PROCEDURE FOR ADJUSTING A BALANCED VENTILATION SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention concerns a method for adjusting a balanced ventilation system, comprising entering a desired airflow rate for each supply and exhaust valve, measuring an airflow rate through each supply and exhaust valve, entering the measured airflow rates into a user interface, calculating a measured flow coefficient for each air duct with a characterized supply or exhaust valve and a measured flow coefficient for a combination of an air duct and an uncharacterized supply and exhaust valve for each air duct with such supply or exhaust valve, determining a flow coefficient for a common part of a network of supply valves and for a common part of a network of exhaust valves,calculate a desired flow coefficient for the characterized air supply and exhaust valves and, for the uncharacterized air supply and exhaust valves, a desired flow coefficient for the combination of the air duct with the air supply or exhaust valve, and display adjustment instructions for at least one of the air supply and exhaust valves in the user interface.

Description

BE2025 / 5159 -2-

[003] Buildwise, the innovation center of the Belgian construction sector, has developed a calculation program for this purpose, which guides an installer in adjusting a ventilation system. The first disadvantage of this calculation program is that in a balanced ventilation system, the network of air supply valves and the network of air exhaust valves are adjusted separately, which causes an enormous loss of time. Each of the subsequent steps must therefore be performed once for the network of air supply valves and for the network of air exhaust valves.

[004] In a first step, an area and a type, such as living room, bedroom, etc., are entered into a user interface of the Buildwise calculation program. Based on this data, the program calculates a desired air supply or exhaust flow rate for each room and also a total desired air supply and exhaust flow rate. In a second step, the installer is instructed to fully open all air supply or exhaust valves andto set the total desired air supply or total desired air exhaust flow rate as accurately as possible in a ventilation unit of the ventilation system. This setting will not be changed until the end of the adjustment. In a third step, the installer receives instructions to measure the air flow rate through the air supply or exhaust valve for each air supply or exhaust valve. The measured air flow rates are entered into the user interface. Based on the measurements, a set air flow rate is calculated in a fourth step for each of the air supply or exhaust valves, which must be adjusted at the air supply or exhaust valve, so that after all air supply or exhaust valves have been adjusted, the air flow rates in the various rooms correspond proportionally to the desired air supply or exhaust flow rates. During the calculation, the network of air supply or exhaust valves is divided into a network of parallel branches with a single air supply or exhaust valve each30 simplified, where each branch is defined by a single flow coefficientproposed. Air ducts or elements common to all branches are not explicitly taken into account. Because 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -3- each branch is represented by a single flow coefficient, it is also not possible to distinguish between the pressure loss through the air duct in one branch and the pressure loss through the air supply or exhaust valve in a branch. These simplifications make it necessary to calculate the set air flow rates iteratively. The set air flow rates are calculated in a fixed order. The order in which the air supply or exhaust valves are adjusted is determined based on the ratio between the measured and the desired air flow rate. The air supply or exhaust valve with the smallest ratio remains fully open, after which the air supply or exhaust valve with the second smallest ratio, the one at 10 second-smallest ratio,…is adjusted, until all air supply or exhaust valves have been adjusted. After each air supply or exhaust valve has been adjusted, the network of flow coefficients must be recalculated.calculated. This fixed sequence is very disadvantageous because it prevents the installer from following a logical and shortest route through a building, resulting in an additional loss of time. After all air supply or exhaust valves have been adjusted, the program calculates, in a fifth step, a new value for the total air supply or exhaust flow rate that must be set in the ventilation unit, so that the air flow rates in the various rooms no longer correspond proportionally but exactly to the desired air supply or exhaust flow rates. This is another extra step for the installer. In a sixth step, the installer must make one last round through the building to remeasure the air flow rates and verify that the adjustment is correct. After these six steps have been performed for, for example, the network of air supply valves, a number of steps must be repeated for the network of air exhaust valves. The Complete adjustment of the balanced ventilation system is therefore very time- and labor-intensive.

[005] The present invention aims to find at least one solution to some of the above-mentioned problems or disadvantages. 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -4- SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[006] In a first aspect, the present invention concerns a method of operation according to claim 1. 5

[007] This method is advantageous because the flow coefficient for the common part of the network of air supply valves and the flow coefficient for the common part of the network of air exhaust valves is determined, making it possible for the characterized air supply valves and for the characterized air exhaust valves to immediately provide a final setting position as an adjustment instruction, which is independent of the order in which the air supply valves and air exhaust valves are adjusted. An additional advantage is that an installer can choose the order in which the air supply valves and air exhaust valves are adjusted. The installer can follow a logical and short route through the building, resulting in a substantial time saving.results. It is also very advantageous that the air supply and exhaust valves are adjusted simultaneously, which means the installer does not have to walk around the building as much and the adjustment becomes even faster and less labor-intensive.20

[008] Preferred forms of the method are set out in conclusions 2 to 12.

[009] A specific form of implementation concerns a method according to conclusion 25 7.

[010] This form of implementation is particularly advantageous because after the first characterized air supply valve or the first characterized air exhaust valve has been adjusted and the setting position has been given and because the 30 relationship between the flow coefficient and the setting position of the characterized air supply valves and the characterized air exhaust valves has been determined in advance, it is possible to calculate the flow coefficient for the common 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -5- part of the network of air supply valves, respectively the flow coefficient for the common part of the network of air exhaust valves and no longer need to be calculateddetermined, whereby the adjustment can be performed more accurately. 5

[011] In a second aspect, the present invention concerns a balanced ventilation system according to claim 13.

[012] This balanced ventilation system is particularly advantageous because, due to the presence of the user interface and processing unit, a rapid adjustment is possible by means of a method according to the first aspect.

[013] In a third aspect, the present invention concerns a computer program according to claim 14. 15

[014] The computer program according to the third aspect is advantageous because it allows for a split between steps of a method according to the first aspect in which calculations take place and steps of the method in which interactions with an installer take place. This allows the processing unit to be contained, for example, in the ventilation unit, whereby certain adjustments can be automated and the installer can, for example, use a user interface on a mobile device.

[015] In a fourth aspect, the present invention concerns computer-readable.medium according to claim 15.

[016] The computer-readable medium is advantageous for installing a computer program according to the third aspect on a processing unit of a balanced ventilation system according to the second aspect.30

[017] In a fifth aspect, the present invention concerns a computer program according to claim 16. 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -6-

[018] The computer program according to the fifth aspect is advantageous because it allows for a split between steps of a method according to the first aspect in which calculations are performed and steps of the method in which interactions with an installer take place. This allows the processing unit to be included in the ventilation unit, for example, whereby certain adjustments can be performed automatically and the installer can use a user interface on a mobile device. 10

[019] In one sixth aspect the present invention concerns a computer program according to conclusion 17.

[020] The computer-readable medium is advantageous for installing acomputer program according to the fifth aspect on a user interface of 15 a balanced ventilation system according to the second aspect. SHORT FIGURE DESCRIPTION

[021] Figures 1A-1B show schematic representations of a network of 20 air supply or exhaust valves during different steps of calculating flow coefficients according to the standard of the art.

[022] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention.25

[023] Figures 3A-3C show schematic representations of a network of air supply or air exhaust valves during different steps of calculating flow coefficients according to one embodiment of the present invention.30

[024] Figures 4A-4B show schematic representations of a network of air supply or air exhaust valves with automatic valves during one step 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -7- of adjusting a balanced ventilation system according to two different embodiments of the present invention.

[025] Figures 5A-5B show schematic representations of the network ofair supply or exhaust valves with automatic valves from Figures 4A-5 4B after adjusting the balanced ventilation system, where one of the automatic valves is fully closed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION 10

[026] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the description of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as they are generally understood by the professional in the technical field of the invention. For a better assessment of the description of the invention, the following terms are explicitly explained.15

[027] “A”, “the” and “the” in this document refer to both the singular and the plural unless context clearly implies otherwise. For example, “a segment” means one or more than a segment. 20

[028] Quoting numerical intervals through the endpoints includes all integers, fractions and / or real numbers between the endpoints, including these endpoints.

[029] In the context of this document, a balanced ventilation system is a25 system of mechanical ventilation where a quantity of suppliedfresh air in balance is an amount of removed polluted air. A balanced ventilation system is also known as ventilation system type D.

[030] In the context of this document, a flow coefficient describes a relationship between a pressure drop across an element or a combination of elements of a balanced ventilation system, such as, for example, air supply valves, air exhaust valves, air ducts, ... and an air flow rate through the element or the 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -8- combination of elements. In English, a distinction is made between flow coefficient CV (flow coefficient) and flow factor KV (flow factor), where the flow coefficient CVV is expressed in the imperial system and the flow factor KV in the metric system. It is clear to the professional that the calculations made when performing a method according to the current inventions can be performed in both the imperial system and the metric system. In the context of this document, the word flow coefficient can therefore mean both a flow coefficient CVV and a flow factor KVmean, depending on which system is used. 10

[031] In the context of this document, an automatic valve is an air supply valve or an air exhaust valve in a balanced ventilation system in which the size of an air passage formed by the automatic valve is adjustable remotely by a control system. The automatic valve comprises an actuator for changing the size of the air passage. The control system and the automatic valve are connected via wired or wireless communication. The control system and the automatic valve are preferably connected via bidirectional communication.

[032] In a first aspect, the invention concerns a method for adjusting a balanced ventilation system in a building.

[033] The balanced ventilation system comprises a ventilation unit, a network of air supply valves and a network of air exhaust valves. 25

[034] Preferably, the balanced ventilation system comprises only one ventilation unit. The ventilation unit comprises a first inlet for supplying fresh air from outside the building, a first outlet for connectingof the network of air supply valves, a first fan for the mechanical intake of fresh air through the first inlets and the mechanical movement of fresh air through the first outlet through the network of air supply valves to various rooms in the building, a second inlet for connecting the network of exhaust valves, a 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -9- second outlet for discharging polluted air to the outside of the building, and a second fan for the mechanical intake of polluted air through the second inlet through the network of air exhaust valves from various rooms in the building the mechanical movement of polluted air through the second outlet to the outside of the building. Preferably, the ventilation unit comprises a heat exchanger for exchanging heat from the polluted air to the fresh air. Preferably, the ventilation unit is contained in a single housing.

[035] The network of air supply valves and the network of 10 air exhaust valves are separate networks. The network of air supply valves and the network of air exhaust valves compriseair ducts. The air ducts are preferably metal or plastic pipes, preferably with a round or rectangular cross-section. The network of air supply valves and the network of air exhaust valves comprise 15 parallel branches. A branch comprises an air duct and an air supply valve or an air exhaust valve. Each of the parallel branches in the network of air supply valves ends at an air supply valve. Each of the parallel branches in the network of air exhaust valves ends at an air exhaust valve. The network of air supply valves and the network of air exhaust valves20 comprise one or more distribution points, where parallel branches are connected to the same distribution point. A distribution point is, for example, a T-junction of an air duct. A distribution point is, for example, an air distribution cabinet with a connection for a main air duct and multiple connections for sub-ducts. An air distribution cabinet optionally includes filters25 and / or silencers. The network of air supply valves and the network of air exhaust valves form a one- or multi-layer tree structure.

[036] According to a preferred implementation form, the procedure comprises the steps of:30 -indicating in a user interface which air supply valves and which air exhaust valves in the networks are characterized air supply valves and characterized air exhaust valves, 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -10- -entering a desired air flow rate in a calculation program for each of the air supply valves and each of the air exhaust valves, -setting an air supply flow rate and an air exhaust flow rate in the ventilation unit, -measuring an air flow rate through each air supply valve and each air exhaust valve, -entering the measured air flow rates in the user interface, -calculating in the calculation program the measured flow coefficients in the network of air supply valves and the network of air exhaust valves, -calculating in the calculation program a desired flow coefficient for each of the characterized air supply valves and air exhaust valves for each of the uncharacterized air supply valves and air exhaust valves of a desired flow coefficient for acombination of an air duct with the air supply or air exhaust valve in a corresponding parallel branch of the network of 15 air supply or air exhaust valves, -display in the user interface a balancing instruction for at least one of the air supply and air exhaust valves, -execute the balancing instruction. 20

[037] The user interface is, for example, an interface on a screen of the ventilation unit. The user interface is preferably an interface in an application on a computer, tablet or smartphone.

[038] The designation of the characterized air supply valves and the 25 characterized air exhaust valves is transmitted from the user interface to the calculation program. This designation preferably includes for each characterized air supply valve and each characterized air exhaust valve a unique identification, a statement that the air supply or air exhaust valve is characterized, a type and a function, where the 30 function indicates whether it concerns an air supply or an air exhaust valve. 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -11-

[039] The air supply and exhaust valves have multiple adjustment positions. Each adjustment position corresponds to a different size of air passage formed by the air supply or exhaust valve. The size of the air passage is continuously or discretely adjustable. The air supply and exhaust valves preferably include an indication for the 5 adjustment positions. For example, different adjustment positions can be indicated by different letters, numbers, or a combination thereof. For a continuously adjustable size of the air passage, this can, for example, be combined with a continuous scale indication. 10

[040] For the characterized air supply and exhaust valves, a relationship between the flow coefficient and the adjustment position of the characterized air supply and exhaust valves is predetermined. This means that for each adjustment position, the corresponding flow coefficient for the characterized air supply or exhaust valve is known. These relationships are preferablypre-measured, for example under controlled conditions in a test setup. These relationships are stored, for example, in the application that executes the user interface. In that case, these relationships are forwarded to the calculation program together with the designation of the characterized air supply valves and the 20 characterized air exhaust valves. This relationship is stored, for example, in the calculation program. This relationship is stored, for example, in a central database, which is consulted by the calculation program, depending on the designation of the characterized air supply valves and the characterized 25 air exhaust valves. This central database can be stored, for example, in a network, in a cloud environment, or in the ventilation unit.

[041] The balanced ventilation system comprises at least two characterized air supply valves and / or at least two characterized 30 air exhaust valves. Preferably, the balanced ventilation system comprises at least two characterized air supply valves and at least twocharacterized exhaust valves. Preferably, all 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -12- air supply valves and all exhaust valves in the balanced ventilation system are characterized.

[042] It is clear that the balanced ventilation system may also include one or more uncharacterized air supply valves and / or one or more uncharacterized exhaust valves. Preferably, the uncharacterized air supply valves and the uncharacterized exhaust valves are also indicated in the user interface and forwarded from the user interface to the calculation program. This indication preferably includes, for each uncharacterized air supply valve and each uncharacterized exhaust valve, a unique identification, an indication that the air supply valve or the exhaust valve is uncharacterized, and a function, where the function indicates whether it concerns an air supply valve or an exhaust valve. 15

[043] The calculation program is for example part of the application that theuser interface executes. The calculation program is, for example, a separate application that is executed on a computer or a server. Preferably, the calculation program is an application that is executed on a processing unit, where the processing unit in the ventilation unit comprises20. The processing unit comprises, for example, a processor or a controller.

[044] Preferably, entering the desired air flow rate for each of the air supply valves and each of the air exhaust valves in the calculation program includes the step of entering the desired air flow rates in the25 user interface, after which the desired air flow rates are sent to the calculation program. Preferably, the calculation program has for each room in the building where an air supply valve or an air exhaust valve is placed over an area and / or a type, such as living room, bedroom, ... These data are, for example, pre-entered into the30 calculation program. These data are, for example, entered into the user interface and from there to the calculation programforwarded. Based on this data, the calculation program proposes air flow rates for each of the air supply valves and each of the air exhaust valves. The calculation program sends these proposed air flow rates to the user interface, where they are displayed. Alternatively, these data are entered into the user interface and the application executing the user interface proposes an air flow rate for each of the air supply valves and each of the air exhaust valves based on this data. Preferably, locally applicable regulations and / or standards are taken into account when proposing the air flow rates. The proposed air flow rates can be confirmed or modified by an installer in the user interface, after which the confirmed or modified air flow rates are sent to the calculation program and entered as the desired air flow rates.

[045] The air supply flow rates and the air exhaust flow rate set in the ventilation unit are preferably equal to the sum of the desired 15air flow rates for the air supply valves, respectively equal to a sum of the desired air flow rates for the air exhaust valves.

[046] When measuring the air flow rate through each air supply valve and through each air exhaust valve, each air supply valve and each air exhaust valve are fully opened beforehand. After entering the measured air flow rates into the user interface, these are forwarded to the calculation program. When forwarding, for each air supply valve and each air exhaust valve, the unique identification is preferably also sent along in addition to the measured flow rate. 25

[047] When calculating the measured flow coefficients in the network of air supply valves and the network of air exhaust valves, each network is represented as a network of flow coefficients. A flow coefficient is determined for a common part of the network of air supply valves. This flow coefficient can be a well-founded guess30 or, as described in later versions, be calculated from measurements. The common part of the network of theair supply valves comprise, for example, air ducts between the ventilation 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -14- units and the distribution point to which the parallel branches of the network of air supply valves are connected and air ducts and other elements connected to the first inlet. Similarly, a flow coefficient is determined for a common part of the network of air exhaust valves. The common part of the network of air exhaust valves comprises, for example, air ducts between the ventilation units and the distribution point to which the parallel branches of the network of air exhaust valves are connected and air ducts and other elements connected to the second outlet. 10

[048] The characterized air supply valves and the characterized air exhaust valves are fully open during the measurement, whereby the setting position of the characterized air supply valves and the characterized air exhaust valves is known and thereby also their flow coefficient. For each characterized air supply valve15For each air exhaust valve, a measured flow coefficient is calculated for an air duct in a corresponding parallel branch of the network of air supply or air exhaust valves. This is possible because the flow coefficient of the characterized air supply valves and the characterized air exhaust valves is known, and the flow coefficient for the common part of the network of air supply valves and the flow coefficient for the common part of the network of air exhaust valves has been determined. This is not possible for uncharacterized air supply valves and uncharacterized air exhaust valves because the flow coefficient of the uncharacterized air supply valves and uncharacterized air exhaust valves is not known during the measurement. Therefore, for each uncharacterized air supply and air exhaust valve, a measured flow coefficient is calculated for a combination of an air duct with the air supply or air exhaust valve in a corresponding parallel branch of the network of air supply or air exhaust valves.

[049] In the calculation program, the desired flow coefficients are calculated based on the measured flow coefficient. For the 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -15- desired flow coefficients, the air flow rate for each of the air supply valves and air exhaust valves corresponds to the desired air flow rates. For the characterized air supply valves and the characterized air exhaust valves, because the measured flow coefficient of the air duct in the corresponding parallel branches is known, the desired flow coefficient for each of the characterized air supply valves and the characterized air exhaust valves can be calculated. This is again not possible for the uncharacterized air supply valves and the uncharacterized air exhaust valves, which means that a desired flow coefficient must be calculated for the combination of the air duct with the air supply or air exhaust valve in the corresponding parallel branch.

[050] Based on the desired flow coefficients, adjustment instructions are generated in the calculation program. The adjustment instructions are 15sent from the calculation program to the application that executes the user interface. Alternatively, the desired flow coefficients are sent from the calculation program to the application that executes the user interface. Preferably, each adjustment instruction or each desired flow coefficient is associated with a unique identifier and optionally with a function.

[051] During the step of displaying the adjustment instructions in the user interface, at least one setting position is provided for one-second of the characterized air supply valves and / or one-second of the characterized air exhaust valves. This means that for every characterized air supply valve that is adjusted after a first characterized air supply valve, a setting position is provided as an adjustment instruction and / or that for every characterized air exhaust valve that is adjusted after a first characterized air exhaust valve, a setting position is provided as an adjustment instruction. If for two characterizedIf adjustment instructions are given for the air supply valves and for two characterized air exhaust valves, then preferably an adjustment position is given starting from the second 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -16- air supply valve and an adjustment position is given starting from the second air exhaust valve. If the flow coefficient for the common part of the network of air supply valves is known precisely, then it is possible to also calculate the desired flow coefficients for the characterized air supply valves with precision. Because the relationship between the flow coefficient adjustment points is known, the characterized air supply valves can be adjusted correctly. If the flow coefficient for the common part of the network of air supply valves is not known precisely, for example because an educated guess was made for this, then there may be a small error in calculating the desired flow coefficient, as a result of which the adjustment of the first characterized air supply valve may not be entirely correct.After adjusting the first characterized air supply valve, it is possible to precisely calculate the flow coefficient for the common part of the network of air supply valves, as described in a later 15 embodiment, making it sufficient from then on to provide an adjustment position as an adjustment instruction. The same applies to the characterized air exhaust valves.

[052] For uncharacterized air supply valves and air exhaust valves, there is only a desired flow coefficient for the combination of the air duct with the air supply or air exhaust valve in the corresponding parallel branch of the network of air supply or air exhaust valves. This makes it only possible to calculate an air flow rate through the said parallel branch. For uncharacterized air supply valves and air exhaust valves, an air flow rate to be adjusted is provided as an adjustment instruction. The disadvantage of an air flow rate to be adjusted is that each time a differentIf an air supply or exhaust valve in the same network is adjusted, the air flow rate through the other air supply or exhaust valves in the same network changes. An adjustment instruction based on an air flow rate to be set is therefore only valid for the situation in the network as it was at the moment the adjustment instruction was generated. This disadvantage does not apply to characterized air supply valves and characterized air exhaust valves after the flow coefficient for the common part of the network of air supply valves, respectively the flow coefficient for the common part of the network of air exhaust valves, has been precisely known. Preferably, adjustment instructions for all air supply valves that have not yet been adjusted and not yet characterized, and only air exhaust valves that have not yet been adjusted and not yet characterized, are displayed simultaneously.

[053] This method is advantageous because it is possible for the characterized air supply valves and for the characterized air exhaust valvesto provide a final setting position as an adjustment instruction, which is independent of the order in which the air supply and exhaust valves are adjusted. An additional advantage is that an installer can choose the order in which the air supply and exhaust valves are adjusted. The installer can follow a logical and short route through the building, resulting in substantial time savings. It is also very advantageous that the air supply and exhaust valves are adjusted simultaneously, meaning the installer needs to walk around the building less and the adjustment becomes even faster and less labor-intensive. 20

[054] According to a preferred design, a total desired air supply flow rate and a total desired air exhaust flow rate are determined in the calculation program. The total desired air supply flow rate is equal to the sum of the desired air flow rates for the air supply valves. The total desired air exhaust flow rate is equal to the sum of the desired air flow rates25for the air exhaust valves. The total desired air supply flow rates and the total desired air exhaust flow rates are controlled from the calculation program to the ventilation unit. If the calculation program is part of the application in which the user interface is executed, the total desired air supply flow rates and the total desired air exhaust flow rate are controlled from that application to the ventilation unit. If the calculation program is a separate application that is executed on a computer or a server, then the total desired air supply flow rates and the total desired air exhaust flow rate are controlled from the said computer or server to the ventilation unit. If the calculation program is an application that is executed on a processing unit of the ventilation unit, the total desired air supply flow rates and the total desired air exhaust flow rate are controlled directly from the application or to another application on the said processing unit or controlled by another processing unit of the ventilation unit.

[055] The ventilation unit automatically measures and adjusts the air supply flow rates and the air exhaust flow rate until the air supply flow rate10 matches the total desired air supply flow rate and the air exhaust flow rate matches the total desired air exhaust flow rate.

[056] The ventilation unit includes, for example, one or more pressure sensors for measuring pressure at the first inlets / or at the first outlet15 and one or more pressure sensors for measuring pressure at the second inlets / or the second outlet of the ventilation unit.

[057] The ventilation unit includes, for example, one or more anemometers for measuring air flow at the first inlets / or at the first20 outlets and one or more anemometers for measuring air flow at the second inlets / or the second outlet of the ventilation unit.

[058] The ventilation unit includes, for example, a power meter for measuring a power of the first fans and a power meter for measuring the second fan. The measured power depends ona pressure difference that must be created by the fan and a measure of the air flow rate. Alternatively, the power is not measured, but for example a voltage across or a current to the first or second fan, which in turn is a measure of the power. The ventilation-30 unit is characterized. This means that for various powers and / or voltages, a pressure difference as a function of an air flow rate has been determined. The calculation program can calculate a single flow coefficient for the 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -19- network of air supply valves and a single flow coefficient for the network of air exhaust valves. On a graph of the pressure difference as a function of the air flow rate, points with an equal flow coefficient form an exponential curve. The intersection of the exponential curve for the calculated single flow coefficient with the curve for the pressure difference as a function of the air flow rate for the measured power or the measured voltage determines the measured air flow rate. Mutatismutandiskandanhetvermogen worden waarbijhet luchtstroomisaanhet totaal verlangenair flow rate. If necessary, interpolation between two curves for the pressure difference as a function of the air flow rate at two different power or voltages10 may be required for this.

[059] This design is advantageous because the ventilation unit immediately creates an air flow rate that corresponds to the desired total air flow rates. An installer does not have to set air supply flow rates or 15 air exhaust flow rates that may be known but inaccurately, making it difficult to finally achieve a correct adjustment.

[060] According to a further implementation form, the ventilation unit automatically measures and adjusts the air supply flow rate and the air exhaust flow rate at least after executing a regulation instruction. This means that at least after each executed regulation instruction, the ventilation unit measures and adjusts the air supply flow rate and the air exhaust flow rate so that the air supply flow rate is equal to the total desired air supply flow rate and the air exhaust flow rate is equal to the total desired air exhaust flow rate. Each time at 25Adjusting an air supply valve or an air exhaust valve changes the total flow coefficient of the network of air supply valves, respectively, and thereby also changes the total air supply flow rate, respectively the total air exhaust flow rate. Because the ventilation unit measures and adjusts the air supply flow rates and the air exhaust flow rate after at least every adjustment of a 30 air supply valve or air exhaust valve, so that the air supply flow rate remains equal to the total desired air supply flow rate and the air exhaust flow rate remains equal to 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -20- the total desired air exhaust flow rate, it is guaranteed that immediately after adjusting a final air supply valve or air exhaust valve, the air flow rates through all air supply valves, respectively the air exhaust valves, correspond to the desired air flow rates. It is sufficient to perform a verification measurement of the air flow rate only at the last air supply valve and the last air exhaust valve. Preferably, the ventilation unit measures and adjusts continuously.the air supply flow rates and the air exhaust flow rate. This is particularly advantageous when adjusting uncharacterized air supply valves and air exhaust valves to accurately adjust the desired air flow rate. 10

[061] Depending on the preferred design, an adjustment instruction is displayed in the user interface for several of the air supply valves and air exhaust valves. After each adjustment instruction for one of the air supply valves or air exhaust valves, the execution of the adjustment instruction is confirmed in the user interface.15 For uncharacterized air supply valves and uncharacterized air exhaust valves, a measured air flow rate after adjustment is optionally entered when confirming the execution of the adjustment instruction. For characterized air supply valves and characterized air exhaust valves, an adjustment position is optionally entered when confirming the execution of the adjustment instruction.20 This is particularly advantageousfor a first of the characterized air supply and / or a first of the characterized air exhaust valves, as will become apparent from a later implementation. After confirming the execution of the adjustment instruction in the user interface, the step of displaying an adjustment instruction for at least one unadjusted air supply or exhaust valve in the user interface is repeated.

[062] This configuration is particularly advantageous if the balanced ventilation system includes uncharacterized air supply valves and / or uncharacterized air exhaust valves. As previously described, a disadvantage of an adjustable air flow rate is that if a different air supply valve or air exhaust valve in the same network is adjusted each time, the 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -21- air flow rate through the other air supply valves or air exhaust valves in the same network changes, whereby adjustment instructions for other uncharacterized air supply valves or uncharacterizedair exhaust valves in the same network are no longer valid. By recalculating a total flow coefficient of the network of 5 air supply valves, respectively a total flow coefficient of the network of air exhaust valves, a new adjustment instruction can easily be generated using the air supply flow rate, respectively the air exhaust flow rate, whereby the installer can also adjust the uncharacterized air supply valves and the uncharacterized air exhaust valves in any order. 15

[063] According to a preferred design, the flow coefficient for the common part of the network of air supply valves is determined at least on the basis of a type of air transfer for supplying outside air into the building, the flow coefficient forthe common part of the network of air exhaust valves is determined at least 20 based on a type of air transfer for exhausting air from the building. The air transfer for supplying outside air into the building is connected to the first inlet of the ventilation unit. The air transfer for exhausting air from the building is connected to the second outlet of the ventilation unit. The air transfer types are entered in the 25 user interface. The air transfer types are forwarded to the calculation program. Optionally, a diameter and a length of the air ducts between the ventilation units and the distribution point to which the parallel branches of the network of air supply valves are connected, and a diameter and a length of the air ducts connected to the 30 first inlet are also entered in the user interface and forwarded to the calculation program. Optionally, a diameter and a length of the air ducts between the ventilation units and the distribution point 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 are also entered in the user interface and forwarded to the calculation program. -22- on which the parallel branches of the network of air exhaust valves areconnected and a diameter and a length of the air ducts connected to the second outlet entered into the user interface and forwarded to the calculation program. The air transfers are characterized in advance, similar to the characterized air transfer valves5 and the characterized air exhaust valves. Based on the type of air transfer, a flow coefficient for the air transfer can be determined. This flow coefficient largely determines the flow coefficient for the common part, thereby obtaining a very good well-founded guess. Based on the length and diameters of the air ducts,10 a flow coefficient for the said air ducts can also be determined, thereby obtaining an even more accurate well-founded guess.

[064] According to a preferred execution form, the method includes the additional step, after calculating in the calculation program of the measured15 flow coefficients in the network of air supply valves and the network of air exhaust valves, of determining in the calculation program of a criticalair supply valves and a critical exhaust valve. At the desired air flow rate and at the measured flow coefficient, a pressure drop over a parallel branch with an air supply valve is greatest for all parallel branches, and a pressure drop over a parallel branch with an exhaust valve is greatest for all parallel branches, and for the parallel branch with the critical exhaust valve. The critical air supply valves and the critical exhaust valve remain fully open after adjustment of the balanced ventilation system. This means that no adjustment instruction is required for the critical air supply valves and the critical exhaust valve. If the critical air supply valve or the critical exhaust valve is a characterized air supply valve or a characterized exhaust valve, then this is consequently not a first of the characterized air supply valves or a first of the characterized exhaust valves of a design form described below, it also counts not included for determining the second of the characterizedair supply valves or the second of the characterized air exhaust valves as in a previously described configuration. 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -23-

[065] This configuration is advantageous because no further pressure drop is caused across the critical air supply valves and the critical air exhaust valve, which improves the energy efficiency of the balanced ventilation system and prevents the balanced ventilation system from potentially not being able to be fully adjusted.

[066] According to a preferred design, an adjustable air flow rate is given as an adjustment instruction for the first of the characterized air supply valves and / or the first of the characterized air exhaust valves. As previously described, this is advantageous because the flow coefficient for the common part of the network of air supply valves and / or the flow coefficient for the common part of the network of air exhaust valves is not necessarily precisely determined. Optionally, an adjustment position is also given as an indicative adjustment instruction.given, which is advantageous to reach the set air flow rate faster. After executing the adjustment instruction, a setting position of the first of the characterized air supply valves and / or of the first of the characterized air exhaust valves is entered into the user interface. The setting position is sent from the application that executes the user interface to the calculation program. Preferably, the unique identifiers and optionally a measured air flow rate are also transmitted along with the setting position. Subsequently, the flow coefficient of the common part of the network of air supply valves and / or the flow coefficient of the common part of the network of air exhaust valves is calculated. This is possible because an additional comparison for the flow coefficient of the common part of the network of air supply valves and / or the flow coefficient of the common part of the network of air exhaust valves can now be established, namely an additional comparison with the first characterizedair supply valve or air exhaust valve at the setting position. By calculating the flow coefficient of the common part of the network of air supply valves and / or the flow coefficient of the common part of the network of air exhaust valves, it is now possible, as previously described, to provide setting positions as adjustment instructions starting from the second characterized air supply valve and / or the second characterized air exhaust valve. For this purpose, the steps of calculating the measured flow coefficients and calculating the desired flow coefficients are performed again after calculating the flow coefficient of the common part of the network of air supply valves and / or the flow coefficient of the common part of the network of air exhaust valves.

[067] According to a preferred design, the network of 10 air supply valves and / or the network of air exhaust valves is divided into at least two subnetworks. Each subnetwork comprises parallel branches. Each of theparallel branches terminate at an air supply valve or an air exhaust valve. It is clear that the parallel branches in the air supply valve sub-network terminate at an air supply valve and in the air exhaust valve sub-network at an air exhaust valve. Each sub-network contains an automatic valve for regulating the air flow rate through the sub-network. This is advantageous, for example, to switch off a part of the balanced ventilation system or to set it to a lower air flow rate if a part of a building is not in use, such as a private practice in a home outside opening hours. The automatic valve is controlled automatically, for example, by a control system based on time, based on presence detection and / or based on sensor data, such as but not limited to an amount of CO2 in the air, an amount of volatile organic compounds in the air, a relative humidity, etc. The control system is preferably included in the balanced ventilation system, for example, in the ventilation unit. This is advantageousbecause this also allows a total air supply flow rate and a total air exhaust flow rate to be automatically adjusted if a part of the balanced ventilation system is switched off or set to a lower air flow rate. The automatic valve is characterized. As with a 30 characterized air supply valve and a characterized air exhaust valve, a relationship between flow coefficients and the setting position of the characterized automatic valve is predetermined. This relationship is determined and treated in the same way as was previously described for the characterized air supply valves and the characterized air exhaust valves. An automatic valve may include an indication of the setting positions. However, this is not necessary because the automatic valve is operated by an actuator. When calculating the measured flow coefficients in the network of air supply valves and the network of air exhaust valves in the calculation program, a single value is used for each sub-network current coefficient calculated. This is advantageous because this allows the adjustment ofthe balanced ventilation system can be split into separate sub-problems.10

[068] In a further implementation form, the method includes the additional step of determining in the calculation program a critical air supply valve and a critical air exhaust valve in each of the sub-networks. At the desired air flow rates and at the measured flow coefficient, a pressure drop over a parallel branch with an air supply valve for all parallel branches in a sub-network is greatest for the parallel branch in the sub-network with the critical air supply valves and a pressure drop over a parallel branch with an air exhaust valve for all parallel branches in a sub-network is greatest for the parallel branch in the sub-network with the critical air exhaust valve. The critical air supply valves and the critical air exhaust valve remain fully open in each sub-network after adjustment. This implementation form is very similar to a previously described implementation form in which a critical air exhaust valve a critical air exhaust valve for the entire balanced ventilation system wasdetermined, but where now for each part of the network a critical exhaust valve or25 a critical exhaust valve is determined. As described previously, no adjustment instruction is required for the critical supply valves and the critical exhaust valves either. One of the mentioned critical supply valves is the critical supply valve of the entire balanced ventilation system and one of the mentioned critical exhaust valves30 is the critical exhaust valve of the entire balanced ventilation system, for which the previously given description applies. The given benefits also apply here. 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -26-

[069] This design is additionally advantageous because fewer supply valves and / or exhaust valves need to be adjusted, allowing the adjustment to be performed more quickly. 5

[070] According to a further execution form, the drawing and program calculates a setting for the automatic valves so that after executing the adjustment instructions for each air supply valve and each air exhaust valve at thedesired total air supply flow rates the desired total air exhaust flow rate the air flow rate through each of the air supply valves and the air exhaust valves is equal to the desired air flow rate through the air supply valves and the air exhaust valves, after which the calculated setting is transmitted to the automatic valves.

[071] This configuration is advantageous for guaranteeing the adjustment of a balanced ventilation system with a critical supply valve or a critical exhaust valve that remains fully open. Because there is a critical supply valve or a critical exhaust valve in each subnetwork that remains fully open, it is only possible to regulate the air flow through the critical supply valve or the critical exhaust valve in a subnetwork by changing the setting of the automatic valve of the subnetwork. This configuration is particularly advantageous for achieving an energy-efficient balanced ventilation system. When a subnetwork is switched off or set to a lower air flow rate, thesettings of the automatic valves recalculated and forwarded.25 This does not change the ratios between the air flow rates through the air supply valves or the air exhaust valves in a sub-network, so that these do not need to be readjusted. By recalculating the settings of the automatic valves, the flow coefficient of the entire balanced ventilation system is maximized, whereby a lower pressure difference is required for the same total air flow rate through the balanced ventilation system than if all air supply valves and air exhaust valves in the sub-networks had been adjusted separately. 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -27-

[072] According to a preferred form of execution, the method comprises the additional step of automated measurement by the ventilation unit of the air flow rate in a sub-network of air supply valves and the automated measurement by the ventilation unit of the air flow rate in a sub-network of air exhaust valves. When measuring the air flow rate in the said sub-network, the automatic valves are, to otherSubnetworks enclosed within the same network. The measurement of the air flow rate is as in a previously described implementation form. It is clear that the air flow rate in the subnetwork of air supply valves and the air flow rate in the subnetwork of air exhaust valves can be measured simultaneously. This step can be performed before or after setting an air supply flow rate and an air exhaust flow rate in the ventilation unit. This step is performed in the calculation program before calculating the measured flow coefficients. After the automated measurement of the air flow rate in the said subnetworks, the flow coefficient of the common part of the network of air supply valves and the flow coefficient of the common part of the network of air exhaust valves are calculated. This is possible because an additional equation for the flow coefficient of the common part of the network of air supply valves and the flow coefficient of the common part of the network of air exhaust valves can now be established.be, namely an additional comparison in which all automatic valves, with the exception of one automatic valve, are closed in the same network. Preferably, the automated measurements are repeated for all subnetworks, whereby a different automatic valve in the network is open each time and all other automatic valves are closed. This is advantageous because any measurement errors can thereby be averaged out and the flow coefficient of the common part of the network of air supply valves and the flow coefficient of the common part of the network of air exhaust valves can be calculated more accurately. By calculating the flow coefficient of the common part of the network of air supply valves and / or the flow coefficient of the common part of the network of air exhaust valves, it is now even possible to provide setting positions as adjustment instructions starting from the first characterized air supply valves and the first characterized air exhaust valves.

[073] According to a preferred execution form, the adjustment instructions are displayed in an order that is the reverse of the order in which the air flow rate is measured through each air supply valve and each air exhaust valve. The installer can determine the order in which the air flow rates are measured. The installer will do this automatically in a logical order, covering the shortest possible distance through the building. By providing the adjustment instructions in the reverse order, an automatic, logical, and shortest possible route will also be followed during adjustment, making the adjustment of the balanced ventilation system faster and less labor-intensive. Preferably, all adjustment instructions are generated simultaneously, so that after confirming an adjustment instruction, a subsequent adjustment instruction can be displayed in the user interface and adjustment can proceed more quickly.

[074] In a second aspect, the invention concerns a balanced ventilation system20 in a building.

[075] The balance ventilation system includes a ventilation unit, a networkof air supply valves, a network of air exhaust valves and a user interface.25

[076] Preferably, the balanced ventilation system comprises only one ventilation unit. The ventilation unit comprises a first inlet for supplying fresh air from outside the building, a first outlet for connecting the network of air supply valves, a first fan for the mechanical suction of fresh air along the first inlets and the mechanical movement of fresh air along the first outlet through the network of air supply valves to various rooms in the building, a 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -29- second inlet for connecting the network of exhaust valves, a second outlet for discharging polluted air to outside the building, and a second fan for the mechanical suction of polluted air along the second inlet through the network of air exhaust valves from various rooms in the building the mechanical movement of the5 polluted air along the second exit to the outside of the building. PreferablyThe ventilation unit includes a heat exchanger for exchanging heat from the polluted air to the fresh air. Preferably, the ventilation unit is contained in a single housing. 10

[077] The network of air supply valves and the network of air exhaust valves are separate networks. The network of air supply valves and the network of air exhaust valves comprise air ducts. The air ducts are preferably metal or plastic pipes, preferably with a round or rectangular cross-section. The network of air supply valves and the network of air exhaust valves comprise parallel branches. A branch comprises an air duct and an air supply valve or an air exhaust valve. Each of the parallel branches in the network of air supply valves ends at an air supply valve. Each of the parallel branches in the network of air exhaust valves ends at an air exhaust valve. The network of air supply valves and the network of air exhaust valves comprise one or more distribution points, where parallel branches are connected to the same distribution point.and the network of air exhaust valves form a one- or multi-layer tree structure.25

[078] The user interface is, for example, an interface on a screen of the ventilation unit. The user interface is preferably an interface in an application on a computer, tablet or smartphone. 30

[079] The balanced ventilation system comprises a processing unit. The processing unit comprises a processor or a controller. The processing unit comprises working memory and preferably storage memory. The 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -30- processing unit can be a separate unit that is bidirectionally connected to the ventilation unit. Preferably, the processing unit is contained within the ventilation unit.

[080] The user interface and the processing unit are configured5 to execute a method according to the first aspect.

[081] This balanced ventilation system is particularly advantageous because, due to the presence of the user interface and processing unit, rapid adjustment is possible using a method according to the first stage.10

[082] In one third aspect, the invention concerns a computer program comprising instructions to have the processing unit of the balanced ventilation system according to the second aspect execute the steps of a method according to the first aspect.15

[083] The computer program is advantageous because it allows for a split between steps of a method according to the first aspect in which calculations take place and steps of the method in which interactions with an installer take place. This allows the processing unit to, for example, contain the ventilation unit, whereby certain adjustments can be automated and the installer can, for example, use a user interface on a mobile device.

[084] In a fourth aspect, the invention concerns a computer-readable medium25 on which the computer program according to the third aspect is stored.

[085] The computer-readable medium is, for example, a data carrier such as a USB stick, a CD-ROM, a DVD, a hard drive,… The computer-readable medium can also be a folder on a server in a30network or a folder in a cloud environment be. 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -31-

[086] The computer-readable medium is advantageous for installing a computer program according to the third aspect on a processing unit of a balanced ventilation system according to the second aspect.

[087] In a fifth aspect, the invention concerns a computer program, 5 comprising the instructions to have the user interface of the balanced ventilation system according to the second aspect execute the steps of a method according to the first aspect.

[088] The computer program is advantageous because it allows for a split between steps of a method according to the first aspect in which calculations take place and steps of the method in which interactions with an installer take place. This allows the processing unit to be contained, for example, in the ventilation unit, whereby certain adjustments can be automated and the installer can, for example, use a user interface on a mobile device.

[089] In one sixth aspect, the invention concerns a computer-readable mediumon which the computer program is stored according to the fifth aspect. 20

[090] The computer-readable medium is, for example, a data carrier such as a USB stick, a CD-ROM, a DVD, a hard drive, ... The computer-readable medium can also be a folder on a server in a network or a folder in a cloud environment. The computer-readable medium can also be part of an app store, such as Apple App Store 25 or Google Play.

[091] The computer-readable medium is advantageous for installing a computer program according to the fifth aspect on a user interface of a balanced ventilation system according to the second aspect.30

[092] Although the present invention is illustrated with reference to specific forms of execution, it will be clear to a skilled person that the 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -32- invention is not limited to the details of the previous forms of execution, and that the present invention can be embodied with various changes and modifications without deviating from the scope thereof. The current forms of execution must therefore be considered in all respectsas illustrative and non-restrictive, whereby the scope of the invention is indicated by the attached claims rather than by the description, and all changes that fall within the meaning and equivalence of the claims are therefore intended to be included therein. In other words, it is intended that it includes all changes, variations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the underlying basic principles and the essential features of which are claimed in this patent application. The reader of this patent application will furthermore understand that the words "comprising" or "comprising" do not exclude any other elements or steps and that a single element, such as a computer system, a processor or another integrated unit, may perform the functions of various means mentioned in the claims. Any reference marks in the claims shall not be interpreted as restricting the claims concerned. The terms "first", "second", "third", "a", "b", "c" and the like, when usedintroduced in the description or in the claims to distinguish between similar elements or steps and do not necessarily describe a successive or chronological order. Similarly, the terms "top", bottom", top, bottom" and the like are introduced for descriptive purposes and not necessarily to indicate relative positions. It should be understood that the terms used in this way are interchangeable under subordinate circumstances and that implementation forms of the invention are capable of operating in other sequences or orientations, in accordance with the present invention, which differ from those described or illustrated in the patent application. 30

[093] In what follows, the invention is described by means of non-limiting figures that illustrate the invention, and which are not intended or should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention. 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -33- FIGURE DESCRIPTION

[094] Figures 1A-1B show schematic representations of a network ofair supply or exhaust valves during different steps of the 5 calculation of flow coefficients according to the standard of technology.

[095] The network comprises a ventilation unit(1) and N parallel branches. Each branch terminates at an air supply valve or an air exhaust valve, depending on whether it is a network of air supply valves or a network of air exhaust valves. For the calculation of the flow coefficients, the network in Figure 1A is represented as a parallel connection of a flow coefficient (2) of the first parallel branch, a flow coefficient (3) of the second parallel branch to a flow coefficient (4) of the N- parallel branch. The flow coefficients (2, 3, 4) are a combination of a flow coefficient of the air supply valve or air exhaust valve and a flow coefficient of an air duct in the respective branch. The air supply valves or air exhaust valves are not characterized, making it impossible to calculate a flow coefficient for the air supply valves or air exhaust valves. Air ducts or elements that for all 20Branches that are common are not explicitly taken into account.

[096] Based on a surface area and a type, such as living room, bedroom, ..., a desired air supply or air exhaust flow rate is calculated for each room in which an air supply or air exhaust valve of the network is installed. An air flow rate is set on the ventilation unit that is preferably as close as possible to a total desired air supply or air exhaust flow rate, depending on whether it is a network of air supply valves or a network of air exhaust valves. Subsequently, the air flow rates through each air supply or air exhaust valve in the network are measured. During these measurements, all air supply or air exhaust valves in the network are fully open. In a subsequent step, a ratio between the measured air flow rates and the desired air flow rate is calculated for all air supply or air exhaust valves in the network. An air supply or air exhaust valve with the smallest ratio is the critical air supply orthe critical air exhaust valve of the network. This air supply or exhaust valve remains fully open and is not adjusted. The other air supply or exhaust valves will be adjusted in an order from the second smallest ratio to the largest ratio between the measured air flow rate and the desired air flow rate. For simplicity, in this figure description, this order is equivalent to the order of the parallel branches. Because air ducts or elements common to all branches are not explicitly taken into account, it is not possible to calculate an exact flow coefficient for the parallel branches in the network. Therefore, for the first branch, the branch with the critical air supply or exhaust valve, an arbitrary value for the flow coefficient(2) is assumed. Using these arbitrary values ​​and the desired air flow rates, a desired relative flow coefficient can be calculated for each branch. flow coefficient can be calculated. Using the same arbitrary value and the measured air flow rates, a measured relative flow can be calculated for each task.flow coefficient be calculated.

[097] Adjustment starts with the air supply valve or the air exhaust valve with the second-smallest ratio between the measured and the desired air flow rate. This is the air supply valve or the air exhaust valve in the second parallel branch. In the network in Figure 1A, the value of the desired relative flow coefficient for the second parallel branch is assumed for the flow coefficient(3) of the second parallel branch. For the flow coefficients(4) of the 25 from the third to the N parallel branch, the measured relative flow coefficients are assumed as values. The network is reduced to a network with a total flow coefficient(5) of the network, as shown in Figure 1B. From this total flow coefficient(5), the desired relative flow coefficient for the second parallel branch and the air flow rate set on the ventilation unit(1), an air flow rate is calculated that must be set on the air supply valve or the air exhaust valve in the second parallel branch. After the air supply valve or the air exhaust valve in the second 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -35-Once the parallel branch has been adjusted, the desired relative flow coefficient for the third parallel branch is assumed for the measured relative flow coefficient in the third branch of the network in Figure 1A and a new total flow coefficient (5) for the network in Figure 1A is calculated, from which an adjustable air flow rate for the air supply valve or air exhaust valve in the third branch can then be calculated. This continues iteratively until finally the value of the desired relative flow coefficient is assumed for the flow coefficient (4) and a new total flow coefficient (5) is calculated one last time. After the air supply valve or air exhaust valve in the N-th branch has also been adjusted, the air flow rates through all 10 air supply valves or air exhaust valves in the network are relative to each other. By now correctly setting the air flow rate on the ventilation unit (1), absolutely correct air flow rates can ultimately also be achieved. be obtained. This method has the disadvantage that the air supply or exhaust valves in the network must be in a fixed order.15regulated. A second disadvantage is that if the method is first performed for the network of air supply valves, for example, the method must then be performed again for the network of air exhaust valves, or vice versa. 20

[098] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[099] In the procedure, the procedure is carried out using two different applications. A first application executes a user interface (6)25, while a second application executes a calculation program (7). In Figure 2, a dashed line is drawn between the two applications. The user interface (6) is preferably executed on a mobile device, such as a tablet or a smartphone. It is clear that this can also be executed on a computer or, for example, on a screen on the ventilation unit (1). The calculation program (7) is preferably executed on a processing unit, which is contained in the ventilation unit (1). It is clear that the calculation program can also be executed on a computer, a server or a mobile device. 2025 / 5159BE2025 / 5159 -36- The calculation program and the user interface(6) may optionally be integrated into a single application. In Figure 2, it is assumed that the user interface(6) is executed in an application on a mobile device and the calculation program on a processing unit in the ventilation unit.5

[100] Adjusting the balanced ventilation system starts by fully opening all air supply valves and all air exhaust valves(8). In a first step(9), essential information is entered in the user interface(6) for each room in which an air supply valve or an air exhaust valve of the balanced ventilation system is installed, such as a surface area and / or a type of room. Based on this, an air flow rate is proposed in the user interface(6) for each of the air supply valves and air exhaust valves. Preferably, local regulations and / or standards are taken into account. The proposed air flow rates can be by a15 installerintheuserinterface(6)be confirmed or modified, after whichThe confirmed or modified air flow rates as desired air flow rates are sent to the calculation program(7) and entered. Alternatively, a desired air flow rate could be entered for each of the air supply valves and air exhaust valves. For each of the air supply valves and air exhaust valves, it is also indicated in the user interface(6) whether the air supply valve or air exhaust valve is characterized. From the user interface(6), a first file(10) is sent to the calculation program(7). The first file(10) contains for each air supply valve or air exhaust valve a unique identifier, a desired air flow rate, a function, being the air supply or air exhaust, a type and an indication whether the air supply valve or air exhaust valve is characterized or not characterized.

[101] In a second step(11), a total desired air supply flow rate and a total desired air exhaust flow rate are determined in the calculation program(7).30 Fans of the ventilation unit(1) are determined from the calculation program(7)set, so that the air supply flow rates and the air exhaust flow rate correspond as closely as possible to the total desired air supply flow rates and the total desired air exhaust flow rate respectively. For this purpose, measurement data for the two fans of the pressure as a function of the air flow rate for different voltages across the fans are used. These measurement data are stored in a database(13). The database(13) is stored in the ventilation unit(1), but could also be a database(13) on a network or in a cloud environment.

[102] In a third step(12), the ventilation unit automatically measures an air supply flow rate, an air exhaust flow rate, a pressure drop across the network of air supply valves and a pressure drop across the network of 10 air exhaust valves. For this, the database(13) is used again, but optionally also a database(14). The database(14) is stored in the ventilation unit(1), but could also be a database(14) on a network or in a cloud environment. TheThe database(14) provides for automated valves a relationship15 between flow coefficients and the setting position of the automated valves. The database(14) is therefore only relevant if the network of air supply valves and / or the network of air exhaust valves includes an automatic valve. If a network includes one or more automatic valves, then the automated measurement of an air supply flow rate, an air exhaust flow rate and a pressure drop across the said network from the third step(12) is repeated for all possible combinations of one open automatic valve and all other automatic valves closed. This is advantageous because it allows an exact flow coefficient for a common part of the said network to be calculated. Only when all combinations have been measured is a decision made at a first decision point(15) to proceed to a fourth step(16).

[103] In the fourth step(16), an air flow rate is measured through each air supply valve and each air exhaust valve. If a network of automatic valves30 includes, the automatic valves are fully open. The measured flow ratesare entered in the user interface(6). After this, a second file(17) is sent to the calculation program. The second file(17) 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -38- contains the unique identification of each air supply valve and each air exhaust valve, together with the measured air flow rate. After receiving the second file(17), the measured air flow rates through the air supply valves are added together in the calculation program and likewise for the measured air flow rates through the air exhaust valves and the sum is compared with the total desired air supply flow rate and the total desired air supply flow rate, respectively. The settings on the ventilation unit(1) are scaled so that the air supply flow rates and the air exhaust flow rate now correspond exactly with the total desired air supply flow rates and the total desired air exhaust flow rate. During all subsequent steps of the procedure, the ventilation unit 10 (1) continues to automatically measure and adjust the air supply flow rates and the air exhaust flow rate, so that the air supply flow rate with the total desiredair supply flow rates the air exhaust flow rate continues to correspond with the total desired air exhaust flow rate. 15

[104] The following is a fifth step(18) of the method, which comprises several substeps. In the event that a network contains automatic valves, a flow coefficient for a common part of the said network is calculated in a first substep based on the automated measurements from the third step(12). A 20 subnet contains one automatic valve and several parallel branches connected to the automatic valve. If a network does not contain automatic valves, then the flow coefficient for the common part of the said network is determined, for example as an educated guess or as described earlier. Next, in the first substep, for each 25 characterized air supply valve or characterized air exhaust valve, a measured flow coefficient for an air duct in a corresponding parallel branch is calculated. This is possible because a flow coefficient for afully open characterized air supply valve or characterized air exhaust valve can be looked up in a database(19) of characterized air supply valves and characterized air exhaust valves. The database(19) is stored in the ventilation unit(1), but could also be a database(19) on a network or in a cloud environment 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -39-. For uncharacterized air supply valves and air exhaust valves, a measured flow coefficient is calculated for a combination of the uncharacterized air supply valve or air exhaust valve and an air duct in a corresponding parallel branch. In a second sub-step, for each network, or in the case a network includes automatic valves, a critical air supply valve or a critical air exhaust valve is determined for each sub-network. The critical air supply valve or the critical The air exhaust valve remains fully open and is therefore not adjusted further. In a third sub-step, for each other air supply valve or air exhaust valveusing the flow coefficient of the critical air supply valve,10 respectively the critical air exhaust valve, the flow coefficients of the air ducts in which the characterized air supply valves, respectively characterized air exhaust valves are placed and the desired air flow rates from the first step(9) a desired flow coefficient for each of the characterized air supply valves and each of the characterized15 air exhaust valves and for each of the uncharacterized air supply valves and for each of the uncharacterized air exhaust valves a desired flow coefficient for the combination of the air duct with the air supply or air exhaust valve in the corresponding parallel branch of the network of air supply or air exhaust valves20 is calculated. In a fourth sub-step, adjustment instructions are generated based on the desired flow coefficients for the air supply valves and air exhaust valves. For uncharacterized air supply valves and air exhaust valves, the adjustment instruction is an inteset air flow rate. In the event that a network does not include automatic valves,25 the adjustment instruction for a first characterized air supply valve or air exhaust valve is an air flow rate to be set. It is not yet possible to determine an accurate setting position for the first characterized air supply valve or air exhaust valve. Optionally, a setting position is provided as an indicative adjustment instruction for the first characterized air supply valve or air exhaust valve, which is beneficial for achieving the set air flow rate more quickly. In this format, the adjustment instructions in 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -40- are given in the reverse order of how the air flow rates were measured by the air supply valves and air exhaust valves. However, it is perfectly possible to display all adjustment instructions simultaneously. From the moment a flow coefficient for a common part of a network accuracy is calculated, change setting positions for 5characterized supply valves or characterized exhaust valves in the said network no longer, regardless of the order in which the characterized supply valves and characterized exhaust valves are adjusted. From a second characterized supply valve or exhaust valve, the adjustment instruction is therefore a setting position. An adjustment instruction is sent as a third file (20) to the user interface (6). The third file (20) contains the adjustment instruction, being a setting position and / or an air flow rate to be set, the unique identifiers and optionally the function of the supply valve or exhaust valve.15

[105] In a sixth step (21), the adjustment instruction is displayed in the user interface (6). In a second decision point (22), it is checked whether the adjustment instruction concerns a characterized supply valve or exhaust valve. If not, an installer is instructed to 20 set air flow rate(23). If so, the decision point(24) will be set at the end.check whether automatic valves are present in the network. If this is the case, the flow coefficient for the common part of the network is already accurately calculated and the installer is instructed to set a setting position(25). If not, then in a fourth 25 decision point(26) it is checked whether the adjustment instruction concerns a first characterized air supply valve or air exhaust valve. If this is the case, the flow coefficient for the common part of the network is not yet accurately calculated and the installer is instructed to set an air flow rate(27). If this is not the first characterized30 air supply valve or air exhaust valve, then the flow coefficient for the common part of the network has already been accurately calculated and the installer is instructed again to set a setting point(25). 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -41- After executing a calibration instruction, the installer confirms its execution in the user interface(6). If the network noIf the first characterized air supply or exhaust valve contains automatic valves, the installer also enters the setting position. The user interface (6) sends a fourth file (28) to the calculation program (7), which always contains at least the unique identifier and optionally a setting position and / or a measured air flow rate. If the network does not contain automatic valves and the first characterized air supply or exhaust valve is concerned, the setting position is also sent along in the fourth file (28). This allows the flow coefficient for the common part of the network to be calculated in the fifth step (18), so that from then on a setting position can be given as an adjustment instruction for all other characterized air supply or exhaust valves. 15

[106] It is clear that if a network of single-characterized air supply valves and air exhaust valves comprising the flow coefficient of the common part of the network is accurately calculated, all adjustment instructions can simultaneously as non-changing setting positionsbe displayed. However, it is also possible to simultaneously display air flow rates as adjustment instructions for all uncharacterized air supply valves or air exhaust valves. After an uncharacterized air supply valve or air exhaust valve has been adjusted and the fourth file (28) has been received in the calculation program (7), the fourth sub-step of the fifth step (18) will be performed again, whereby a new air flow rate can be calculated for all uncharacterized uncharacterized air supply valves and air exhaust valves, making it possible in this way to also adjust the uncharacterized air supply valves and air exhaust valves in any order.30

[107] Figures 3A-3C show schematic representations of a network of air supply or air exhaust valves during different steps of the 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -42- calculating flow coefficients according to an implementation form of the present invention.

[108] The network comprises one ventilation unit(1) and N parallel branches.Each branch terminates at an air supply valve or an air exhaust valve, depending on whether it is a network of air supply valves or a network of air exhaust valves. The network comprises an uncharacterized air supply valve or air exhaust valve in the first parallel branch. The remaining parallel branches comprise characterized air supply valves or air exhaust valves. For the calculation of the flow coefficients, the network in Figure 3A10 is represented as a parallel combination of a flow coefficient(2) of the first parallel branch, where the flow coefficient(2) is a combination of a flow coefficient of the uncharacterized air supply valve or exhaust valves and a flow coefficient of an air duct in the branch concerned, with a series combination of a flow coefficient(30) for the characterized air supply valve or exhaust valves and a flow coefficient (29) of an air duct in the second parallel branch, …and with a series combination of a flow coefficient(32) for the characterized air supply valve or exhaust valves and a flow coefficient(31) of aair duct in the N- parallel branch. In this case the network does not include 20 automatic valves. For this parallel connection a current coefficient(33) for a common part of the network has been explicitly taken into account.

[109] After the air flow rates through each air supply valve or exhaust valve in the network have been measured, there are insufficient comparisons to calculate the flow coefficient(33) for the common part. Therefore, a value is determined for this, for example on the basis of a flow coefficient for an air supply for supplying outside air or a flow coefficient for an air discharge for exhausting air, depending on whether it concerns a network of air supply valves or exhaust valves. If necessary, a flow coefficient for a number of meters of air duct is also taken into account. During the measurements of the 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -43- air flow rates, all air supply valves or exhaust valves in the network were again fully opened. By adding up the air flow rates through eachFor each air supply valve or air exhaust valve, an air supply flow rate or an air exhaust flow rate is calculated. Now that the value for the flow coefficient (33) has been determined, it is possible to calculate a measured flow coefficient (34) for all parallel branches together using the air supply flow rate or the air exhaust flow rate, as shown in Figure 3B.

[110] From the measured flow coefficient(34), it is possible, as described for the first part of the fifth step(18) in Figure 2, to determine a measured flow coefficient(35) for the first parallel branch, a measured flow coefficient(36) for the second parallel branch, and a measured flow coefficient(37) for the parallel branch, as shown in Figure 3C. Since the flow coefficients(30,32) of the characterized air supply valves or air exhaust valves in fully open position15 are known, it is possible to also calculate the flow coefficients(29,31) of the air ducts in the second parallel branch using the flow coefficients(36,37). The value of the flow coefficient(2) can be calculated.of the measured flow coefficient(35) are assigned. 20

[111] As described for Figure 2, in a second sub-step of the fifth step(18) a critical air supply valve or air exhaust valve is determined. It is assumed that in Figure 2 this is the air supply valve or air exhaust valve in the second parallel branch. In a third sub-step of the fifth step(18) for each other air supply valve or air exhaust valve, using the flow coefficient(30) of the critical air supply valve or air exhaust valve, the flow coefficients(31) of the air ducts in which the characterized air supply valves or air exhaust valves are placed and the desired air flow rates from the first step(9) a desired flow coefficient for each of the characterized air supply valves or air exhaust valves in each of the 3 to 30 and with N the parallel branches for the uncharacterized air supply valve or air exhaust valve in the first branch a desired flow coefficient for the combination of the air duct with the air supply or air exhaust valve 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -44-calculated. Assuming that the air supply or exhaust valve in the third branch is the first to be adjusted, an adjustable air flow rate will be given for this. After the air flow rate has been set, an adjustment position for this air supply or exhaust valve is known and, because it concerns a characterized air supply or exhaust valve, also a flow coefficient. There is now an additional equation, whereby the flow coefficient(33) for the common part of the network can be calculated accurately. The networks from Figures 3B and 3C can now also be calculated accurately, whereby the adjustment positions of the air supply or exhaust valves in the fourth to N-10 parallel branch in the network can be calculated correctly. These adjustment positions will no longer change, regardless of the order in which the characterized air supply or exhaust valves are adjusted. If an uncharacterized air supply valve or air exhaust valve in the first parallel branch as the last one becomes 15adjusted, the set flow rate will also be immediately correct.

[112] Figures 4A-4B show schematic representations of a network of air supply or air exhaust valves with automatic valves during a step of adjusting a balanced ventilation system according to two different versions of the current invention.

[113] Figures 4A and 4B show the same network of air supply or exhaust valves. The network comprises two sub-networks, each with one automatic valve, represented by a flow coefficient(38) and three parallel branches with characterized air supply or exhaust valves. Each branch is represented by a flow coefficient(39) of an air duct in those branches, a flow coefficient(40) of the characterized air supply or exhaust valve. The network also includes a flow coefficient(33) for the common part of the network.30

[114] The networks in Figures 4A and 4B are regulated in two different ways. In Figure 4A there is one critical air supply or exhaust valve, 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -45-namely the left air supply valve or air exhaust valve in the right sub-network. This means that all other air supply valves or air exhaust valves were adjusted by reducing the size of an air passage formed by the air supply valve or air exhaust valve. The extent to which the size of the air passage was reduced is indicated by a number of slashes. In Figure 4, a critical air supply valve or air exhaust valve is determined in each sub-network, namely the middle air supply valve or air exhaust valve in the left sub-network and the left air supply valve or air exhaust valve in the right sub-network. In order to correctly adjust the middle air supply valve or air exhaust valve in the left sub-network, the size of an air passage of the automatic valve of the left sub-network has now also been adjusted. This is again represented symbolically by a number of slashes.

[115] Figures 5A-5B show schematic representations of the network of 15 air supply or air exhaust valves with automatic valves from Figures 4A-4B after adjusting the balanced ventilation system, with one of the automatic valves fully closed.

[116] In Figures 5A and 5B the right automatic valve is now closed. This is represented by a cross through the flow coefficient(38). In the network in Figure 5B it is now possible to fully open the automatic valve in the left sub-network. Air flow rates through the three air supply or exhaust valves in the left sub-network remain relative to each other, but the air flow rates will be too high. To correct this25 an air supply or exhaust flow rate in the ventilation unit (1) is reduced, causing the balanced ventilation system to consume less energy. Also in the network in Figure 5A, the air flow rates will be too high due to closing the automatic valve in the right-hand part of the network, and this can be corrected by reducing the air supply flow rate or the air exhaust flow rate in the 30 ventilation unit (1). More energy will be needed in the network in Figure 5A to reduce the air supply flow rate or the air exhaust flow rate in theto maintain ventilation unit level, since the total size of the 2025 / 5159 BE2025 / 5159 -46- air passages of the air supply valves in the left sub-network on Figure 5A is significantly smaller than in the left sub-network on Figure 5B, resulting in a greater pressure drop in the network on Figure 5A.

[117] The numbered elements in