Heat recovery air handling unit

CN224932922UActive Publication Date: 2026-11-03VENTILATION SYSTEMS PRIVATE JOINT CO
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202522253419.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-12-26
Filing Date
2025-10-24
Publication Date
2026-11-03
Estimated Expiration
2035-10-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing heat recovery air handling units suffer from problems such as low air heat exchange efficiency, poor air exchange performance, insufficient wind load resistance, easy freezing, condensate accumulation, lack of preheating and reheating functions, complex design and inconvenient maintenance.

Method used

It employs counter-flow or cross-flow plate heat exchangers and incorporates a fan structure to enhance air exchange performance; preheating and reheating heaters are installed in the inlet and outlet of the air inlet duct, respectively; a condensate drainage system is provided to prevent freezing; the internal modules include removable fan, damper, and filter modules to simplify maintenance; and baffles are installed in the internal modules to prevent airflow mixing.

Benefits of technology

It achieves efficient air heat exchange, improves air exchange performance, prevents system freezing, ensures comfortable intake air temperature, and simplifies the unit's maintenance process.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to ventilation equipment, concretely relates to heat recovery air handling unit. The heat recovery air handling unit includes outside module and inside module, outside module has outside air inlet grille and outside air outlet grille, inside module has plate heat exchanger, inside air inlet grille and inside air outlet grille, first filter, air outlet duct entrance cavity, air outlet duct exit cavity, air inlet duct entrance cavity, air inlet duct exit cavity and the baffle between air outlet duct entrance cavity and air outlet duct exit cavity and between air inlet duct entrance cavity and air inlet duct exit cavity respectively, and the air inlet fan and air outlet fan of forming reverse airflow, wherein the air inlet fan is located in the air inlet duct entrance cavity, and the air outlet fan is located in the air outlet duct exit cavity, and its characterized in that: it contains condensate water discharge system, and the inside module includes wall part and wall inner part, wherein the wall inner part contains module, and the air inlet fan and air outlet fan are installed in the module.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to ventilation equipment, specifically to a supply and exhaust ventilation system with heat recovery, and can be installed in residential and special-purpose locations. Background Technology

[0002] Existing technologies disclose a variety of technical solutions, shapes, and structures designed for natural ventilation in residential and commercial buildings.

[0003] The drive to find optimal ventilation system solutions stems from the goal of designing buildings to ensure maximum energy efficiency. However, increasing a building's energy efficiency coefficient (EEC) correspondingly reduces the natural self-regulating capacity of the indoor climate. In other words, in such buildings, the use of central heating, the operation of numerous household appliances, and other modern technological factors can lead to severely dry indoor air. This, in turn, creates favorable conditions for the development of allergies and respiratory complications or diseases.

[0004] In spring and summer, energy-efficient buildings struggle to effectively remove excess moisture, hindering natural indoor air circulation and creating favorable conditions for the growth of mold and harmful microorganisms.

[0005] This situation is already well-known. Therefore, in many developed countries, medical institutions recommend frequent ventilation of premises. Most countries have implemented regulations governing air exchange systems.

[0006] Ventilation is primarily achieved by opening windows, allowing natural air circulation within the room. However, relying solely on window ventilation can cause several inconveniences. In particular, open windows can significantly cool a room in winter due to their surface area, while in summer they can lead to overheating. Consequently, this requires a significant amount of energy to maintain acceptable and comfortable working and living conditions. Therefore, continuous efforts are being made to develop and improve ventilation systems.

[0007] A known heat recovery air handling unit [Ukrainian Patent No. 146223, F24F7 / 00, F28F13 / 14, dated January 27, 2021] comprises a heat exchanger with ductwork, a fan, and a heat exchanger, which are interconnected and installed in the wall between the outer and inner surfaces of a room. Two straight concentric cylinders are installed in the opening between the outer and inner surfaces of the room, and an Ω-shaped (cross-section) corrugated heat exchanger is fixed between them on the outer surface of the inner cylinder. Furthermore, an external fan and an internal fan are mounted opposite each other on the inner surfaces of the cylinders. The system opening is equipped with corresponding outer and inner covers, wherein the inner cover is equipped with an air inlet grille and an internal air outlet slot with an air diffuser. The outer cover is also equipped with a condensate drain outlet extending beyond the plane of the outer wall, an air inlet grille, and a corresponding grille for the exhaust of internal air.

[0008] The disadvantage of this heat recovery air handling unit is its low air heat exchange efficiency. As air passes along the heat exchange surface of the corrugated heat exchanger, the cuts in the grooves of the heat exchanger reduce the heat exchange area. The low air exchange performance is due to an imbalance in the airflow within the system.

[0009] In addition, a drawback is the lack of wind load resistance. Because the external module is open, it cannot provide wind protection for the exhaust ducts, leading to the risk of the unit freezing at sub-zero temperatures.

[0010] Because the structure does not allow for the installation of mature heaters and filter elements, and the power supply is located within the room module, additional heating to the heat exchanger cannot be provided. The heat exchanger's design leads to excessive condensation and may cause the system to freeze.

[0011] A known heat recovery air handling unit [European Invention Application No. 23219860, dated December 22, 2023, F24F12 / 00; F24F7 / 08; F28D21 / 00; F28F9 / 02; dated August 21, 2024] is designed for installation in the exterior wall of a building. The system includes an internal module and an adjacent heat exchange module consisting of a cylindrical corrugated heat exchanger having multiple heat exchange air channels arranged along the heat exchanger's axis of symmetry. These air channels have the same cross-section and are adjacent to each other, thereby forming a continuous corrugated heat exchange section volume. A first separator and a second separator are provided to separate and guide the exhaust airflow and supply airflow in opposite directions within the heat exchange air ducts. The first and second separators are attached to two end faces of the heat exchanger and mounted along the heat exchanger's axis of symmetry. A first fan and a second fan, with their housings adjacent to the first and second separators respectively, are mounted at the ends of the separators facing away from the heat exchanger. The axis of one fan is parallel to the axis of another fan, but not on the same axis.

[0012] The disadvantages of this heat recovery air handling unit are low air heat exchange efficiency and poor air exchange performance. The heat exchanger design leads to excessive condensation, which may limit the use and operation of the system, or result in poor removal of condensate from the system, which may cause the system to freeze in cold seasons.

[0013] A known heat recovery air handling unit [https: / / zehnder.com.ua / decentralized-ventilation / comfoair70] is considered the closest prior art. It includes an external module with an external air inlet grille and an external air outlet grille, and an internal module. The internal module has a plate heat exchanger, an internal air inlet grille and an internal air outlet grille, a filter, an exhaust duct inlet chamber, an exhaust duct outlet chamber, an air inlet chamber, an air inlet chamber, and an air inlet chamber, as well as partitions located between the exhaust duct inlet chamber and the air inlet chamber and between the exhaust duct outlet chamber and the air inlet chamber, respectively, and multiple fans that form reverse airflow, wherein some fans are located in the air inlet chamber and some fans are located in the exhaust duct outlet chamber.

[0014] The drawbacks of this closest existing technology are as follows: - The lack of a condensate drainage system, such as a condensate collection tank, a pump to drain condensate from the system, or a drain channel, can lead to excessive condensate buildup and potentially cause the system to freeze in cold climates.

[0015] - There is no heater in the air intake duct for preheating the air, which is necessary to prevent condensation.

[0016] - There are no heating elements in the air intake duct outlet for reheating air, which is used in cold climate countries to ensure a comfortable intake air temperature; - The interior of the modules lacks filters, allowing contaminated air and insects to enter the system and the room; - The unit's complex design makes maintenance during operation difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0017] The purpose of this utility model is to create a heat recovery air handling unit, wherein: - Achieve high levels of air heat exchange efficiency by placing counter-flow or cross-flow plate heat exchangers in internal modules; - The structural layout of the fan ensures a high level of air exchange performance; - By installing partitions in the internal module, between the exhaust duct inlet and the inlet duct and between the exhaust duct outlet and the inlet duct outlet, airflow mixing is prevented; - By placing the heater for preheating the air and the heater for reheating the air completely in the inlet and outlet chambers of the air inlet duct, respectively, the maximum efficient heat transfer from these heaters is achieved. - By using a condensate drainage system, namely: a condensate collection tank and a channel for draining condensate from the system, or a channel for draining condensate from the system, or a pump for draining condensate from the system, or a pump and channel for draining condensate from the system, or an evaporator, excessive condensate buildup and subsequent system freezing can be prevented in cold climate countries. - The presence of filters prevents contaminated air and insects from entering the system and the room; - Improved ease of maintenance during operation is achieved through the easy disassembly of modules containing the internal fan, dampers, valves, and filters.

[0018] The objective is achieved as follows: A heat recovery air handling unit includes an external module and an internal module. The external module has an external air supply grille and an external air exhaust grille. The internal module includes a plate heat exchanger, an internal air inlet grille and an internal air exhaust grille, a first filter, an exhaust duct inlet chamber, an exhaust duct outlet chamber, an air inlet chamber, an air inlet chamber, and an air inlet chamber, as well as partitions located between the exhaust duct inlet chamber and the exhaust duct outlet chamber, and between the air inlet chamber and the air inlet chamber, respectively. A fan is also included to generate reverse airflow. The first fan is located in the air inlet chamber, and the second fan is located in the exhaust duct outlet chamber. The system includes a condensate drainage system, and the internal module includes an upper wall portion and an inner wall portion, wherein the inner wall portion contains a module in which the fan is installed.

[0019] In one embodiment of the problem, the module in the heat recovery air handling unit that houses the fan is detachable.

[0020] In another embodiment of the problem, the module with the fan installed in the heat recovery air handling unit also includes mechanical dampers and / or gravity valves.

[0021] In yet another embodiment of the problem, the module in which the fan is installed in the heat recovery air handling unit also includes at least one second filter.

[0022] The problem is further solved by the fact that in this heat recovery air handling unit, the air inlet duct contains a heater for preheating the air.

[0023] In yet another embodiment of the problem, in the heat recovery air handling unit, the air inlet duct outlet includes a heater for reheating the air.

[0024] The problem is further addressed by the fact that the inner wall portion of the internal module in this heat recovery air handling unit has an insulated outer shell.

[0025] Furthermore, the problem is solved by the fact that in this heat recovery air handling unit, the condensate discharge system is a channel for discharging condensate from the system.

[0026] Similarly, the problem is solved by the fact that in this heat recovery air handling unit, the condensate discharge system is a condensate collection tank and a channel for discharging condensate from the system.

[0027] Another embodiment for solving the problem is that, in the heat recovery air handling unit, the condensate discharge system is a pump used to discharge condensate from the system.

[0028] Another embodiment for solving the problem is: in the heat recovery air handling unit, the condensate discharge system is a pump and channel for discharging condensate from the system.

[0029] As another embodiment of the solution to the problem: in the heat recovery air handling unit, the condensate discharge system is a condensate collection tank with an ultrasonic evaporator.

[0030] One embodiment for solving the problem is that an air humidity sensor is also provided in the heat recovery air handling unit.

[0031] Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the problem is solved by the fact that the length of the inner portion of the internal module is adjusted during installation using an insulated outer shell, depending on the wall thickness.

[0032] The proposed heat recovery air handling unit differs from the closest existing technology in that it has the following features: - The easily removable module, which includes a fan, dampers, valves and filters, improves the ease of maintenance of the unit during operation without disassembling the system itself.

[0033] - A full-function heater for preheating air and a heater for reheating air are located in the inlet and outlet chambers of the air inlet duct, respectively. Their presence ensures the most efficient heat transfer from them.

[0034] - A condensate drainage system that prevents excessive condensate buildup and subsequent system freezing in cold climates.

[0035] - A filter that prevents contaminated air and insects from entering the system and the room.

[0036] By using the proposed invention, a heat recovery air handling unit is created that ensures high heat exchange efficiency and high air exchange performance, and simplifies the maintenance of the unit during operation without disassembling the system itself. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The technical essence of this utility model is illustrated by the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 —Overall view of the heat recovery air handling unit; Figure 2 —A schematic diagram of a heat recovery air handling unit; Figure 3 —A schematic diagram of a heat recovery air handling unit with additional components and depicting the flow of hot and cold air; Figure 4 —View of the heat recovery air handling unit during system maintenance; Figure 5 —View of the other side of the detachable module.

[0038] exist Figures 1 to 5 The following components are labeled in the text: 1—Heat recovery air handling unit 2—Internal Modules 2A—Wall portion of the internal module 2B—Inner wall portion of the internal module 3—Inlet Fan 11—Exhaust Fan 4—External Modules 5—Plate Heat Exchanger 6—Exhaust duct entering the oral cavity 7—Exhaust duct outlet 8—Air inlet duct into the oral cavity 9—Air inlet duct outlet 10—Partition 12—Mechanical damper 13—Gravity Valve 14—Air preheating element 15—Reheat Element 16—First Filter 28—Second Filter 17—Insulated outer shell 18—Condensate Drainage Channel 19—Condensate Collection Box 20—Module 21—Internal air intake grille 22—Internal ventilation grille 23—External air intake grille 24—External ventilation grille 25—Ultrasonic Evaporator 26—Condensate Drain Pump Detailed Implementation The heat recovery air handling unit 1 consists of an internal module 2 and an external module 4. The internal module 2 typically comprises an upper wall portion 2A and an inner wall portion 2B. The inner wall portion 2B of the internal module 2 is enclosed by an insulated shell 17, which reduces heat transfer to the surrounding structure (walls) and improves the system's noise reduction performance (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 1 Meanwhile, the inner wall portion 2B of the internal module 2 includes a module 20, which internally houses an intake fan 3 and an exhaust fan 11, a mechanical damper 12 and / or a gravity valve 13, and at least one second filter 28.

[0039] The vertically mounted module 20 is detachable, and maintenance can be performed from the front of the heat recovery air handling unit 1 after removing the access panel. Therefore, routine maintenance of the heat recovery air handling unit 1 can be carried out indoors without disassembling the unit itself.

[0040] The heat recovery air handling unit 1 includes a condensate drainage system, which can have different designs. For example, the condensate drainage system may be a condensate collection tank 19 and a channel 18 for draining condensate to the outside of the heat recovery air handling unit 1, or a channel 18 for draining condensate to the outside of the heat recovery air handling unit 1, or a pump 26 for draining condensate to the outside of the heat recovery air handling unit 1, or a pump 26 and channel 18 for draining condensate to the outside of the heat recovery air handling unit 1, or a condensate collection tank 19 with an ultrasonic evaporator 25.

[0041] The air inlet duct inlet chamber 8 includes an air preheating element 14 for preheating the air. This air preheating element 14 is used to preheat the air to prevent condensation. The air inlet duct outlet chamber 9 includes a reheating element 15 for reheating the air. The reheating element 15 is used to ensure a comfortable air inlet temperature in cold climates.

[0042] A first filter 16 is installed in the exhaust duct inlet 6 directly in front of the plate heat exchanger 5 on the upper wall portion 2A of the internal module 2. A second filter 28 is installed in the air inlet duct inlet 8 within the module 20 on the inner wall portion 2B. These filters 16 and 18 protect the counter-flow or cross-flow plate heat exchanger 5 and the radial fans 3 and 11 from entering them and the room, preventing contaminated air and insects from entering. The filters 16 and 18 may be treated with an antibacterial agent.

[0043] The wall portion 2A of the internal module 2 has an internal air supply grille 21 and an internal air exhaust grille 22, and the external module 4 has an external air supply grille 23 and an external air exhaust grille 24.

[0044] Depending on the wall thickness, a portion of the insulation shell 17 is cut off from the outdoor side using any cutting tool, and the length of the inner wall portion 2B of the inner module 2 is adjusted during installation using the insulation shell 17.

[0045] In addition, the heat recovery air handling unit is designed with an additional air humidity sensor (not shown in the figure), which can control the humidity of the incoming and / or outgoing air according to actual needs.

[0046] Plate heat exchanger 5 refers to a heat exchanger core (not shown in the figure) composed of a specific number of thin, irregularly shaped plates. These plates are arranged in parallel to each other to form a solid core with separate sealed channels for two streams of air to flow in opposite directions.

[0047] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The hot air flow (dashed line) and cold air flow (solid line) through the heat recovery air handling unit 1 are schematically shown.

[0048] The heat recovery air handling unit 1 operates as follows: After the heat recovery air handling unit is started, the exhaust fan 11 and the intake fan 3 are activated, and air exchange begins within the system. Warm exhaust air from the room enters the upper wall portion 2A of the internal module 2 through the internal exhaust grille 22, flows through the exhaust duct inlet 6, and enters the plate heat exchanger 5, where it is heated. After leaving the plate heat exchanger 5, the air enters the inner wall portion 2B of the internal module 2, i.e., the exhaust duct outlet 7, passes through the exhaust fan 11, and then enters the external module 4 and is discharged to the outside through the external exhaust grille 24.

[0049] While hot air is moving, cool, fresh outdoor air is introduced. The cool outdoor air enters the outer module 4 through the outer air intake grille 23, then passes through the inner wall portion 2B of the inner module 2, the air intake duct inlet 8, the second filter 28, and the air intake fan 3, before entering the upper wall portion 2A of the inner module 2, where a plate heat exchanger 5 is located. Before entering the plate heat exchanger 5, the cool air is warmed by the air preheating element 14. After leaving the plate heat exchanger 5, the warmed fresh air exits through the air intake duct inlet 9 and then enters the room through the inner air intake grille 21. In cold climates, after leaving the plate heat exchanger 5 and entering the air intake duct inlet 9, the warmed fresh air can be warmed to a higher temperature by the reheating element 15 before entering the room through the inner air intake grille 21.

[0050] Partitions 10 are installed between the inlet cavity 8 of the air inlet duct and the outlet cavity 7 of the air outlet duct, and between the inlet cavity 6 of the air outlet duct and the outlet cavity 9 of the air inlet duct, to prevent airflow mixing. Due to the operation of this heat recovery air handling unit, heat exchange occurs between hot air and cold air, while the airflow does not mix.

[0051] Figure 2 The heat recovery air handling unit is shown schematically. Figure 3A heat recovery air handling unit with additional components and depicting the flow of hot and cold air is schematically shown.

[0052] Figure 4 The diagram schematically illustrates a heat recovery air handling unit during system maintenance (removal or installation of removable modules). Figure 5 The other side of the detachable module is depicted.

[0053] The examples provided are illustrative only and not limiting of the possible implementations of this utility model.

[0054] The operation of the heat recovery air handling unit is performed using a control panel on the side panel of the system, via an infrared remote control, and via a mobile application on a wireless Wi-Fi network (not shown in the figure and not included in the scope of the patent claims).

[0055] The heat recovery air handling unit is designed to be easily disconnected from the ventilation shaft of the inner wall section of the internal module, which contains easily removable modules housing fans, mechanical dampers, gravity valves, and filters. This simplifies maintenance during repairs or preventative maintenance.

Claims

1. A heat recovery air handling unit (1), comprising an external module (4) and an internal module (2), the external module (4) having an external air inlet grille (23) and an external air outlet grille (24), the internal module (2) having a plate heat exchanger (5), an internal air inlet grille (21) and an internal air outlet grille (22), a first filter (16), an exhaust duct inlet cavity (6), an exhaust duct outlet cavity (7), an air inlet duct inlet cavity (8), an air inlet duct outlet cavity (9), and partitions (10) respectively located between the exhaust duct inlet cavity and the exhaust duct outlet cavity and between the air inlet duct inlet cavity and the air inlet duct outlet cavity, and an air inlet fan (3) and an exhaust fan (11) forming reverse airflow, wherein the air inlet fan (3) is located in the air inlet cavity (8) and the exhaust fan (11) is located in the exhaust duct outlet cavity (7), characterized in that: It includes a condensate drainage system, and the internal module (2) includes an upper part (2A) and an inner part (2B), wherein the inner part (2B) includes a module (20), and the intake fan (3) and the exhaust fan (11) are installed in the module (20).

2. The heat recovery air handling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The module (20) is detachable.

3. The heat recovery air handling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The module (20) also includes a mechanical damper (12) and / or a gravity valve (13).

4. The heat recovery air handling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The module (20) also includes at least one second filter (28).

5. The heat recovery air handling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air inlet duct in the oral cavity (8) includes an air preheating element (14) for preheating the air.

6. The heat recovery air handling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air inlet duct outlet cavity (9) includes a reheating element (15) for reheating air.

7. The heat recovery air handling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall portion (2B) of the internal module (2) has an insulated outer shell (17).

8. The heat recovery air handling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The condensate discharge system is a channel (18) for discharging condensate from the heat recovery air handling unit (1).

9. The heat recovery air handling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The condensate drainage system consists of a condensate collection tank (19) and a channel (18) for discharging condensate from the heat recovery air handling unit (1).

10. The heat recovery air handling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The condensate discharge system is a pump (26) used to discharge condensate from the heat recovery air handling unit (1).

11. The heat recovery air handling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The condensate drainage system consists of a pump (26) and a channel (18) for draining condensate from the heat recovery air handling unit (1).

12. The heat recovery air handling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The condensate drainage system is a condensate collection tank (19) with an ultrasonic evaporator (25).

13. The heat recovery air handling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an air humidity sensor.

14. The heat recovery air handling unit according to claim 7, characterized in that: The length of the inner wall portion (2B) of the inner module (2) is adjusted during installation using the insulating shell (17).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Decentralized supply and exhaust unit with heat recovery

    EP4417886B1