Improved exhaust air management

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device comprising at least one temperature control system for controlling the temperature of an interior of the device. The at least one temperature control system comprises an external heat exchanger arranged on an exterior of the device, which is designed to exchange heat between the temperature control system and supply air conducted via the external heat exchanger. Furthermore, the device comprises an air guiding device that receives exhaust air from the respective external heat exchanger of the at least one temperature control system and directs it away from it. The present invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of exhaust air management, in particular exhaust air management in temperature control systems (e.g. Peltier systems) for temperature control of the interior of a device.

[0002] Devices with temperature control systems, such as laboratory equipment, are often installed in space-optimized configurations and sometimes in poorly air-conditioned rooms. This can be detrimental to the exhaust air management of the temperature control systems and limit their performance. For example, laboratory rooms, e.g., in the laboratory and pharmaceutical sectors, are typically limited in terms of available space, and laboratory equipment (e.g., incubators, refrigerators, freezers, climate control cabinets, ovens) are accordingly installed in space-optimized configurations and often with the minimum permitted wall clearances. Furthermore, laboratory air conditioning is not always optimally designed, meaning that the conditioned ambient temperature within a laboratory can be significantly higher than the conventional value of 22°C.

[0003] Some devices, such as climate control cabinets, are equipped with Peltier systems for temperature control, i.e. for cooling and heating, of the interior. These Peltier systems generate exhaust air which is heated or cooled compared to the supplied air. For example, waste heat is generated during cooling and is removed via the corresponding exhaust air. The maximum cooling or heating output of the Peltier systems depends in particular on the heat exchange with the environment and thus the temperature of the supplied ambient air. This also applies in principle to other temperature control systems that rely on heat exchange with supplied ambient air, e.g. compression refrigeration machines. In principle, it is desirable for devices equipped with air cooled or cooled by ambient air to be...heated temperature control systems for cooling and heating can continue to achieve their maximum cooling and heating performance even under critical installation conditions (with minimal wall clearances and limit ambient temperatures) and / or poor air conditioning of the ambient air.

[0004] However, in known devices, warm air or cold air can accumulate (accumulate), particularly at the rear of the corresponding devices, and / or the exhaust air of a temperature control system can adversely mix with the air supplied to the temperature control system.

[0005] In this regard, for cooled laboratory equipment (e.g., freezers or climate control cabinets), a spatial separation of the waste heat from the corresponding laboratory equipment is known, which can be achieved, for example, by means of water cooling. For this purpose, a water cooler is installed outside the laboratory area and connected to the cooled laboratory equipment via water hoses, so that the device's waste heat is dissipated directly via the water. While this can advantageously prevent waste heat in the laboratory area, such a solution requires additional installation effort for the laboratory user as well as additional design effort for a water-cooled laboratory device, which is significantly more complex and requires more material and, consequently, more costly.

[0006] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least reduce the shortcomings and disadvantages of the prior art. In general, the object of the present invention may be to improve exhaust air management in devices with temperature control systems, and in particular in laboratory devices with Peltier systems.

[0007] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are described by the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figures shown.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a device comprising at least one temperature control system for controlling the temperature of an interior of the device. The at least one temperature control system comprises an external heat exchanger arranged on an outer side of the device, which is designed to exchange heat between the temperature control system and supply air conducted via the external heat exchanger. Furthermore, the device comprises an air guiding device that receives exhaust air from the respective external heat exchanger of the at least one temperature control system and directs it away from it.

[0009] In other words, the present invention relates to a device which is designed for temperature control of an interior space and comprises at least one corresponding temperature control system. The temperature control system is designed to exchange heat with supplied supply air via an external heat exchanger which is arranged on an outer side of the device. In addition, the device comprises in particular an air guiding device which receives exhaust air from the external heat exchanger, i.e. the supply air guided via the external heat exchanger and heated or cooled, and guides it away from the temperature control system. It is understood that the term “guide” also includes passive guidance, i.e. the air guiding device does not necessarily actively guide the exhaust air away. For example, the air guiding device can also guide the exhaust air passively by utilizing thermal convection and can be designed, for example, as a duct.

[0010] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the air guiding device spatially separates the exhaust air from the supply air in the area of ​​the at least one temperature control system. This advantageously prevents the exhaust air from mixing with the supply air.

[0011] In embodiments of the invention, the air guiding device may be arranged at least partially on the same outer side of the device on which the external heat exchanger of the at least one temperature control system is arranged. This may enable the external heat exchanger to be incorporated into the air guiding device.

[0012] In embodiments of the invention, the air guiding device may comprise at least one supply opening for supplying the supply air. The supply opening may thus enable the active and / or passive supply of the supply air.

[0013] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the air guiding device accommodates the outer heat exchanger of the at least one temperature control system. This advantageously allows the exhaust air to be collected in the air guiding device and directed away by it.

[0014] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the external heat exchanger of the at least one temperature control system is arranged on a rear side of the device, and the air guiding device is arranged at least partially on the rear side of the device. This advantageously allows the air guiding device to receive the exhaust air from the at least one temperature control system.

[0015] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the air guiding device comprises at least one outlet opening through which the exhaust air is discharged to the environment of the device. In other words, the air guiding device can discharge the exhaust air received from the at least one temperature control system (in particular from the respective external heat exchanger) to the environment of the device via at least one outlet opening. In embodiments of the invention in which the air guiding device additionally comprises at least one supply opening, it can be provided that the at least one supply opening and the at least one outlet opening are arranged on different sides of the device. This advantageously makes it possible to reduce mixing between supply air and exhaust air, since the exhaust air and supply air are spatially separated.Additionally or alternatively, in corresponding embodiments, the at least one feed opening and the at least one outlet opening may be oriented in opposite directions.

[0016] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the air guiding device is arranged at least partially on an upper side of the device. Additionally or alternatively, the air guiding device can be arranged at least partially on an underside of the device. Further additionally or alternatively, the air guiding device can be arranged at least partially on a side surface of the device. In other words, the air guiding device can be arranged at least partially on the upper side, the underside and / or at least one of the two side surfaces of the device. This can advantageously make it possible to direct the exhaust air away from the rear of the device and thus spatially separate the supply opening(s) and outlet opening(s) in order to reduce or preferably minimize mixing of supply air and exhaust air.

[0017] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the air guiding device comprises at least one air guiding element. In other words, the air guiding device can comprise one or more air guiding elements; in particular, the air guiding device can also consist of a single air guiding element.

[0018] In embodiments of the invention, the device may comprise a plurality of temperature control systems, and the air guiding device may comprise a plurality of air guiding elements, each air guiding element receiving the exhaust air from at least one heat exchanger of the plurality of temperature control systems. The plurality of air guiding elements may be fluidically separated from one another.

[0019] In embodiments of the invention, each air guide element may comprise at least one supply opening for supplying the supply air. Additionally or alternatively, each air guide element may comprise at least one outlet opening through which the exhaust air is discharged into the environment of the device.

[0020] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that each air guiding element is arranged at least partially on the rear side of the device.

[0021] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that at least one of the at least one air guide element comprises a plurality of interconnected air guide element sections. In other words, at least one of the at least one air guide element can be composed of a plurality of air guide element sections that are seamlessly interconnected. For example, a first section can be arranged on the rear side of the device, while a second section is arranged on another outer surface of the device. In particular, it can be provided that the plurality of interconnected air guide element sections are arranged on at least two different outer sides of the device.

[0022] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that, in the case of at least one air guiding element, a first air guiding element section is arranged on the rear side of the device and a second air guiding element section is arranged on an upper side of the device. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that, in the case of at least one air guiding element, a first air guiding element section is arranged on the rear side of the device and a second air guiding element section is arranged on an underside of the device. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that, in the case of at least one air guiding element, a first air guiding element section is arranged on the rear side of the device and a second air guiding element section is arranged on a side surface of the device.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be provided that the first air guide element section has at least one supply opening. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the first air guide element section is designed to receive the exhaust air from the external heat exchanger of the at least one temperature control system and guide it into the second air guide element section. Preferably, the second air guide element section can have at least one outlet opening.

[0024] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that at least one boundary of at least one section of the air guiding device is provided by an outer wall section of the device.

[0025] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one air guiding element is a duct.

[0026] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the air guiding device consists of metal, preferably of galvanized sheet steel.

[0027] In embodiments of the invention, the air guiding device may comprise at least one air guiding element configured to influence and preferably improve the air guidance within the air guiding element. Such air guiding elements may, for example, be guide plates arranged within the air guiding element in order to manipulate and preferably improve, e.g., optimize, the flow path(s) within the air guiding element.

[0028] In embodiments of the invention, the air guiding device may comprise at least one supply fan configured to provide supply air for the at least one temperature control system. The supply fan may be arranged separately from the temperature control system and, for example, provide supply air for multiple temperature control systems. In particular, in such embodiments, corresponding air guiding elements may be provided to direct the supply air to the various temperature control systems.

[0029] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the air guiding device comprises at least one exhaust air fan designed to remove the exhaust air from the at least one temperature control system. The at least one exhaust air fan can preferably enable active removal or routing of the exhaust air and, if necessary, also provide the supply air through appropriate suction. For example, one exhaust air fan can be provided that removes the exhaust air from a plurality of temperature control systems or one exhaust air fan for each of the at least one temperature control system. Preferably, at least one exhaust air fan can be provided per outlet opening.

[0030] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one temperature control system further comprises an internal heat exchanger, which is arranged in an interior of the device and is designed to exchange heat between the at least one temperature control system and supply air conducted via the internal heat exchanger. The exhaust air from the internal heat exchanger can preferably be directed into the interior of the device. The internal heat exchanger thus advantageously enables heat to be exchanged between the air contained in the interior of the device and the internal heat exchanger, thus cooling or heating the interior.

[0031] Furthermore, the inner heat exchanger and the outer heat exchanger can be thermally separated from each other. This allows the two heat exchangers to have different temperatures.

[0032] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one temperature control system further comprises at least one fan which is designed to supply supply air to the inner heat exchanger. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the at least one temperature control system comprises at least one fan which is designed to supply supply air to the outer heat exchanger. For example, the fan can be fixedly attached to the outer heat exchanger and protrude through the supply opening of the air guide element in order to suck in supply air and blow it onto the outer heat exchanger. The fan, which is designed to supply supply air to the outer heat exchanger, can be attached such that supply air is provided to the outer heat exchanger through the supply opening.It is understandable that supply air can be supplied to a heat exchanger by the fan blowing it into the heat exchanger or by the fan sucking it into the heat exchanger.

[0033] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the outer heat exchanger and / or the inner heat exchanger is a heat sink.

[0034] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one temperature control system comprises a plurality of external heat exchangers and / or internal heat exchangers.

[0035] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one temperature control system is a Peltier system, wherein the at least one Peltier system comprises at least one Peltier element and wherein the external heat exchanger is designed to exchange heat between the at least one Peltier element and supply air conducted via the external heat exchanger. Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one Peltier element is designed to provide a temperature difference between a first outer section and a second outer section of the Peltier element when an electrical current flows through it. The temperature difference can be at least 20°C, preferably at least 35°C, more preferably at least 30°C.

[0036] In embodiments in which the temperature control system is a Peltier system, it can be provided that the inner heat exchanger is thermally connected to the first outer section of the at least one Peltier element, and the outer heat exchanger is thermally connected to the second outer section of the at least one Peltier element.

[0037] In embodiments in which the temperature control system is a Peltier system, it can be provided that the internal heat exchanger is designed to exchange heat between the at least one Peltier element and supply air conducted via the internal heat exchanger.

[0038] In embodiments of the invention, the device can be designed to control and / or regulate the temperature in the interior. In other words, the device can be designed to regulate the temperature in the interior, for example, taking into account a temperature setpoint for the interior.

[0039] In embodiments of the invention, the device may comprise a control unit configured to control and / or regulate the at least one temperature control system. Furthermore, the control unit may be configured to individually control and / or regulate each of the at least one temperature control system.

[0040] In embodiments of the invention, the device may be a laboratory device. Additionally or alternatively, the device may be a temperature-controlled cabinet, i.e., a device with a temperature-controlled interior.

[0041] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the device is a climate chamber. In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the device is an incubator, for example a CO 2 In particular, embodiments of the invention may provide that the device is at least one of a heating cabinet, incubator, oven, freezer, and / or climate chamber, preferably a cooled incubator, freezer, and / or climate chamber.

[0042] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for exhaust air management of a device. The method comprises controlling the temperature of an interior of the device by means of at least one temperature control system, wherein the temperature control system comprises an external heat exchanger arranged on an outer side of the device; supplying supply air to the external heat exchanger; directing the supply air via the heat exchanger; exchanging heat between the supply air and the heat exchanger and thereby generating exhaust air that has a different temperature than the supply air; and spatially separating the exhaust air from the supply air in the region of the temperature control system. It is understood that supplying and directing the supply air are not necessarily active process steps, but can also be provided passively, for example by means of thermal convection and corresponding air guidance elements.

[0043] The device may in particular be the device described above.

[0044] In embodiments of the invention, the method may further comprise directing the exhaust air toward a top side and / or toward a front side of the device. Directing toward the front side of the device may, for example, occur along the top side, the bottom side, and / or at least one side surface. As already explained, the directing may also occur passively.

[0045] In embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the tempering of the interior of the device comprises cooling the interior.

[0046] In embodiments of the invention, the supply air can be supplied actively, preferably by means of at least one fan. The supply air can be supplied either by sucking in the supply air or by blowing it in. For example, a fan provided at an outlet opening can also supply the supply air by means of appropriate suction.

[0047] In the following, reference is made to device embodiments. These embodiments are identified by an L followed by a number. When reference is made below to device embodiments or L-embodiments, these embodiments are meant. L1. Device comprising at least one temperature control system for controlling the temperature of an interior of the device, wherein the at least one temperature control system comprises an external heat exchanger arranged on an outer side of the device, which is designed to exchange heat between the temperature control system and supply air conducted via the external heat exchanger, an air guiding device which receives exhaust air from the respective external heat exchanger of the at least one temperature control system and directs it away from it. L2. Device according to the preceding device embodiment, wherein the air guiding device spatially separates the exhaust air in the region of the at least one temperature control system from the supply air. L3. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the air guiding device is arranged at least partially on the same outer side of the device on which the outer heat exchanger of the at least one temperature control system is arranged. L4. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the air guiding device comprises at least one supply opening for supplying the supply air. L5. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the air guiding device accommodates the outer heat exchanger of the at least one temperature control system. L6. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the external heat exchanger of the at least one temperature control system is arranged on a rear side of the device and the air guiding device is arranged at least partially on the rear side of the device. L7. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the air guiding device comprises at least one outlet opening through which the exhaust air is discharged to an environment of the device. L8. Device according to the preceding device embodiment and having the features of L4, wherein the at least one feed opening and the at least one outlet opening are arranged on different sides of the device. L9. Device according to one of the two preceding device embodiments and having the features of L4, wherein the at least one feed opening and the at least one outlet opening are oriented in opposite directions. L10. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the air guiding device is arranged at least partially on an upper side of the device. L11. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the air guiding device is arranged at least partially on an underside of the device. L12. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the air guiding device is arranged at least partially on a side surface of the device. L13. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the air guiding device comprises at least one air guiding element. L14. Device according to the preceding device embodiment, wherein the device comprises a plurality of temperature control systems and the air guiding device comprises a plurality of air guiding elements, wherein each air guiding element receives the exhaust air of at least one heat exchanger of the plurality of temperature control systems. L15. Device according to the preceding device embodiment, wherein the plurality of air guiding elements are fluidically separated from one another. L16. Device according to the 3 preceding device embodiment, wherein each air guiding element comprises at least one supply opening for supplying the supply air. L17. Device according to one of the four preceding device embodiments, wherein each air guiding element comprises at least one outlet opening through which the exhaust air is discharged to an environment of the device. L18. Device according to one of the 5 preceding device embodiments and having the features of embodiment L6, wherein each air guiding element is arranged at least partially on the rear side of the device. L19. Device according to one of the 6 preceding device embodiments, wherein at least one of the at least one air guiding element comprises a plurality of interconnected air guiding element sections. L20. Device according to the preceding device embodiment, wherein the plurality of interconnected air guiding element sections are arranged on at least two different outer sides of the device. L21. Device according to the preceding device embodiment, wherein in at least one air guiding element, a first air guiding element section is arranged on the rear side of the device and a second air guiding element section is arranged on an upper side of the device. L22. Device according to one of the two preceding device embodiments, wherein in at least one air guiding element, a first air guiding element section is arranged on the rear side of the device and a second air guiding element section is arranged on an underside of the device. L23. Device according to one of the three preceding device embodiments, wherein in at least one air guiding element a first air guiding element section is arranged on the rear side of the device and a second air guiding element section is arranged on a side surface of the device. L24. Device according to one of the 5 of the preceding device embodiment and with the features of L4, wherein the first air guiding element section has the at least one supply opening. L25. Device according to one of the 6 preceding device embodiments, wherein the first air guide element section is designed to receive the exhaust air of the external heat exchanger of the at least one temperature control system and to guide it into the second air guide element section. L26. Device according to the preceding device embodiment and having the features of embodiment L7, wherein the second air guiding element section has the at least one outlet opening. L27. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein at least one boundary of at least a portion of the air guiding device is provided by an outer wall portion of the device. L28. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the at least one air guiding element is a duct. L29. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the air guiding device consists of metal, preferably of galvanized sheet steel. L30. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the air guiding device comprises at least one air guiding element which is designed to influence and preferably improve the air guidance within the air guiding element. L31. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the air guiding device comprises at least one supply fan which is designed to provide supply air for the at least one temperature control system. L32. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the air guiding device comprises at least one exhaust air fan which is designed to remove the exhaust air from the at least one temperature control system. L33. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the at least one temperature control system further comprises an internal heat exchanger which is arranged in an interior of the device and is designed to exchange heat between the at least one temperature control system and supply air conducted via the internal heat exchanger. L34. Device according to the preceding device embodiment, wherein exhaust air from the internal heat exchanger is directed into the interior of the device. L35. Device according to one of the two preceding device embodiments, wherein the inner heat exchanger and the outer heat exchanger are thermally separated from each other. L36. Device according to one of the three preceding device embodiments, wherein the at least one temperature control system further comprises at least one fan which is designed to supply air to the internal heat exchanger. L37. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the at least one temperature control system further comprises at least one fan which is designed to supply supply air to the external heat exchanger.

[0048] For example, the fan can be permanently attached to the external heat exchanger and protrude through the supply opening of the air guide element to suck in supply air and blow it onto the external heat exchanger. L37a. Device according to the preceding device embodiment and having the features of embodiments L4 or L16, wherein the fan is mounted such that supply air is provided to the external heat exchanger through the supply opening.

[0049] It is understandable that supply air can be supplied to a heat exchanger by the fan blowing it into the heat exchanger or by the fan sucking it into the heat exchanger. L38. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the outer heat exchanger and / or the inner heat exchanger is a heat sink. L39. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the at least one temperature control system comprises a plurality of external heat exchangers and / or internal heat exchangers. L40. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the at least one temperature control system is a Peltier system, wherein the at least one Peltier system comprises at least one Peltier element and wherein the external heat exchanger is designed to exchange heat between the at least one Peltier element and supply air conducted via the external heat exchanger. L41. Device according to the preceding device embodiment, wherein the at least one Peltier element is designed to provide a temperature difference between a first outer portion and a second outer portion of the Peltier element when an electric current flows through it. L42. Device according to the preceding device embodiment, wherein the temperature difference is at least 20°C, preferably at least 25°C, more preferably at least 30°C. L43. Device according to one of the two preceding device embodiments, wherein the inner heat exchanger is thermally connected to the first outer portion of the at least one Peltier element, and the outer heat exchanger is thermally connected to the second outer section of the at least one Peltier element. L44. Device according to one of the four preceding device embodiments and having the features of L23, wherein the internal heat exchanger is designed to exchange heat between the at least one Peltier element and supply air conducted via the internal heat exchanger. L45. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the device is designed to control and / or regulate the temperature in the interior. L46. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the device comprises a control unit which is designed to control and / or regulate the at least one temperature control system. L47. Device according to the preceding device embodiment, wherein the control unit is designed to individually control and / or regulate each of the at least one temperature control system. L48. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the device is a laboratory device. L49. Device according to the preceding device embodiment, wherein the device is a temperature control cabinet. L50. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the device is a climate chamber. L51. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the device is an incubator, for example a CO 2 -incubator and / or a refrigerated incubator. L52. Device according to one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the device is at least one of a heating cabinet, incubator, oven, freezer and / or climate chamber, preferably a freezer and / or climate chamber.

[0050] In the following, reference is made to method embodiments. These embodiments are identified by an M followed by a number. Whenever reference is made to method embodiments or M-embodiments, these embodiments are meant. M1. Method for exhaust air management of a device comprising, Tempering an interior of the device by means of at least one tempering system, wherein the tempering system comprises an external heat exchanger arranged on an outer side of the device, Supplying supply air to the external heat exchanger, Directing the supply air through the heat exchanger, Exchanging heat between the supply air and the heat exchanger and thereby generating exhaust air that has a different temperature than the supply air, and spatial separation of the exhaust air from the supply air in the area of ​​the temperature control system. M2. Method according to the preceding method embodiment, wherein the device is a device according to one of the preceding device embodiments. M3. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the method further comprises Directing the exhaust air to a top and / or towards a front of the device. M4. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the tempering of the interior of the device comprises cooling the interior. M5. Method according to one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the supply air is supplied actively, preferably by means of at least one fan.

[0051] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are intended to illustrate the present invention only by way of example and not by way of limitation. Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a Peltier element; Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a Peltier system; Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a laboratory device with Peltier systems; Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with spatial separation of the exhaust air of the Peltier systems from the supply air; Fig. 5 illustrates the arrangement of a fan for supplying supply air a) outside and b) inside an air guiding device or an air guiding element; Fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary air guiding device in the form of an air guiding element; Fig. Figure 7 illustrates a) a rear view and b) a side view to illustrate embodiments of the invention.

[0052] It should be noted that not all of the drawings bear all of the reference numerals. Instead, in some of the drawings, some of the reference numerals have been omitted for the sake of brevity and simplicity of illustration. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] The present invention will be described below with particular reference to laboratory equipment with Peltier systems for cooling or heating. However, it should be understood that this is purely exemplary, and the invention is directed more generally to devices with temperature control systems. This means that the present invention is not limited solely to laboratory equipment, but can also encompass, for example, incubators, refrigerators, and freezers that are used not in laboratories but in households and / or various industries. Likewise, temperature control systems can also include, for example, air-cooled compression refrigeration machines in addition to Peltier systems.

[0054] In general, the devices according to the invention comprise at least one temperature control system designed to regulate the temperature of an interior of the device. Accordingly, these devices can also be referred to as temperature control cabinets.

[0055] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a Peltier element 1, which can be used for heating and / or cooling. Basically, a Peltier element 1 is an electrothermal converter based on the Peltier effect. The Peltier element 1 enables a temperature difference to be generated between two outer sections 12, 14 of the Peltier element 1 when current flows through it. In other words, the Peltier element 1 is designed such that when current flows through it, a first outer section 12 is cooled and the other (preferably opposite) second outer section 14 is heated (or vice versa), so that a temperature difference is provided between the two outer sections. Which of the outer sections is cooled and which is heated depends on the direction of flow of the electrical current. The two outer sections are typically opposite each other. For the power supply, the Peltier element 1 typically has corresponding connections 16, e.g.Ladder 16, up.

[0056] Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary Peltier system 100 as a possible embodiment of a temperature control system. The Peltier system 100 comprises at least one Peltier element 1 (not shown) that is thermally connected to two heat exchangers 102, 104, e.g., heat sinks 110, 120. In particular, each heat exchanger 110, 120 is thermally connected to an outer section 12, 14 of the at least one Peltier element 1. This enables the respective heat exchangers 110, 120 to exchange heat between the thermally connected outer section 12, 14 and a supplied fluid, e.g., ambient air.

[0057] For example, when the outer portion 12 of the Peltier element 1 is cooled, the connected heat exchanger 110 can cool a fluid supplied to the heat exchanger 110 or conduct heat from the supplied fluid to the outer portion 12 of the Peltier element 1. At the same time, a heat exchanger 120 thermally connected to the correspondingly heated outer portion 14 of the Peltier element 1 can transfer the heat from the Peltier element to a fluid supplied to the heat exchanger 120, e.g., the ambient air.

[0058] The Peltier system 100 may further comprise at least one fan 112, 122 for at least one associated heat exchanger 110, 120. The at least one fan may preferably supply a fluid, e.g., ambient air, to the respective heat exchangers 110, 120. In other words, depending on the embodiment, the Peltier system 100 may comprise at least one fan 112, 122 for at least one of the heat exchangers 110, 120. In some embodiments, the Peltier system 100 may comprise at least one fan 112, 122 for each heat exchanger 110, 120.

[0059] The heat exchangers 110, 120 are thermally insulated from each other (apart from the thermal connection, which in principle exists via at least one Peltier element).

[0060] In principle, the Peltier element can also be used to heat a laboratory device by reversing the current direction. However, the present invention will be described below with particular reference to the cooling of laboratory devices, since heating of a laboratory device can also be achieved, for example, using a simple electrical resistance heater.

[0061] The Peltier system 100 can thus, for example, cool the air inside a laboratory device. To this end, at least one Peltier element 1 of the Peltier system 100 is supplied with power, and the respective ambient air is supplied to the two heat exchangers 110, 120, for example, via the fans 112, 122. The Peltier system 100 is arranged such that one heat exchanger 110 is located inside the laboratory device, and the other heat exchanger 120 is located outside the laboratory device. Accordingly, reference is also made below to an internal heat exchanger 110 and an external heat exchanger 120. This allows heat to be extracted from the interior of the laboratory device and heat to be supplied to the environment of the laboratory device (or vice versa).

[0062] To cool the laboratory device, the direction of the current flow through the at least one Peltier element 1 of the at least one Peltier system 100 is selected such that the inner heat exchanger 110 is thermally connected to the cooled outer section 12 of the at least one Peltier element 1 and the outer heat exchanger 120 is thermally connected to the heated outer section 14 of the at least one Peltier element 1 (cf. Fig. 3).

[0063] As a result, the internal supply air 114 from the laboratory device, which is supplied to the internal heat exchanger 110, for example, by means of fan 112, is cooled by dissipating the heat contained in the air via the heat exchanger 110 to the cooled outer section 12 of the at least one Peltier element 1. The thus cooled internal exhaust air 116 of the heat exchanger 110 then cools the interior of the laboratory device. The waste heat generated at the other outer section 14 of the at least one Peltier element 1 is dissipated by means of the thermally connected heat exchanger 120, which is supplied, for example, via the corresponding fan 122, with external supply air 124, which extracts heat from the heat exchanger 120, i.e., heats up, and is then dissipated as warm external exhaust air 126.

[0064] Dissipating the heat from the heated outer section 14 of the at least one Peltier element 1 is advantageous because, via a maximum achievable temperature difference of the at least one Peltier element 1, the minimum temperature of the cooled outer section 12 is limited by the temperature of the heated outer section 14. Consequently, the cooling capacity of the Peltier system is also limited by the temperature of the heated outer section 14, so that efficient cooling of the outer section 14 is advantageous. The cooling capacity of the outer heat exchanger 120 depends significantly on the temperature of the supplied external supply air 124. If this air mixes with the external exhaust air 126 of the outer heat exchanger 120, the temperature of the supplied air 124 increases and the cooling capacity via the outer heat exchanger 120 decreases.It is understood that the above statements also apply to other temperature control systems, whose performance typically depends on the heat exchange with the ambient air and may be limited by this. For example, the cooling capacity of a compression refrigeration machine also depends on the cooling air supplied to the external heat exchanger 120.

[0065] As already explained, it is therefore disadvantageous if devices (e.g. laboratory equipment) that include at least one temperature control system that is supplied with ambient air (e.g. Peltier system) are placed with minimal wall clearances, as this can lead to heat build-up and air mixing. This is the case, for example, in Fig. 3 using a laboratory device. Inadequate air conditioning at the location where the device is installed can further exacerbate these problems.

[0066] With reference to Fig. 3, a laboratory device 20 is equipped on a rear side 24, for example, with two Peltier systems 100, which are designed to cool an interior 22 of the laboratory device 20. The rear side is opposite a front side 28, from which the interior can be accessed, e.g., via a door. An upper Peltier system 100o is arranged in an upper region of the rear side 24 of the laboratory device 20, and a lower Peltier system 100u is arranged in a lower region of the rear side 21 of the laboratory device 20. Alternatively, the laboratory device 20 can, for example, also comprise four or more Peltier systems 100, preferably two or more upper and lower Peltier systems arranged side by side. The laboratory device 20 is often set up with a minimum permitted distance between the rear side 21 and a wall 30, and / or a top side 26 of the laboratory device 20 and the ceiling 32.For the purpose of cooling the interior space 22, supply air 114 from the interior space 22 of the laboratory device 20 is supplied to the interior heat exchanger 110, which is cooled by the at least one Peltier element 1, by means of the corresponding fan 112 and is cooled by the interior heat exchanger 110, so that subsequently cooled interior exhaust air 116 flows back into the interior space 22 and this is successively cooled.

[0067] The external exhaust air 126 of the external heat exchanger 120 on the rear side 24 of the laboratory device 20, which is intended to remove heat from the Peltier system 100, cannot easily mix with the ambient air of the surrounding room due to the wall 30 and ceiling 32. Rather, there is a risk that the external exhaust air 126 will accumulate in the space between the rear side 24 of the laboratory device 20 and the wall 30, as well as the top side 26 of the laboratory device and the ceiling 32, and in particular, mix with the external supply air 124 drawn in via the corresponding fan 122 to cool the Peltier system 100, which can adversely reduce the cooling capacity of the external heat exchanger 120.

[0068] With reference to Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b, this problem is solved according to one embodiment of the present invention by spatially separating the external exhaust air 126 from the external supply air 126 supplied, for example, by the fan 122 for cooling the Peltier system 100. In particular, the external exhaust air 126 can be specifically collected and diverted, e.g., channeled, in the area of ​​the Peltier systems 100, i.e., e.g., the rear side 24 of the laboratory device 20.

[0069] To separate the supply and exhaust air, an air guiding device 40 can be provided, which receives the external exhaust air 126 of the at least one Peltier system 100 and directs it away from an intake area of ​​the external supply air 124. With reference to Fig. 4a, the air guiding device 40 can, for example, be attached to the rear side 24 of the laboratory device 20 and collect the external exhaust air 126 and discharge it toward the top side 26 of the laboratory device. In particular, the air guiding device 40 can comprise at least one air guiding element 41, which is correspondingly attached to the rear side of the laboratory device 20. The rear air guiding element 41 can also be referred to as a first air guiding element section 42. In particular, in order to advantageously enable smaller minimum distances to a laboratory ceiling 32, the external exhaust air can also be directed toward the front side 28 of the laboratory device. For this purpose, the air guiding element 41 can comprise a second air guiding element section 44.

[0070] In other words, the device comprises an air guiding device 40 comprising at least one air guiding element 41. At least one of the at least one air guiding element 41 may also comprise a plurality of air guiding element sections 42, 44.

[0071] With reference to Fig. 4b, the air guide element 41 can accordingly comprise a first air guide element section 42 on the rear side 24 of the laboratory device 20 and a second air guide element section 44, which is arranged, for example, on the top side 26 of the laboratory device 20. It is understood that the first air guide element section 42 and the second air guide element section 44 are fluidically connected to one another to form the air guide element 44. Alternatively, the second air guide element section 44 could also be arranged, for example, on a side surface of the laboratory device or on an underside 29 of the laboratory device.

[0072] The air guiding device 40 can receive exhaust air from the external heat exchangers 120 of the respective Peltier systems 100. The external heat exchangers 120 of the respective Peltier systems 100 can be accommodated in the at least one air guiding element 40, in particular in the first air guiding section. If the air guiding device 40 comprises a plurality of air guiding elements 41 and the device comprises a plurality of Peltier systems, each air guiding element can receive the exhaust air from at least one heat exchanger of the plurality of temperature control systems. To enable the supply of the supply air 124, the air guiding unit or the at least one air guiding element can comprise corresponding supply openings 46, which, for example, enable the fans 122 of the Peltier system 100 to be located outside the air guiding device or the air guiding element, as in Fig. 5 a). Alternatively, the fans 122 could also be located within the air guiding device 40 or the air guiding element 41 and only draw in the supply air through the supply opening 46 (cf. Fig. 5 b).

[0073] In general, the at least one air guiding element 41 of the air guiding device 40 and in particular the first air guiding element section 42 can be dimensioned such that at least the external heat exchanger 120 can be accommodated therein, ie, can be enclosed by the air guiding element 40. If the at least one Peltier system 100 comprises a fan 122 for supplying external supply air 124, this can be arranged either outside the air guiding element 40 ( Fig. 5 a)) or within the air guide element 41 ( Fig. 5 b)). In the first case, in which the fan 122 is arranged outside the air guide element 40 (see Fig. 5 a)), the air guide element 40 can have a depth of at least 50 mm. In the second case, in which the fan 122 is arranged within the air guide element 40 (see Fig. 5 b)), the air guide element 40 can have a depth of at least 85 mm. In any case, the at least one air guide element 40 comprises at least one supply opening 46 through which the external supply air 124 can be provided, e.g., sucked in.

[0074] The air guide element can have a width in the range of 200 to 2000 mm, for example, in the range of 500 mm to 1200 mm. The air guide element can have a height in the range of 700 to 2000 mm, for example, in the range of 1200 mm to 2000 mm.

[0075] The air guiding device 40 can comprise air guiding elements (e.g., air guiding plates) designed to influence, i.e., manipulate, the air guidance within the air guiding device 40 or the at least one air guiding element 41. As a result, the air guidance can preferably be improved and, if necessary, optimized with respect to the heat transfer line at the at least one external heat exchanger by means of air guiding elements.

[0076] Additionally or alternatively, a central supply fan can also be provided, which provides the supply air for all Peltier systems, preferably at the bottom of the rear of the laboratory device, via a supply opening. The distribution of the supply air to the respective Peltier systems 100 can then preferably be realized using appropriate air guidance elements.

[0077] The air guiding device or the at least one air guiding element can also comprise at least one outlet opening 48 through which the exhaust air is discharged into the environment of the laboratory device. Preferably, the at least one outlet opening 48 is mounted on a different side of the laboratory device than the at least one supply opening 46. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one outlet opening 48 can preferably be oriented in an opposite direction to the at least one supply opening 46. These arrangements of the supply and outlet openings can advantageously prevent, or at least slow down or reduce, mixing of exhaust air and supply air.

[0078] In addition or alternatively to the at least one fan 122 of the at least one Peltier system, the air guiding device 40 can comprise at least one exhaust air fan designed to draw in and discharge the external exhaust air 126. This at least one exhaust air fan can also supply the external supply air 124 by discharging the external exhaust air 126, so that corresponding fans 122 of the at least one Peltier system 100 can be omitted. The at least one exhaust air fan can be arranged, for example, at the at least one outlet opening 48 or also within the air guiding element 40.

[0079] The provision of the second air guide element section 44 on a top side 26, side surface or bottom side 29 of the laboratory device advantageously allows the external exhaust air 126 to be directed away from the rear side of the laboratory device towards a front side 28 of the laboratory device 20, which is opposite the rear side 24 of the laboratory device. As a result, external supply air 124 can be sucked in via the external fan 126 of the at least one Peltier system 100, which is not mixed with the external exhaust air 124 and is, in particular, cooler, so that a better cooling performance is achieved at the same ambient temperature and the same wall distance compared to, for example, the Fig. 3 can be achieved. Preferably, the at least one supply opening can be arranged in the first air guide element section 42 and the at least one outlet opening in the second air guide element section 44.

[0080] By providing the second air guide element section 44 in the air guide elements of the air guide device, a smaller minimum distance between the top of the device and the ceiling can be advantageously enabled. Accordingly, the provision of the second air guide element section 44 can be particularly relevant for installation locations where the height clearance to a laboratory ceiling is insufficient. If, for example, a clearance of at least 570 mm to the laboratory ceiling is required without the second air guide element section 44, this minimum distance can be reduced to 300 mm (or less) if the second air guide element section 44 is provided.

[0081] The Fig. 6 shows, by way of example, an air guiding element 40 comprising a single air guiding element 41. The air guiding element also corresponds to the first air guiding element section 42, which in some embodiments can also represent the entire air guiding element (cf. Fig. 4 a)). The air guide element section 42 is provided for 4 Peltier systems and accordingly has 4 supply openings 46. The first air guide element section 42 can be designed as shown, for example, in Fig. 4, can be attached to the rear of the laboratory device, so that the first air guide element section 42 and the rear of the laboratory device provide a space or volume in which the exhaust air 126 is separated from the supply air 124 and enables the supply and discharge of air via the supply openings 46 and the resulting outlet opening. The first air guide element section 42 and, more generally, the air guide element 41 or the air guide device, together with the exterior of the laboratory device, can thus provide a volume in which the exhaust air from the Peltier systems can be absorbed and discharged / directed away.

[0082] The air guiding device 40 is preferably made of metal, e.g., galvanized sheet steel. In some embodiments, the air guiding device 40 can be at least partially insulated. This can advantageously reduce heat exchange between the external exhaust air 126 and the external supply air 124 via the material of the air guiding device 40.

[0083] In some embodiments, the air guiding device 40 and thus the at least one air guiding element 41 can have additional openings, e.g., passive supply openings that enable air supply by means of thermal convection. Corresponding passive supply openings can preferably be arranged below the Peltier systems 100.

[0084] In embodiments in which the laboratory device comprises a plurality of Peltier systems, the air guiding device can comprise a plurality of air guiding elements, each of which receives the exhaust air from at least one Peltier system. In other words, the invention is not limited to the device and in particular the air guiding device comprising only one air guiding element; rather, the laboratory device can also comprise a plurality of air guiding elements, wherein each air guiding element receives at least the exhaust air from one Peltier system and thus the corresponding exhaust air from at least one heat exchanger 120.

[0085] If the air guiding device comprises a plurality of air guiding elements, these can also be guided along different outer sides of the laboratory device. In particular, the respective second air guiding element sections 44 can be arranged on different outer surfaces of the laboratory device, e.g., on the two side surfaces of the laboratory device.

[0086] The device can generally be designed to control and / or regulate the temperature in the interior of the device. For this purpose, the device can comprise a control unit designed to control and / or regulate the at least one temperature control system (preferably individually). This can, for example, enable different temperature zones in the interior of the device.

[0087] The improvements achieved by the present invention are also evident in comparative measurements for a laboratory device with and without a corresponding air guide device 40. These comparative measurements were carried out using a laboratory device 20 with four Peltier systems 100 arranged on the rear wall of the laboratory device. The corresponding arrangement is shown in Fig. 7, where Fig. 7 a) shows a rear view of the laboratory device and Fig. 7 b) shows a side view of the laboratory device.

[0088] The four Peltier systems 100 are arranged in two rows, or two columns of two Peltier systems 100 each, on the rear side 24, or rear wall, of the laboratory device 20. In other words, the Peltier systems 100 are arranged such that there is another Peltier system 100 next to, above, or below each Peltier system 100.

[0089] Fig. 7 b) illustrates the laboratory device in a side view, where, in contrast to Fig. 7 a) also shows the air guiding device 40 on the rear side 24 of the laboratory device 20. The air guiding device 40 comprises a single air guiding element 41.

[0090] For the test measurement, the laboratory device was placed laterally to a side wall at a distance d S of 150 mm and a distance d Rfrom the air guide element 40 on the rear side 24 of the laboratory device and the rear wall of 200 mm. The measurements were then taken with both the second air guide element section 44 and a distance d D between the top of the second air guide element section 44 and the ceiling of 300 mm, as well as without the second air guide element section 44 and a distance d D between the top and the ceiling of 565 mm. Comparable results were obtained for both test setups.

[0091] It goes without saying that a certain amount of air circulation is also possible on the underside of the device between the front and the back of the laboratory device, as it is mounted on appropriate rollers, which creates a free space underneath the laboratory device.

[0092] During the test, the temperature was recorded at various points inside and outside the laboratory device. In particular, the temperature of the air supplied to and exhausted from the Peltier systems 100, as well as the temperature of the exhaust air at the outlet opening of the air guide element, was recorded. Outside the laboratory device, the ambient temperature and the temperature inside the laboratory device were also recorded.

[0093] At an ambient air temperature of 28°C, without a corresponding air guide element 40 in the interior 22 of the laboratory device 20, only a temperature greater than 0°C could be achieved (cf. Fig. 3). By providing an appropriate air guide element, a temperature of 0°C could be achieved inside the laboratory device at the same ambient temperature (cf. Fig.4). In particular, the temperature of the external exhaust air 126 could be reduced by approximately 2°C to 4°C through the use of an air guide element 40, and the temperature of the external supply air 124 could be reduced by approximately 5°C to 7°C. Furthermore, the provision of the air guide element 40 also eliminated a difference in the temperatures for the external supply and exhaust air between the upper and lower Peltier systems 100o, 100u – without the air guide element 40, the temperatures of the lower Peltier system 100u were higher than for the upper Peltier system 100o. This demonstrates the advantageous effect of the present invention, which is particularly relevant for laboratory equipment in space-limited and sometimes poorly air-conditioned laboratory rooms.

[0094] The present invention advantageously makes it possible to prevent heat build-up and undesired air mixing in the area of ​​the at least one temperature control system, e.g., in the intake area of ​​the external fans 122 of the at least one Peltier system 100. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve the maximum cooling and heating output of the device (e.g., of the Peltier climate control cabinet) even with a minimal distance between the rear wall 24 of the device and the wall 30 of the installation room, and additionally at borderline ambient temperatures, since mixing of exhaust air and supply air is prevented or reduced by means of spatial separation, and the temperature of the supply air almost corresponds to the ambient temperature of the installation room. In the above example, this means that the intake temperature of the Peltier external fans 122 almost corresponds to the ambient temperature of the installation room. Furthermore, the warm external exhaust air 126 can, if necessary,Additionally, the risk of the dew point being undershot is reduced when CO is installed above the device. 2 - and / or humidity sensors.

[0095] In other words, the present invention advantageously allows possible heat build-up and air mixing by the exhaust air of the temperature control system, e.g. Peltier waste heat air 126, (especially when installing several temperature control systems) in the rear wall area 24 of a corresponding device 20 (e.g. climate control cabinet) to be eliminated by spatially separating the exhaust air and supply air, e.g. the areas “Peltier external heat sink (Peltier waste heat)” & “Peltier external fan intake (ambient temperature)”.

[0096] Whenever a relative term such as "approximately," "substantially," or "approximately" is used in this specification or the claims, such term should also be construed to include the exact term. For example, "substantially straight" should be construed to include "(exactly) straight."

[0097] Whenever steps have been recited in the claims above or in the appended claims, it should be noted that the order in which the steps are recited in this text may be random. This means that the order in which the steps are recited may be random unless otherwise stated or clear to a person skilled in the art. This means that, for example, when it is stated in the present document that a method comprises steps (A) and (B), this does not necessarily mean that step (A) occurs before step (B). It is also possible that step (A) is carried out (at least partially) concurrently with step (B) or that step (B) occurs before step (A). Furthermore, when it is stated that one step (X) precedes another step (Z), this does not mean that there is no step between steps (X) and (Z).That is, step (X) before step (Z) includes the situation where step (X) is executed directly before step (Z), but also the situation where (X) is executed before one or more steps (Y1), ..., followed by step (Z). Similar considerations apply when using terms such as "after" or "before."

[0098] While a preferred embodiment has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that this embodiment has been provided for illustrative purposes only and should in no way be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the claims.

Claims

[1] Device comprising at least one temperature control system (100) for controlling the temperature of an interior space (22) of the device (20), wherein the at least one temperature control system (100) comprises an external heat exchanger (120) arranged on an outer side of the device (20), which is designed to exchange heat between the temperature control system (100) and supply air (124) conducted via the external heat exchanger (120), an air guiding device which receives exhaust air (126) from the respective external heat exchanger (120) of the at least one temperature control system and guides it away from the latter. [2] Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the air guiding device (40) spatially separates the exhaust air (126) from the supply air (124) in the region of the at least one temperature control system (100). [3] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air guiding device (40) accommodates the outer heat exchanger (120) of the at least one temperature control system (100). [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air guiding device (40) comprises at least one outlet opening (48) through which the exhaust air is discharged to an environment of the device. [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air guiding device comprises at least one air guiding element, wherein at least one of the at least one air guiding element (40) comprises a plurality of interconnected air guiding element sections (42, 44). [6] Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the plurality of interconnected air guiding element sections (42, 44) are arranged on at least 2 different outer sides of the device (20). [7] Device according to one of the 2 preceding claims, wherein the first air guide element section (42) is designed to receive the exhaust air (126) of the external heat exchanger (120) of the at least one temperature control system (100) and to guide it into the second air guide element section (44). [8] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one temperature control system (100) further comprises an internal heat exchanger (110) which is arranged in an interior space (22) of the device (20) and is designed to exchange heat between the at least one temperature control system (1) and supply air (114) conducted via the internal heat exchanger (110). [9] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one temperature control system (100) is a Peltier system (100), wherein the at least one Peltier system comprises at least one Peltier element (1) and wherein the external heat exchanger is designed to exchange heat between the at least one Peltier element and supply air conducted via the external heat exchanger. [10] Method for exhaust air management of a device comprising, Tempering an interior of the device by means of at least one tempering system (100), wherein the tempering system (100) comprises an external heat exchanger (120) arranged on an outer side of the device (20), Supplying supply air (124) to the external heat exchanger (120), Directing the supply air (124) over the heat exchanger (120), Exchanging heat between the supply air (124) and the heat exchanger (120) and thereby generating exhaust air (126) which has a different temperature than the supply air (124), and spatial separation of the exhaust air (126) from the supply air (124) in the area of ​​the temperature control system (100), wherein the device is a device according to any one of the preceding claims.

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