. See Fig. 5A-C and Fig. 6A-B. The placement of the control unit 1 with the temperature sensor TS therein on the top of the heating/cooling device CV means that a rising temperature when hot water is flowing in will be measured more quickly. Furthermore, this has the advantage that a user can see the display on the control unit 1 easily and can operate the control buttons (on/off switch 2; push buttons 5) easily, while the ventilation unit 10 can perform its function optimally at the bottom of the heating/cooling device CV, such as radiator, convector or the like. Many variants are possible besides the embodiments shown and described. Thus, for example, the courses of the preset ascending use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curves can be altered, as well as the start and end values thereof. It is also possible to provide a different number of modulation curves settable by a user.

It should be apparent that these various adjustments and modifications of the present preferred embodiments are possible while remaining within the scope of protection of the invention, and that such adjustments and modifications are covered by the appended claims.

Thus, according to the invention, very advantageously a ventilation assembly is provided for placement on a heating/cooling device that can be modulated. A control unit controlled by a temperature sensor ensures that the speed of the fans is adapted to the heating: the lower the level, the less the noise. The temperature sensor only measures the temperature of the heating/cooling device and the fans are only modulated on the basis of this measured temperature of the heating/cooling device. A heating/cooling device of this kind is not heated directly and is not cooled again directly. This is a quite slow process and the control unit ensures on the basis of the modulation curves that the fans always blow at a desired user level with respect to comfort and sound, while the efficiency is optimized with respect to heat exchange.

Claims

1. Ventilation assembly for directing a forced air flow along a heating/cooling device (CV), such as a radiator or convector, to increase heat exchange thereof with the surrounding air, comprising:

- a ventilation unit (10) with:

• a housing frame;

• one or more fans with controllable rotary speed provided in the housing frame (VL1- VL4);

• one or more coupling elements that are arranged for fastening the housing frame on the heating/cooling device (CV); and

- a temperature sensor (TS) that is arranged for measuring a temperature of the heating/cooling device (CV);

- a control unit (1) for controlling the rotary speeds of the fans (VL1-VL4) as a function of a temperature (T) of the heating/cooling device (CV) measured by the temperature sensor (TS), wherein the control unit (1) comprises several preset ascending use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed, wherein each preset use level temperature-versus-rotary speed follows its own preset course along which a temperature-dependent rotary speed is set for the fans (VL1-VL4) in such a way that at a higher temperature (T) of the heating/cooling device (CV) measured by the temperature sensor (TS), a higher rotary speed is set for the fans (VL1-VL4) according to their own preset course, and wherein operating means (5) are provided for manual selection by a user of one of the preset ascending use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed, characterized in that the several preset ascending use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed are modulation curves (MC1-MC6), wherein each modulation curve (MC1-MC6) follows its own preset course along which a temperature-dependent rotary speed is set for the fans (VL1-VL4) in such a way that at a higher or lower temperature (T) of the heating/cooling device (CV) measured by the temperature sensor (TS), a higher or lower rotary speed is set for the fans (VL1-VL4) according to their own preset course.

2. Ventilation assembly according to claim 1, wherein the several preset ascending use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curves (MC1-MC6) each have their own preset maximum end value for rotary speed that is set by measurement, by the temperature sensor (TS), of a preset maximum temperature of the heating/cooling device (CV), wherein its own preset maximum end value for rotary speed is in each case higher at higher use level.

3. Ventilation assembly according to claim 2, wherein a voltage (V) that is supplied to the fans (VL1-VL4) for reaching the preset maximum end value for rotary speed of a lowest of the use levels is at least 50% lower than a voltage that is supplied to the fans (VL1-VL4) for reaching the preset maximum end value for rotary speed of a highest of the use levels.

4. Ventilation assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the several preset ascending use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curves (MC1-MC6) each have their own preset minimum start value for rotary speed that is set on measurement, by the temperature sensor (TS), of a preset minimum temperature (Tin) of the heating/cooling device (CV), wherein its own preset minimum end value for rotary speed is in each case higher at higher use level.

5. Ventilation assembly according to claim 4, wherein a voltage (V) that is supplied to the fans (VL1-VL4) for reaching the preset minimum start value for rotary speed of a lowest of the use levels is at least 10% lower than a voltage (V) that is supplied to the fans (VL1- VL4) for reaching the preset minimum start value for rotary speed of a highest of the use levels.

6. Ventilation assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the several preset ascending use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curves (MC1-MC6) each follow an exponentially levelling preset course, wherein a reduced multiple increase in rotary speed is followed relative to an increase in the temperature (T) of the heating/cooling unit (CV) measured by the temperature sensor (TS).

7. Ventilation assembly according to claim 6, wherein the several preset ascending use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curves (MC1-MC6) each follow a different degree of exponentially levelling preset course.

8. Ventilation assembly according to one of the preceding claims 1-7, wherein at least 3, in particular 5, preset ascending use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curves (MC1-MC6) are provided.

9. Ventilation assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating means (5) for selecting one of the preset ascending use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curves (MC1-MC6) comprise a push button.

10. Ventilation assembly according to one of the preceding claims 1-7, wherein the preset ascending use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curves (MC1-MC6) are continuously adjustable.

11 . Ventilation assembly according to claim 10, wherein the operating means for continuous adjustment comprise a manually adjustable potentiometer.

12. Ventilation assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating means (5) further comprise an on/off switch (2) for setting a maximum rotary speed for the fans by a user independently of a temperature (T) of the heating/cooling device (CV) measured by the temperature sensor (TS).

13. Ventilation assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature sensor (TS) in the control unit (1) is provided for measuring a temperature (T) of that part of a convection surface of the heating/cooling device (CV) where the control unit (1) is positioned on the heating/cooling device (CV) and/or is fastened to the heating/cooling device (CV).

14. Ventilation assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the preset ascending use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curves (MC1-MC6) are selected on the basis of production of an ascending maximum sound level by the fans (VL1- VL4) and/or on the basis of an ascending maximum flow rate of forced air flow directed by the fans (VL1-VL4) along the heating/cooling device (CV) and/or on the basis of an ascending maximum increase in heat exchange of the heating/cooling device (CV) with the surrounding air.

15. Method for using a ventilation assembly according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: fastening the housing frame of the ventilation unit (10) on a heating/cooling device (CV), such as a radiator or convector; placement or fastening of the control unit (1) on a heating/cooling device (CV), such as a radiator or convector; manual selection, by a user, of one of the preset use levels temperature-versus-rotary speed modulation curves (MC1-MC6); measuring a temperature (T) of the heating/cooling device (CV); regulating the rotary speeds of the fans (VL1-VL4) as a function of the measured temperature (T) of the heating/cooling device (CV), wherein, depending on use level of the control unit (1) selected by the user, it follows its own preset course along which a temperature-dependent rotary speed is set for the fans (VL1-VL4) in such a way that at a

17 higher or lower temperature (T) of the heating/cooling device (CV) measured by the temperature sensor (TS), a higher or lower rotary speed is set for the fans (VL1-VL4) according to their own preset course; and directing a forced air flow along the heating/cooling device (CV) by the fans (VL1- VL4) at the set rotary speed to increase heat exchange thereof with the surrounding air.

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