Device for adjusting humidity level of heating, ventilation and / or air-conditioning system, and heating, ventilation and / or air-conditioning system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a humidity level adjusting device used for a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system and the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system, the system is configured to adjust the temperature of a volume and comprises at least one air ventilation loop, and the at least one air ventilation loop generates air flow entering the volume. The device comprises:-a humidity sensor configured to measure a humidity level in the volume that is temperature-regulated by the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system; -a water supply (3) leading into the ventilation circuit such that water is vaporized by the air flow generated by the ventilation circuit; the water supply device (3) supplies water according to the value of the humidity level measured by the relative humidity sensor. According to the utility model, the condensate is completely collected so as to be filtered, recycled and reutilized in a loop of a heating, ventilation and / or air-conditioning system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a device for a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system, and more specifically to a device which makes it possible to monitor or adjust the humidity level (especially the relative humidity level) in a space or volume, the temperature of which is adjusted by such a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system. Background Art

[0002] In practice, a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system is activated and monitored by only one parameter, such as the temperature measured in the volume (such as a room, container, house, building, etc.) of which said system regulates the temperature.

[0003] Some HVAC systems include sensors capable of measuring other parameters or physical quantities, but no system includes a standalone device that enables the humidity rate of a heat conditioned volume to be regulated or actively monitored by the HVAC system.

[0004] Furthermore, in standard heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning systems (such as air conditioners), there is only a condensate drain to remove condensed water from the internal cold surfaces of the system (e.g., some surfaces of the heat exchanger). Naturally, this leads to a decrease in the relative humidity in the volume under thermal regulation of such a system.

[0005] Unfortunately, if the climate is dry (e.g., in desert regions, barren regions, cold regions, etc.), this emission of condensate (usually all) is excessive and causes a decrease in relative humidity below a comfortable value for humans; e.g., the air becomes too dry and may cause respiratory problems for humans. This can also lead to undesirable and potentially harmful side effects, such as an increase in electrostatic discharge.

[0006] In the case of hot and humid countries (for example, in tropical areas), heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning systems usually include at least one device to dry the incoming fresh air (that means the air coming from the outside) in order to prevent excessive condensation of water in the conditioned volume. In fact, the presence of water droplets promotes the development of mold, fungi or bacteria in the air ducts and in the volume whose temperature is regulated by such a system, for example in the case of rooms, shutters, ceilings, walls, etc. in houses.

[0007] This air drying requirement is expensive and often results in expensive maintenance costs. Utility Model Content

[0008] The present invention therefore aims to remedy at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages by means of a novel device for regulating the humidity level (for example the relative humidity level) of a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system, said system being configured to regulate the temperature of a volume and comprising at least one air ventilation circuit generating an air flow into said volume, said device comprising:

[0009] - a humidity sensor or a relative humidity sensor configured to measure the humidity level in said volume whose temperature is controlled by said heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system;

[0010] - a water supply leading to said ventilation circuit so that water is evaporated by the air flow generated by said ventilation circuit;

[0011] wherein the water supply device brings in water according to the value of the humidity level measured by the relative humidity sensor.

[0012] According to a possible feature, the water supply device is configured to bring in water from condensate, either from a condensate removal circuit of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system or directly from a surface on which water condenses. It should be noted that condensate refers to the fact that moisture (or water) in the air condenses into liquid water (usually droplets), for example when in contact with a cold surface.

[0013] According to another possible feature, the water supply device is configured to bring water from a water circuit (e.g. from the water supply network of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system), a water supply system (preferably directly) and / or a water tank (e.g. an internal or external tank).

[0014] According to another possible characteristic, the water supply means comprise a valve configured to regulate the amount of water supplied for evaporation by the air flow generated by the ventilation circuit.

[0015] According to another possible characteristic, the valve comprises means for supplying water by vaporization or evaporation, or a dripping type device.

[0016] According to another possible feature, the valve is arranged vertically and comprises an electromagnet configured to monitor the opening and / or closing of the valve. The valve may also comprise a spring (eg in combination with a valve flap) to close the valve after being opened by the electromagnet.

[0017] According to another possible characteristic, the valve comprises a dimensioned orifice of the “restrictor” type, a laminar flow tube and / or a filter. Advantageously, the valve is equipped with a filter to protect the laminar flow tube or the dimensioned orifice from possible impurities in the water.

[0018] According to another possible characteristic, the water supply comprises a tank to hold water coming from the water supply. When the water brought into the tank results from the recovery of condensate (directly or through a dedicated condensate recovery circuit), the tank is usually called a "condensate recovery tank".

[0019] According to another possible characteristic, the box comprises foam, sponge or porous material. Advantageously, the foam, sponge or porous material placed in the box makes it possible to more easily re-evaporate the condensate into the air flow generated by the ventilation circuit of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system.

[0020] According to another possible characteristic, the tank comprises an overflow system to drain excess water when the water exceeds a preset amount or level. For example, in the case of condensate, the overflow system is an overflow hole integrated at the level of the tank; this makes it possible to drain excess condensate before the water overflows from the condensate recovery tank.

[0021] According to another possible characteristic, the water supply means comprise a sprinkler and / or a pipe configured to deliver water to a preset area of ​​the tank. The water supply means advantageously comprise items making it possible to supply water to an area of ​​the tank where its evaporation will be accelerated by the airflow from the ventilation circuit.

[0022] According to another possible characteristic, the regulating device comprises an electronic monitoring unit configured to monitor the amount of water brought in by the water supply as a function of the humidity value measured by the humidity sensor. For example, the monitoring unit makes it possible to define or adjust a set point for the humidity rate, wherein the unit is coupled to the humidity sensor and to the water supply so as to regulate the water so as to reach a predefined set point.

[0023] According to another possible characteristic, the monitoring unit is located in the heating, ventilation and / or air-conditioning system or in a volume temperature-regulated by the heating, ventilation and / or air-conditioning system, for example in an interface box.

[0024] The utility model also relates to a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system, wherein the system comprises at least a ventilation circuit, and the system comprises the regulating device for humidity rate as described above.

[0025] According to another possible feature, the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system comprises a phase change material configured to store or release calories.

[0026] The utility model collects all the condensate to filter, recirculate and reuse in the loop of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The present invention will be better understood and other objects, details, features and advantages will appear more clearly in the following description of specific embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are introduced only for illustration and not for limitation, in which:

[0028] - Figure 1 A schematic typical partial cross-sectional view of a humidity regulating device according to the utility model is shown;

[0029] - Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A schematic typical partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a humidity conditioning device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In the following description, the word "include" is a synonym for "comprising" and is not limiting, meaning that it allows for other items to be present in the vehicle or structures related thereto. It should be understood that "include" includes the word "present in". Furthermore, it should be noted that in the various drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar items.

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic typical partial cross-sectional view of a humidity regulating device 1 according to the present invention is shown. It is worth noting that such a regulating device 1 is designed to be installed in (or equipped with) a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system (not shown).

[0032] Such a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system is configured to regulate the temperature of a volume or space, such as a room, a container, a house, a building, etc. To this end, the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system comprises at least one heat exchanger, a fluid circuit and a ventilation circuit configured to generate an air flow at a given temperature after circulating through the heat exchanger of the system (item not shown).

[0033] The fluid circuit of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system is configured so that a fluid (e.g., water) flows through at least one heat exchanger to receive or generate calories with air flowing through at least one of the heat exchangers. Thus, the airflow is thermally conditioned before reaching the volume. Thus, due to the airflow, the system regulates the temperature in the volume.

[0034] It should be noted that in one embodiment, the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system includes a phase change material configured to store or release calories from an air flow and / or from a fluid flowing through the fluid circuit of the system.

[0035] The humidity regulating device 1 comprises:

[0036] - a humidity sensor (not shown) (e.g., a relative humidity sensor) configured to measure the relative humidity level in the volume whose temperature is controlled by the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system;

[0037] - water supply means 3 configured so that water is evaporated by the air flow generated by the ventilation circuit;

[0038] Furthermore, the water supply device 3 is configured to bring water into the air flow generated by the ventilation circuit, depending on the value of the humidity level (or relative humidity level) measured by the humidity sensor.

[0039] The regulating device 1 also comprises an electronic monitoring unit (not shown) configured to monitor the amount of water brought in by the water supply 3 according to the humidity value measured by the humidity sensor. Thus, thanks to the electronic monitoring unit, the level or rate of humidity can be regulated.

[0040] The monitoring unit is for example located in the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system or in a volume whose temperature is regulated by the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system, for example in an interface box located in a room. The electronic monitoring unit comprises for example a card or a microcontroller, wherein an algorithm makes it possible to regulate the relative humidity by monitoring the water supply (and its subcomponents) and the humidity sensor.

[0041] Thus, when the humidity rate is below the comfort threshold (typically 25% to 30% relative humidity), the water supply 3 delivers water evaporated by the air flow generated by the ventilation circuit. When the set relative humidity level is reached, the water supply 3 stops supplying water, but restarts supplying water if the relative humidity rate drops again. It should be noted that disturbances regarding the relative humidity level come mainly from the spontaneous or involuntary entry of air from the outside into the volume for heating or thermal conditioning.

[0042] In particular, the water supply 3 is configured to bring in water from one or several different sources:

[0043] -from Figure 1 A water circuit 5 is partially visible, for example from a water supply network, a water supply system and / or an (internal or external) water tank of the heating, ventilation and / or air-conditioning system.

[0044] - from the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system Figure 2 The condensate removal circuit 7 is partially visible in the middle.

[0045] Furthermore, the water supply device 3 comprises a valve 9 configured to regulate the amount of water supplied to be evaporated by the air flow generated by the ventilation circuit.

[0046] The valve 9 comprises, for example, a conduit 9a for a fluid (here water), the valve being provided with: a valve flap; and an electromagnet 9b or actuator configured to open the valve flap to allow water to flow; and a spring (not shown) configured to return the valve flap (not shown) to a closed position (when the electromagnet is no longer operative).

[0047] The valve 9 may also include means for supplying water by vaporization / evaporation, a dripping device, a dimensioned orifice of the "restrictor" type, a laminar flow tube 9c and / or a filter 9d. Advantageously, the valve 9 makes it possible to monitor the amount of water supplied for evaporation by the air flow generated by the ventilation circuit.

[0048] In addition, if Figure 2 As can be seen in particular in FIG. 1 , the water supply means 3 may comprise a tank 11 to contain the water coming from said valve 9. Advantageously, said tank 11 comprises foam, sponge or a porous material.

[0049] It should be noted that the tank 11 is particularly advantageous when there is direct recovery of condensate, meaning that the tank 11 is located below the surface of the heat exchanger where the water condenses, wherein the water eventually falls by gravity and / or under the effect of an air flow into the condensate recovery tank 11. However, the humidification device 1 may also comprise a tank 11 when the water is introduced via a valve 9 connected to a water source or a condensate removal circuit.

[0050] Therefore, regardless of the embodiment, the tank may include an overflow system 13 to drain excess water when the water exceeds a preset volume or level.

[0051] More specifically, the overflow system 13 is, for example, an overflow hole located at the level integrated into the tank 11 , in order to drain excess condensate before the water overflows from the condensate recovery tank 11 .

[0052] Furthermore, the water supply device 3 may advantageously comprise a sprinkler and / or a pipe configured to deliver water to a predetermined area of ​​the tank 11 .

[0053] Therefore, in wet areas and in air conditioning mode, the air in the room repeatedly contacts the heat exchanger or the phase change material of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system to be cooled. As a result, the moisture in the air condenses on the surface of the heat exchanger or the surface of the container of the phase change material.

[0054] This condensed water is carried to the condensate recovery tank 11 both directly by gravity and under the effect of the airflow generated by the ventilation circuit, or thanks to a condensate removal system; the water collected in said tank then evaporates again into the ventilation airflow to keep the relative humidity level of the room substantially constant.

[0055] However, if no fresh air from the outside is provided to the room and if the drain is closed, the humidity rate remains constant by re-evaporating the condensate into the air flow of the unit. However, if the condensate is drained (through a drain) to the outside, the humidity rate decreases. Therefore, when a preset value of relative humidity is reached, the conditioning device 1 is configured to close the drain hole, for example due to an electronic monitoring unit, which allows the relative humidity level to stabilize at the preset value.

[0056] The invention is also advantageously applied in the context of domestic farming (e.g. vertical farming). In fact, in particularly dry areas, the condensate is preferably collected in its entirety for filtration, recycling and reuse in the circuits of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning systems, in the circuits of the phase change material and / or in the circuits of the plant watering.

[0057] In fact, the excess relative humidity generated by plant watering can be collected by suitable methods and can be recycled. In addition, the excess watering can also be filtered for reuse.

Claims

1. A device for regulating the humidity level of a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system, the system being configured to regulate the temperature of a volume and comprising at least one air ventilation circuit generating an air flow into the volume, characterized in that The device comprises: - a humidity sensor configured to measure the humidity level in the volume whose temperature is controlled by the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system; - a water supply (3) which opens into the ventilation circuit so that water is evaporated by the air flow generated by the ventilation circuit; The water supply device (3) brings in water according to the value of the humidity level measured by the relative humidity sensor.

2. The humidity level regulating device for a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water supply is configured to bring in water from the condensate.

3. The humidity level regulating device for a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The water supply device is configured to bring in water from a water circuit.

4. The humidity level regulating device for a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water supply device comprises a valve configured to regulate the amount of water supplied for evaporation by the air flow generated by the ventilation circuit.

5. The humidity level regulating device for a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve includes a device that supplies water by vaporization or evaporation, or a drip-type device.

6. The humidity level regulating device for a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The valve is arranged vertically and comprises an electromagnet configured to monitor the opening and / or closing of the valve.

7. The humidity level regulating device for a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The valve includes a sized orifice of the "restrictor" type, a laminar flow tube and / or a filter.

8. The humidity level regulating device for a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water supply device (3) comprises a tank (11) to hold the water from the water supply device (3).

9. The humidity level regulating device for a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The box (11) comprises foam, sponge or porous material.

10. The humidity level regulating device for a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The tank (11) includes an overflow system (13) to discharge excess water when the water exceeds a preset water volume or level.

11. The humidity level regulating device for a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The water supply device (3) comprises a sprinkler and / or a pipe configured to deliver the water to a predetermined area of ​​the tank.

12. The humidity level regulating device for a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The regulating device (1) comprises an electronic monitoring unit configured to monitor the amount of water brought in by the water supply device (3) based on the humidity value measured by the humidity sensor.

13. The device for regulating the humidity level of a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system according to claim 12, characterized in that: The monitoring unit is located in the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system or in the volume whose temperature is regulated by the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system, for example in an interface box.

14. A heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system, comprising at least a ventilation circuit, characterized in that: The system comprises a regulating device (1) for the humidity rate according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system according to claim 14, characterised in that The system includes a phase change material configured to store or release calories.

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