Heat recovery ventilation unit with drainage

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a heat recovery ventilation unit (1) having a fresh air flow drainage path and an exhaust air flow drainage path, each of the fresh air flow drainage path and the exhaust air flow drainage path comprising a valve having a valve body and a valve seat, each valve is configured such that the valve body is held in the valve seat in a closed position at least in part due to a negative pressure provided by a ventilation assembly (6) of the heat recovery ventilation unit (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of building ventilation and relates to a heat recovery ventilation unit and the use of such a heat recovery ventilation unit. Background Art

[0002] A heat recovery ventilation unit includes a heat exchanger and typically defines two separate air flow paths, one for incoming fresh air entering the building, and one for outgoing exhaust air leaving the building. Both flow paths are directed through the heat exchanger to enable heat exchange between them. For example, during cooler months, thermal energy from the exhaust air can be transferred to incoming cold fresh air. Thereby, the temperature of the incoming air is increased, and energy consumption of additional building heating systems (such as radiators) can be reduced.

[0003] A problem associated with such units is that if the warmer air flow is full of vaporized liquid, condensation occurs when heat is exchanged with the cooler air flow, which results in the accumulation of condensate inside the unit, which must be removed from the unit. Therefore, common heat recovery ventilation units use a drip tray and a corresponding drain outlet for this purpose. Initially, units usually contained two air flow paths with different configurations, for example, units that only included a single drain flow path that was fluidly connected to one of the air flow paths (such as the exhaust air flow path). Such units have the disadvantage of being cumbersome to use, because during installation, special care must be taken to connect the correct air flow path to the desired duct inside the building to ensure that the exhaust air carrying the vaporized liquid is fluidly connected to the drain flow path. In order to solve this problem, such units have been developed, that is, units that are essentially completely symmetrical. In particular, such symmetrical units are equipped with one drain flow path per air flow path, that is, the drain flow path is fluidly connected to the exhaust air flow path, and the other drain flow path is fluidly connected to the exhaust air flow path. During installation, the user can select which of the two drain flow paths should actually be effective and open toward a common drain outlet. Such units are disclosed, for example, in the applicant's international patent application WO2022 / 018021A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0004] A problem with such units remains that the user has to actively select which of the flow paths is active and available for draining liquid from the unit and therefore also has to manipulate the device accordingly by connecting the correct drain flow path to the drain outlet, at least during its installation.

[0005] Furthermore, in order to avoid malfunctions or unwanted odor exposure, it is desirable that one or both air flow paths and / or one or both drainage paths are not continuously open to the environment, but instead only drain accumulated liquid at specific intervals. Summary of the invention

[0006] Therefore, the general object of the present invention is to improve the prior art regarding heat recovery ventilation units and preferably to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art in whole or in part. In an advantageous embodiment, a heat recovery ventilation unit is provided, which is easier to install and preferably can be used in two configurations without additional manipulation. Therefore, the present invention preferably provides a heat recovery ventilation unit, for which it is irrelevant which air flow path is used as the exhaust air flow path and which air flow path is used as the fresh air flow path, because both air flow paths can be used for this purpose without additional modifications (such as connecting the drain flow path to a common drain outlet). In a further advantageous embodiment, a heat recovery ventilation unit is provided that allows accurate control of liquid release. In other advantageous embodiments, a heat recovery ventilation unit that is easier to manufacture is provided.

[0007] This general object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments result from the dependent claims and from the entire disclosure.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a heat recovery ventilation unit, which includes a unit housing. The unit housing defines a unit compartment. For example, it is possible that some, most or even all of the components of the heat recovery ventilation unit are arranged inside the unit compartment. However, it is also possible that some components or parts of some components are arranged outside the unit compartment. The heat recovery ventilation unit also includes a fresh air flow path and an exhaust air flow path that are in heat exchange contact with each other. For example, both the fresh air flow path and the exhaust air flow path can extend through a heat exchanger such as a plate heat exchanger, which can be included by the heat recovery ventilation unit in this embodiment or any other embodiment. Typically, the fresh air flow path and the exhaust air flow path can be fluidly separated from each other. In addition, the heat recovery ventilation unit includes a ventilation assembly that is configured so that it can provide a negative pressure in the unit compartment. As used herein, the negative pressure is a pressure that is typically lower than the pressure outside the heat recovery ventilation unit (i.e., in the external environment of the heat recovery ventilation unit). For example, the negative pressure can be lower than 1 atmosphere. In addition, the heat recovery ventilation unit includes a fresh air flow drainage path that is configured to collect and discharge liquid from the fresh air flow path. In addition, the heat recovery ventilation unit includes an exhaust air flow drainage path, which is configured to collect and discharge liquid from the exhaust air flow path. The exhaust air flow drainage path is typically separated from the fresh air flow drainage path, however, they can meet each other at a common drainage outlet. Both the fresh air flow drainage path and the exhaust air flow drainage path are fluidly connected to a single common drainage outlet. In addition, each of the fresh air flow drainage path and the exhaust air flow drainage path includes a valve having a valve body and a valve seat. This means that the fresh air flow drainage path has a fresh air flow drainage valve, and the exhaust air flow drainage path has an exhaust air flow drainage valve separated therefrom. Each of the two valves is preferably constructed (i.e., arranged) so that the valve body of the corresponding valve is at least partially or completely maintained in a closed position in its corresponding valve seat due to the negative pressure in the unit compartment provided by the ventilation assembly. This means that each valve is preferably constructed so that when the ventilation assembly provides a negative pressure in the unit compartment, its valve body is pulled or sucked against its valve seat by the negative pressure. It is thereby ensured that the valves remain in their closed position until the provision of negative pressure ceases or until another force acting on the valve body (ie the reaction force) overcomes the force applied by the negative pressure. Thus, better control and a more reliable seal are provided.

[0009] In some embodiments, each of the two valves is preferably configured such that a force vector exerted by a negative pressure in the cell compartment through the venting assembly acting on the valve body is directed towards and / or in the direction of the valve seat.

[0010] It is understood that the term "fluid connection" preferably also includes an air flow path which may be temporarily closed if the corresponding valve is in the closed position, but which may be open if the valve is in the open position.

[0011] In some embodiments, each valve body is arranged downstream of the valve seat, i.e., downstream of its corresponding valve seat. This means that the valve body and the valve seat are arranged so that the liquid flowing from the fresh air flow path to the common drain outlet first passes through the valve seat before it passes through the valve body of the valve. Correspondingly, the valve body and the valve seat are arranged so that the liquid flowing from the exhaust air flow path to the common drain outlet first passes through the valve seat before it passes through the valve body of the valve. The term "downstream" refers to the flow direction of the liquid towards the common drain outlet.

[0012] In some embodiments, each valve seat and common drain outlet are arranged so that liquid passing through the corresponding valve and valve seat flows to the common drain outlet due to gravity. Therefore, the fluid leaving the corresponding valve and flowing to the common drain outlet preferably does not have to flow against gravity.

[0013] In some embodiments, each of the two valve seats of the two valves is arranged at the same level or offset in a first direction (e.g., vertical direction) relative to the common drain outlet. It is understood that the two valve seats are typically aligned with each other, i.e., at the same level and not offset from each other. Typically, the exhaust air flow drainage path and the fresh air flow drainage path are configured so that the liquid flowing toward and then through the valve toward the common drain outlet also approaches the valve seat along the first direction or along a linear path defined by the aligned two valve seats and the common drain outlet, but usually not against the first direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the fresh air flow drainage path, the exhaust air flow drainage path and the common drainage outlet may all be arranged completely or at least partially outside the cell compartment. This may also be the case for a drainage assembly as disclosed herein below.

[0015] It is understood that in the closed position of any one of the valves, liquid is substantially unable (e.g., does not) pass through the corresponding valve. In contrast, in the open position, liquid can pass through the corresponding valve. Each valve is typically arranged within its corresponding air flow drainage path, i.e., the fresh air flow drainage valve is arranged within the fresh air flow drainage path and the exhaust air flow drainage valve is arranged within the exhaust air flow drainage path. Each valve is switchable between its closed position and at least one open position.

[0016] It is also understood that if valves are discussed herein, the disclosure typically refers to each of the two valves, ie, to the fresh air flow drain valve and also to the exhaust air flow drain valve, unless otherwise stated.

[0017] Furthermore, it is clear to the skilled person that the valve seat defines a fluid opening via which a fluid can flow through the valve in an open position of the valve body and which can be completely closed by a corresponding valve body of the valve. Typically, the valve body and the valve seat have corresponding shapes, i.e. they have shapes designed such that they can provide a fluid-tight, in particular liquid-tight, connection in the closed position.

[0018] In some embodiments, the valve seat may be disposed between the corresponding valve body and the unit compartment in which the venting assembly provides a negative pressure.

[0019] In some embodiments, the ventilation assembly includes a fan unit, such as a vortex fan unit. Preferably, the ventilation assembly includes two fan units, wherein one fan unit is arranged inside or associated with the fresh air flow path, and the other fan unit is arranged inside or associated with the exhaust air flow path. The ventilation assembly and in particular the two fan units are typically arranged downstream of the heat exchanger. The ventilation assembly generates a negative pressure, whereby fresh air is sucked from the external environment into the heat recovery ventilation unit via the fresh air inlet of the heat recovery ventilation unit, and the used exhaust air is sucked from the building into the heat recovery ventilation unit via the exhaust air inlet of the heat recovery ventilation unit. In addition, the ventilation assembly is generally configured so that the incoming fresh air is then discharged into the building via the fresh air outlet of the heat exchanger recovery unit, and the used air is discharged to the external environment of the heat recovery ventilation unit via the corresponding exhaust air outlet of the heat recovery ventilation unit. It is understood that the fresh air flow path generally extends between the fresh air outlet and the fresh air inlet, and the exhaust air flow path generally extends between the exhaust air outlet and the exhaust air inlet.

[0020] In some embodiments, the valve and in particular the valve body is configured such that the valve body is further (ie in addition to the negative pressure applied by the vent assembly) held in the closed position in the valve seat by the force of gravity acting on the valve body.

[0021] In some embodiments, particularly in an installation state where the heat recovery ventilation unit is mounted to a wall, floor or ceiling, the force vector of the force originating from the negative pressure provided by the ventilation assembly acting on the valve body and the force vector of the gravity acting on the ball valve (both of which hold the valve body in the closed position) may be arranged at an angle between 0° (i.e., parallel to each other) and 90° to each other, preferably the angle is 0° to 10°, more preferably 0°. In these embodiments, control of the valve is improved.

[0022] In some embodiments, the valve and in particular the valve body is configured such that: if the liquid force (in particular the weight of the liquid) applied to the corresponding valve body of the fresh air flow drain valve or the exhaust air flow drain valve by the liquid present in the fresh air flow drain path or in the exhaust air flow drain path exceeds the holding force, the valve (e.g. the valve body) switches from the closed position to the open position. The holding force originates from the negative pressure provided by the ventilation assembly and optionally also from the gravity that may act on the valve body and may keep the corresponding valve body in its valve seat in the closed position. Therefore, the holding force F M In some embodiments, it may be equal to the force F acting on the valve body due to the negative pressure. P , or it may be defined in some embodiments as a force F P and gravity F G In some embodiments, the holding force F M Can be F P 、F G and additionally the friction force F between the valve body and the valve seat F However, in some embodiments, the friction force may be negligible. The valve and in particular the valve body is configured such that: if the liquid force (eg, the weight of the liquid) F acting on the valve body L Greater than F M , the valve (e.g., valve body) switches from the closed position to the open position. It is clear that the liquid mentioned above is arranged inside the fresh air flow drainage path or inside the exhaust air flow drainage path, and in particular upstream of the corresponding valve of the fresh air flow drainage path or in the exhaust air flow drainage path. Therefore, the liquid can be collected directly upstream of the valve and accumulate. Once the liquid reaches a threshold amount (i.e., mass), F L Becomes greater than F M and the valve body switches from the closed position to an open position in which the liquid flows through the valve and from there to the common drain outlet via which it is discharged from the heat recovery ventilation unit. Once the mass of the liquid drops below a threshold amount (i.e., mass), F L becomes smaller than F M And the valve switches from the open position to the closed position.

[0023] The liquid force is typically derived from, preferably entirely from, the weight of the liquid. Thus, the valve body preferably switches from the closed position to the open position not only because of buoyancy (which forces the valve body to float away from the valve seat), but because of the liquid force (i.e., the weight force exerted by the liquid) pushing the valve body away from the valve seat.

[0024] In some embodiments, the valve and in particular the valve body is configured such that: if the liquid force F exerted on the corresponding valve body by the liquid in the fresh air flow drainage path or the exhaust air flow drainage pathL Drop below the holding force F M , the valve (eg, valve body) switches from an open position to a closed position.

[0025] Typically, switching the valve body between the open position and the closed position comprises moving the valve body relative to its valve seat.In certain embodiments, only the corresponding valve body is moved.

[0026] In some embodiments, each valve is a ball valve, ie, each valve includes a valve ball as a valve body and a corresponding valve seat.

[0027] In some embodiments, each valve, in particular each ball valve, includes or defines a ball-receiving chamber. In these embodiments, the ball-receiving chamber is constructed and / or designed so that the valve ball is held, in particular always held, in the ball-receiving chamber. In addition, in these embodiments, the ball-receiving chamber is constructed and / or designed so that the valve ball can move inside the ball-receiving chamber, in which the valve can switch between an open position and a closed position. For example, a valve (e.g., a ball valve) may include chamber walls that define or define the ball-receiving chamber. The valve ball may be surrounded by these chamber walls. In addition, the chamber walls may define or define a chamber fluid inlet and a chamber fluid outlet, as described herein below.

[0028] In some embodiments, each ball-receiving chamber has a volume that is at least 1.2 times, particularly 1.5 times, more particularly 2 times, the volume of a corresponding valve ball (ie, the valve ball arranged inside the ball-receiving chamber).

[0029] In some embodiments, each ball-receiving chamber has a volume that is at most 5 times, particularly 3 times, more particularly 2 times, the volume of a corresponding valve ball (ie, the valve ball arranged inside the ball-receiving chamber).

[0030] In certain embodiments, each ball-receiving chamber has a volume that is 1.2 to 5 times, particularly 1.2 to 3 times, and more particularly 1.2 to 2 times, the volume of a corresponding valve ball (i.e., the valve ball arranged inside the ball-receiving chamber).

[0031] In some embodiments, each of the two ball-holding chambers includes a chamber fluid inlet. The chamber fluid inlet is defined or delimited by a valve seat. It is understood that if the ball-holding chambers are each defined by, for example, a chamber wall, the valve seat may, for example, be a part of such a chamber wall. In addition, each of the two ball-holding chambers includes a chamber fluid outlet. The chamber fluid inlet and the chamber fluid outlet allow, in the open position of the valve, liquid to flow through the ball-holding chamber via the chamber fluid inlet and the chamber fluid outlet. In the closed position, at least one or even both of the chamber fluid inlet and the chamber fluid outlet are fluidly closed, in particular, at least so that they do not allow liquid to flow through them. As the skilled person will appreciate, in such a closed position, the valve ball may block at least one or even both of the chamber fluid inlet and the chamber fluid outlet. In addition, in the open position, both the chamber fluid outlet and the chamber fluid inlet are fluidly open, for example, at least so that they allow liquid to flow through them. Therefore, in this embodiment or any other embodiment as described herein, the valve and in particular the valve ball and the ball-receiving chamber are preferably configured so that the valve ball can move between a closed position and an open position in the ball-receiving chamber, so that in the closed position, at least one or both of the chamber fluid inlet and the chamber fluid outlet are blocked by the valve ball, thereby preventing liquid from flowing therethrough, and in the open position, the valve ball does not block either the chamber fluid inlet and the chamber fluid outlet, thereby allowing liquid to flow therethrough.

[0032] In some embodiments, each valve is a flap valve, which includes a flap. It should be noted that it is also possible that the two valves are of different types. For example, one of the valves may be a ball valve according to any embodiment as described herein, and one valve may be a flap valve. Alternatively, both valves may be flap valves, or both valves may be ball valves.

[0033] In typical embodiments, the heat recovery ventilation unit comprises only two of the valves as described in any of the embodiments herein.

[0034] The flap valve comprises a valve seat and a corresponding flap. The flap and the valve seat are typically configured so that the flap can completely close or block the opening defined by the valve seat in the closed position of the valve. In order to switch the valve between the open position and the closed position, the flap or at least a part thereof can be moved relative to the valve seat. Thus, in the open position, the opening defined by the valve seat can be uncovered by the flap and thus allow liquid to flow therethrough.

[0035] In some embodiments, the flap valve is configured so that it can be switched from a closed position to an open position by pivoting the entire flap relative to the valve seat or by bending or pivoting only a portion of the flap relative to the valve seat and / or relative to the remainder of the flap.

[0036] In some embodiments, the fresh air flow drainage path and the exhaust air flow drainage path are symmetrical to each other. In particular, the fresh air flow drainage path and the exhaust air flow drainage path are symmetrical to each other relative to a symmetry plane, which may, for example, extend through a common drainage outlet.

[0037] In some embodiments, the recovery unit includes a drain assembly housing. Such a drain assembly housing may include or define a fresh air flow drainage path, and in particular also include or define a valve included by the fresh air flow drainage path. In addition, the drain assembly housing may include or define an exhaust air flow drainage path, and in particular also include or define a valve included by the exhaust air flow drainage path. In addition, the drain assembly housing may include or define a common drain outlet.

[0038] In some embodiments, the drain assembly housing is injection molded. For example, the drain assembly housing can be injection molded as a single piece or multiple pieces connected together.

[0039] In some embodiments, the drain assembly housing defines a fresh air flow drain path inlet and an exhaust air flow drain path inlet, both of which are offset relative to the common drain outlet. It is understood that the fresh air flow drain path inlet allows access to the fresh air flow drain path, and the exhaust air flow drain path inlet allows access to the exhaust air flow drain path. Typically, the valve of the fresh air flow drain path, i.e., the fresh air flow drain valve, is arranged between the common drain outlet and the fresh air flow drain path inlet. Accordingly, the valve of the exhaust air flow drain path, i.e., the exhaust air flow drain valve, is typically arranged between the common drain outlet and the exhaust air flow drain path inlet.

[0040] In some embodiments, the fresh air flow drainage path inlet and the exhaust air flow drainage path inlet are arranged at the same level, such as the same vertical level. That is, the fresh air flow drainage path inlet and the exhaust air flow drainage path inlet are aligned with each other. In contrast, the common drain outlet is arranged to be offset relative to the fresh air flow drainage path inlet and the exhaust air flow drainage path inlet, in particular in a first direction, such as vertically offset.

[0041] In some embodiments, the fresh air flow drainage path and the exhaust air flow drainage path and the common drain outlet are arranged so that liquid can flow between each of the valves (i.e., after having passed through the valves) to the common drain outlet without more than one direction change, in particular without any direction change.

[0042] In some embodiments, the fresh and exhaust air flow drainage paths and the common drain outlet are arranged so that liquid can flow between each of the valves (ie, after having passed through the valves) to the common drain outlet so that it does not have to flow against gravity.

[0043] In some embodiments, the valve body and / or the valve seat are made of a polymer material, in particular an elastomer. The polymer material of the valve body and the polymer material of the valve seat may be the same or different. Elastomeric materials are preferred because they typically provide a better seal and further improve the friction lock between the valve seat and the valve body.

[0044] In some embodiments, the drain assembly and / or the drain assembly housing can be releasably connected to the rest of the heat recovery ventilation unit. As used herein, a releasable connection is a connection that can be repeatedly disconnected and repeatedly reconnected without substantially destroying the structural integrity of the connected element. For example, the releasable connection can be a shape-locking and / or force-locking connection, such as a snap-fit ​​connection, a bayonet-type connection, etc. The drain assembly and / or the drain assembly housing can, for example, be connected to a corresponding connection port defined by the unit housing of the heat recovery ventilation unit, which is open toward the unit compartment, for example, providing a passage to the unit compartment. Therefore, in some embodiments, the drain assembly and / or the drain assembly housing is not arranged inside the unit compartment. Therefore, in such embodiments, the fresh air flow drainage path, the exhaust air flow drainage path and the common drainage outlet and the corresponding two valves are also not arranged inside the unit compartment.

[0045] A second aspect of the invention relates to the use of a heat recovery ventilation unit according to any embodiment as described herein in a building, in particular with respect to the first aspect of the invention. The use may also be a method for ventilating a building, comprising the operation of a heat recovery ventilation unit according to any embodiment as described herein.

[0046] A third aspect of the invention relates to a building comprising a heat recovery ventilation unit according to any embodiment as described herein, in particular with respect to the first aspect of the invention. In some embodiments, the heat recovery ventilation unit is mounted to a wall, ceiling or floor of the building, in particular so that the common drain outlet is arranged in such a way that any liquid can flow from each of the valves of the fresh air flow drain path or the exhaust air flow drain path to the common drain outlet by gravity, in particular only by gravity, preferably directly to the common drain outlet. This means that the liquid does not have to flow between each of the valves and the common drain outlet against gravity.

[0047] In an embodiment where the valve is a ball valve, the heat recovery ventilation unit may be mounted to a wall, ceiling or floor of a building so that liquid flowing out of the valve causes the valve ball to rise against gravity, i.e. liquid flows out from under the valve body and / or from under the valve seat and approaches the valve. Preferably, the valve is arranged so that liquid first flows to and / or through the valve seat before it comes into contact with the valve body, i.e. the valve body is arranged downstream of the valve seat.

[0048] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a drain assembly, in particular a drain assembly as described herein, in particular with respect to the first aspect of the present invention. The drain assembly comprises a drain assembly housing, which comprises or defines a fresh air flow drainage path and an exhaust air flow drainage path and a common drainage outlet. The fresh air flow drainage path and the exhaust air flow drainage path are fluidly connected to the common drainage outlet. Each of the fresh air flow drainage path and the exhaust air flow drainage path comprises a valve having a valve body and a valve seat. In addition, the drain assembly housing defines a fresh air flow drainage path inlet and an exhaust air flow drainage path inlet. It is understood that the valve of the fresh air flow drainage path is arranged between the fresh air flow drainage path inlet and the common drainage outlet, and the valve of the exhaust air flow drainage path is arranged between the exhaust air flow drainage path inlet and the common drainage outlet. In addition, each valve body is arranged downstream of the corresponding valve body of its valve and upstream of the common drainage outlet, that is, it is arranged between the valve seat of the corresponding valve and the common drainage outlet. In addition, it is understood that the valve may be a valve as described in any embodiment herein, in particular with respect to the first aspect of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The invention described herein will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which should not be considered as limiting the invention described in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings are shown as follows:

[0050] Figure 1 is a heat recovery ventilation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A heat recovery ventilation unit wherein portions of the housing are removed;

[0052] Figure 3 is a detailed perspective front view of a drain assembly as it may be used in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A detailed perspective rear side view of the drainage assembly;

[0054] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a drain assembly as it may be used in some embodiments of the present invention, wherein both valve bodies are in a closed position;

[0055] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a drain assembly of , wherein one of the two valve bodies is in an open position;

[0056] Figure 7is a cross-sectional view of another drain assembly as it may be used in some embodiments of the present invention, wherein both valve bodies are in a closed position;

[0057] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of another drain assembly as it may be used in some embodiments of the present invention, wherein one of the valve bodies is in an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A heat recovery ventilation unit 1 is shown. To illustrate the interior of the heat recovery ventilation unit 1, Figure 1 The upper side of the unit housing 2 in Figure 2 It should be noted that the heat recovery unit is shown with its bottom side up, i.e. if the unit were to be mounted to a ceiling it would be turned 180° so that the flat upper part of the unit housing faced the floor.

[0059] The heat recovery ventilation unit 1 comprises a unit housing 2 which defines or delimits a unit compartment 3. Arranged inside the unit compartment 3 is a ventilation assembly 6 which in this embodiment consists of two fan units which are vortex fan units. One fan unit is arranged in a fresh air flow path 4 which extends from a fresh air inlet through the unit compartment 3 to a fresh air outlet, and another fan unit is arranged in an exhaust air flow path 5 which also extends from an exhaust air outlet through the unit compartment 3 to an exhaust air inlet.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment or any other embodiment as described herein, the heat recovery ventilation unit 1 may comprise a heat exchanger 25, such as a plate heat exchanger, which is preferably also arranged inside the unit compartment 3. The exhaust air flow path and the fresh air flow path are in heat exchange with each other, in particular via the heat exchanger 25, i.e. they are configured such that they can exchange thermal energy with each other.

[0061] In addition, the common drain outlet 9 of the drain assembly 26 is visible. As can be seen, the drain assembly 26 can include a fresh air flow drain path in fluid communication with the fresh air flow path 4 and an exhaust air flow drain path in fluid communication with the exhaust air flow path 5 in this embodiment or any other embodiment as described herein. Both the fresh air flow drain path and the exhaust air flow drain path are fluidly connected to the common drain outlet 9 through which accumulated and undesirable fluid can be discharged from the heat recovery ventilation unit 1.

[0062] Figures 3 to 6 A detailed view of the drain assembly 26 is shown, which can be Figure 1 and Figure 2 The heat recovery ventilation unit 1 shown in FIG. Figure 5 It can be seen that the flow path on the right side of the common drain outlet 9 is the fresh air flow drain path 7, and correspondingly, the flow path on the left side of the common drain outlet 9 is the exhaust air flow drain path 8. Each of the fresh air flow drain path 7 and the exhaust air flow drain path 8 includes a valve, namely, a valve 10 in the fresh air flow drain path 7 and a valve 11 in the exhaust air flow drain path 8. Each of these valves includes valve bodies 12 and 13 and corresponding valve seats 14 and 15. In general, it is preferred that the valve bodies 12 and 13 of each valve are arranged downstream of the valve seats 14 and 15 of the corresponding valves 10 and 11, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 The valve body 12, 13 of each valve 10, 11 is preferably arranged in this embodiment or any other embodiment as described herein within the fresh air flow drainage path 7 or within the exhaust air flow drainage path 8, between the valve seat 14, 15 of the corresponding valve 10, 11 and the common drainage outlet 9.

[0063] Both the fresh air flow drain path 7 and the exhaust air flow drain path 8 are fluidly connected to a common drain outlet 9. The common drain outlet 9 and the fresh air flow drain path 7 and the exhaust air flow drain path 8 may be included or defined and / or defined by a drain assembly housing 22. Figures 3 to 6 The entire unit shown in can be referred to as a drain assembly. The drain assembly housing 22 defines a fresh air flow drain path inlet 23, which can provide a fluid connection to the unit compartment 3, particularly to the fresh air flow path 4, in this embodiment or any other embodiment as described herein. Correspondingly, the drain assembly housing 22 also defines an exhaust air flow drain path inlet 23, which can provide a fluid connection to the unit compartment 3, particularly to the exhaust air flow path 5, in this embodiment or any other embodiment as described herein. Therefore, no matter in which air flow path (i.e., in the exhaust air flow path 5 or in the fresh air flow path 4) an undesirable liquid accumulation occurs, the liquid can flow in the corresponding air flow drain path 7 or 8, and from there flow to the common drain outlet 9 via valve 10 or 11, which can be discharged from the unit from the common drain outlet 9.

[0064] Each of the two valves 10 and 11 is configured so that the corresponding valve body 12, 13 is held in its corresponding valve seat (i.e., the valve body 12 is in the valve seat 14, and the valve body 13 is in the valve seat 15) at least partially or substantially also completely due to the negative pressure provided by the ventilation assembly 6 inside the unit compartment 3. Figure 5 In the closed position shown in Figure 5In the embodiment shown in , this is achieved by arranging the valve seat 14 (hereinafter referred to as an element of the exhaust air flow drainage path, but it is obvious that this also applies to elements of the fresh air flow drainage path) between the valve body 13 and the unit cell 3 or the exhaust air flow drainage path inlet 24 providing a fluid connection to the unit cell 3. If a negative pressure is applied to the unit cell 3, the valve body 13 is pulled or sucked downwards onto the valve seat 15 parallel to the gravity and is thus held in the closed position. This is caused by the holding force F M The force vector indicates that the holding force is acting on F M The gravity in the direction of and the force F acting on the valve body due to negative pressure P sum.

[0065] If undesirable fluid accumulates and flows into the exhaust air flow drainage path 8 via the exhaust air flow drainage path inlet 24, when the valve body 13 is in the closed position (see Figure 5 ), it is blocked by valve 11 from flowing to the common drain outlet 9. However, at a certain point, the pressure or liquid force exerted by the liquid on the valve body 13 (at Figure 6 F L When the threshold is reached, the liquid moves the valve body 13 away from the valve seat 15, i.e., the valve body is switched to the position as shown in FIG. Figure 6 , thereby enabling liquid to flow through the valve 11 to the common drain outlet 9 . Figure 6 Once a certain amount of liquid has flowed through the valve 11, the liquid force drops below the threshold again, i.e. it drops below the holding force, and the valve body 13 returns to the closed position in which it is in substantially liquid-tight connection with its valve seat 15.

[0066] exist Figures 3 to 6 In the embodiment shown in , valves 10 and 11 are ball valves. This means that valve bodies 12 and 13 are valve balls. Preferably, in this embodiment or any other embodiment as described herein, valve seats 14 and 15 of such ball valves may have the shape of a frustoconical cone, wherein the opening of the larger diameter faces the valve body.

[0067] Each valve 10 and 11 also includes a ball receiving chamber 16 and 17 (see Figure 6), the corresponding valve bodies 12 and 13 are arranged in the ball receiving chambers 16 and 17, and the ball receiving chambers 16 and 17 are each configured to hold their valve bodies inside the ball receiving chambers. In addition, each receiving chamber 16 and 17 is configured so that its corresponding valve ball can move inside it in such a way that its corresponding valve ball can switch between an open position and a closed position. Typically, in this embodiment or any other embodiment, each of the ball receiving chambers 16 and 17 can be at least partially or completely defined by a chamber wall.

[0068] Each of the two ball-accommodating chambers 16 and 17 includes a chamber fluid inlet 18, 19, which is defined by a corresponding valve seat. This means that if the valve body is in the closed position, the chamber fluid inlet is closed. In addition, each of the two ball-accommodating chambers 16 and 17 includes a chamber fluid outlet 20, 21, through which liquid can flow from the ball-accommodating chambers 16, 17 toward the common drain outlet 9. In this embodiment or any other embodiment as described herein, the chamber fluid inlet 18, 19 and the chamber fluid outlet are smaller than the corresponding valve bodies 12, 13, in other words, they prevent the valve bodies from passing through them. The chamber fluid inlet is arranged so that the liquid flowing through the ball-accommodating chamber from the unit compartment enters the ball-accommodating chamber via the chamber fluid inlet. In addition, the chamber fluid outlet is arranged so that the liquid flowing through the ball-accommodating chamber from the unit compartment leaves the ball-accommodating chamber via the chamber fluid outlet and flows from there to the common drain outlet 9.

[0069] In this embodiment or any other embodiment as described herein, each ball receiving chamber may be disposed between a common drain outlet and either the exhaust air flow drain path inlet 23 or the fresh air flow drain path inlet 22 .

[0070] Figure 7 Another embodiment of a portion of a heat recovery ventilation unit (eg, a drain assembly 26') as it may be used in a heat recovery ventilation unit according to the present invention is shown. Figures 3 to 6In contrast to the embodiment shown in , the drain assembly 26' does not include two ball valves, but rather includes two flap valves 10' and 11'. Likewise, the flap valve 10' is arranged in or included by the fresh air flow drain path 7, and the flap valve 11' is arranged in or included by the exhaust air flow drain path 8. Both the fresh air flow drain path 7 and the exhaust air flow drain path 8 are fluidly connected (i.e., if the valves are in the open position) to a common drain outlet 9. In these embodiments, the two valves are flap valves, which include flaps as valve bodies 12', 13', which are configured to experience a liquid-tight seal with their corresponding valve seats 14', 15'. In the embodiment shown, liquid (indicated by the horizontal line) has accumulated inside the exhaust air flow drain path 8. In addition, in this embodiment, both valves 10' and 11' are configured so that their corresponding valve bodies 12', 13' are at least partially ventilated by a ventilation assembly (not shown, see FIG. 1 ) within the unit compartment 3. Figure 2 ) is held in its closed position in the corresponding valve seat 14', 15' by the negative pressure provided by the vent assembly. However, after a certain amount or volume of liquid has accumulated in front of the valve body 13' (i.e. the flap), the holding force originating from the negative pressure provided by the vent assembly and optionally also from gravity is exceeded by the liquid force exerted by the liquid in the exhaust air flow drainage path 8, and the flap is pivoted to the open position so that liquid can flow through the valve to the common drain outlet 9, where the liquid is discharged from the unit.

[0071] Figure 8 Shown with Figure 7 However, in this case, as can be seen from the figure, the open position of the valve body 13 ', i.e. the flap, is not achieved by pivoting the entire flap, but by pivoting only a portion of the flap, i.e. the lower portion relative to the valve seat and the rest of the flap which remains in its position.

[0072] Name List 1 Heat recovery ventilation unit 2-unit housing 3-unit compartment 4 Fresh air flow paths 5 Exhaust air flow path 6 Ventilation components 7 Fresh air flow drainage path 8 Exhaust air flow drainage path 9Public drainage outlets 10,10' valve 11,11' valve 12,12' valve body 13,13' valve body 14,14' valve seat 15,15' valve seat 16,17 Ball holding chamber 18,19 Chamber Fluid Inlet 20,21 Chamber fluid outlet 22 Drainage assembly housing 23 Fresh air flow drainage path inlet 24 Exhaust air flow drainage path inlet 25Heat exchanger 26 Drainage components.

Claims

1. A heat recovery ventilation unit (1), comprising: a. a unit housing (2) defining a unit compartment (3); b. a fresh air flow path (4) and an exhaust air flow path (5) in heat exchange contact with each other; c. a ventilation assembly (6) configured to provide a negative pressure within the unit compartment (3); d. A fresh air flow drainage path (7) and an exhaust air flow drainage path (8), wherein the fresh air flow drainage path (7) is configured to collect and discharge liquid from the fresh air flow path (4), and the exhaust air flow drainage path (8) is configured to collect and discharge liquid from the exhaust air flow path (5), wherein the fresh air flow drainage path (7) and the exhaust air flow drainage path (8) are fluidly connected to a common drainage outlet (9); wherein the fresh air flow drainage path (7) and the exhaust air flow drainage path (8) are fluidly connected to a common drainage outlet (9); Each of the paths (8) comprises a valve (10, 10', 11, 11'), the valve (10, 10', 11, 11') having a valve body (12, 12', 13, 13') and a valve seat (14, 14', 15, 15'), wherein each valve (10, 10', 11, 11') is configured so that the valve body (12, 12', 13, 13') is maintained in a closed position in the valve seat (14, 14', 15, 15') at least partially due to the negative pressure provided by the ventilation assembly (6).

2. The heat recovery ventilation unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein: Each valve (10, 10', 11, 11') is configured such that the valve body (12, 12', 13, 13') is further retained in the closed position in the valve seat (14, 14', 15, 15') by gravity.

3. The heat recovery ventilation unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Each valve (10, 10', 11, 11') is configured such that: if the liquid force exerted on the valve body (12, 12', 13, 13') by the liquid in the fresh air flow drainage path (7) or the exhaust air flow drainage path (8) exceeds the negative pressure provided by the ventilation component (6) and the holding force optionally further derived from gravity, the valve body (12, 12', 13, 13') switches from the closed position to the open position.

4. The heat recovery ventilation unit (1) according to claim 3, wherein: Each valve (10, 10', 11, 11') and in particular each valve body (12, 12', 13, 13') is configured such that: if the liquid force exerted on the valve body (12, 12', 13, 13') by the liquid in the fresh air flow drainage path (7) or the exhaust air flow drainage path (8) drops below the holding force originating from the negative pressure provided by the ventilation component (6) and optionally also from the gravity, the valve body (12, 12', 13, 13') switches from the open position to the closed position.

5. A heat recovery ventilation unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each valve (10, 11) is a ball valve, wherein the valve body (12, 13) is a valve ball.

6. The heat recovery ventilation unit (1) according to claim 5, wherein: Each valve (10, 11) includes a ball receiving chamber (16, 17) configured such that the valve ball is retained in the ball receiving chamber (16, 17) and the valve ball is movable inside the ball receiving chamber (16, 17), thereby enabling the valve (10, 11) to switch between the open position and the closed position.

7. The heat recovery ventilation unit (1) according to claim 6, wherein: Each ball receiving chamber (16, 17) has a volume at least 1.2 times the volume of the valve ball.

8. The heat recovery ventilation unit (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: Each ball receiving chamber (16, 17) includes a chamber fluid inlet (18, 19) and a chamber fluid outlet (20, 21) defined by the valve seat (14, 15), wherein at least one of the chamber fluid inlet (18, 19) and the chamber fluid outlet (20, 21) is fluidly closed in the closed position and both the chamber fluid inlet (18, 19) and the chamber fluid outlet (20, 21) are fluidly open in the open position.

9. The heat recovery ventilation unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Each valve (10', 11') is a flap valve, wherein the valve body (12', 13') is a flap.

10. The heat recovery ventilation unit (1) according to claim 9, wherein: The flap valve is configured such that it can be switched from the closed position to the open position by pivoting the entire flap relative to the valve seat (14', 15') or by bending or pivoting only a portion of the flap relative to the valve seat (14', 15') and / or relative to the rest of the flap.

11. A heat recovery ventilation unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The fresh air flow drainage path (7) and the exhaust air flow drainage path (8) are symmetrical to each other, in particular symmetrical to each other with respect to a symmetry plane.

12. The heat recovery ventilation unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a drain assembly housing (22), wherein: The drain assembly housing (22) defines the fresh air flow drain path (7), the exhaust air flow drain path (8) and the common drain outlet (9).

13. The heat recovery ventilation unit according to claim 12, wherein: The drain assembly housing (22) is injection molded.

14. A heat recovery ventilation unit according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The drain assembly housing (22) defines a fresh air flow drain path inlet (23) and an exhaust air flow drain path inlet (24), both of which are offset relative to the common drain outlet (9).

15. A heat recovery ventilation unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The valve body (12, 12', 13, 13') and / or the valve seat (14, 14', 15, 15') are made of a polymer material, in particular an elastomer.

16. Use of a heat recovery ventilation unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims in a building, in particular for ventilating the building.

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