Device and method for ventilating an airspace and vehicle

Abstract

A device (10) for ventilating an air space (11) is proposed, wherein the device (10) comprises an elastocaloric temperature control unit (20) with a heating area (21) and a cooling area (22) that interact calorically with each other. The device (10) comprises a hot air duct (30) that passes through the heating area (21) and a cooling air duct (32) that passes through the cooling area (22).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for ventilating an air space and a vehicle comprising a corresponding device according to the independent claims.

[0002] Ventilation systems are generally known from the prior art. For example, DE 10 2020 002 845 A1 discloses a ventilation system for the airspace of a motor vehicle, which includes an elastocaloric temperature control module. KR 2014 / 0030240 A also discloses an air conditioning system for a passenger compartment in which a ventilation system is used.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to further develop a device for ventilating an air space in such a way that the ventilation is as efficient as possible.

[0004] The aforementioned problem is solved by a device for ventilating an air space, which includes an elastocaloric temperature control unit. The temperature control unit has a heating zone and a cooling zone that interact with each other in terms of heat transfer. In particular, the elastocaloric temperature control unit is designed as an elastocaloric heat pump. It comprises, in particular, an elastocaloric material, e.g., a multitude of wires, which transport heat by means of unloading and loading. The material or the wires can move within the temperature control unit between the heating zone and the cooling zone, and especially rotate.

[0005] An elastocaloric temperature control unit preferably comprises an elastocaloric material which, when exposed to a mechanical force field, heats up and can release heat to the surroundings. When the corresponding force field is removed, the material cools down and heat is drawn from the surroundings. The area where heat is released to the surroundings is referred to here as the heating area, and the area where heat is drawn is referred to as the cooling area.

[0006] The term "airspace" refers to an airspace that requires temperature control. This can include, for example, the airspace of a vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle, or a rail vehicle. It can also refer to the airspace of a building. The airspace of a vehicle specifically refers to the vehicle cabin, and the term "vehicle" specifically refers to a motor vehicle.

[0007] The device has a hot air duct running through the heating area and a cooling duct running through the cooling area. The device thus has two separate ducts running through the different areas of the temperature control unit, which significantly increases efficiency. In particular, the hot air duct and the cooling air duct are separated from each other except for at least one interior space within the temperature control unit. In other words, air passing through the hot air duct and air passing through the cooling duct do not mix except for at least one space within the temperature control unit. Thus, the temperature control unit preferably has separate inlets and outlets for the heating area and the cooling area, with the hot air duct being connected to the inlet and outlet of the heating area and the cooling duct being connected to the inlet and outlet of the cooling area.

[0008] Preferably, an air barrier is also provided within the elastocaloric temperature control unit between the heating and cooling zones, so that the airflows cannot mix within the unit. In particular, there is no bypass between the hot air duct and the cooling air duct. The hot air duct and the cooling air duct are completely separated from each other, except for at most one interior space of the temperature control unit and any mixing unit provided for mixing and thus temperature-controlling the air supplied to that interior space.

[0009] The device includes a recirculation unit for supplying recirculated air to the hot air duct and / or the cooling air duct. The recirculation unit is, in particular, a recirculation damper, which allows the required recirculation rate in the air space to be set. Any excess recirculated air mass flow can be used to increase efficiency on the opposite side of the elastocaloric temperature control unit. When the air space is being heated—if the recirculation rate is less than 100%—the remaining recirculated air mass flow can thus be supplied to the cold side of the elastocaloric temperature control unit. Because the recirculated air has a higher temperature than the outside air, due to the smaller temperature difference required, the system operates more efficiently.

[0010] Advantageously, the device includes at least one fan for supplying fresh air to the heating air duct and / or the cooling air duct. Therefore, in addition to the recirculation flap, the device can also include at least one fan to supply fresh air. Furthermore, the device only needs to include exactly one fan, which reduces costs.

[0011] The device can comprise at least two blowers, most preferably exactly two blowers. A first blower can supply fresh air to the hot air duct, and a second blower can supply fresh air to the cooling air duct. In particular, the blowers can be arranged such that air drawn in by the first blower is supplied exclusively to the hot air duct and explicitly not to the cooling air duct, and air from the second blower is supplied exclusively to the cooling air duct and not to the hot air duct. For example, a recirculation unit can be connected to two different nodes, each supplying air from a corresponding blower. From each node, a connection leads to the inlet of a heating section or a cooling section of the temperature control unit.

[0012] A fan can be assigned to the recirculated air and a fan to the fresh air. Two distribution units can be provided behind the fans but in front of the temperature control unit. One distribution unit can be assigned to the fresh air fan and the other to the recirculated air fan. Two connections extend from each distribution unit, with one connection from each unit meeting at a junction. Fresh air and recirculated air are mixed again at this junction. The cooling air duct then begins at one junction, and the hot air duct at the other. The distribution units can be used to mix fresh air and recirculated air volume flows according to the temperature control or air conditioning requirements of the air space and to supply them to the heating and cooling zones of the temperature control unit. For example,During heating operation, a high temperature of both air mass flows at the inlet to the temperature control unit is advantageous. However, this is technically limited by the fact that a mass flow from the air space is discharged after the temperature control unit. Furthermore, a certain air exchange rate in the air space, preferably the interior of a vehicle, is necessary to ensure that the CO2 concentration does not exceed a critical level.

[0013] After the elastocaloric temperature control unit, the warm and cold air volume flows are mixed by means of the mixing and distribution dampers. This adjusts the temperature of the supply air to the setpoint.

[0014] By using two fans, the airflow on the warm and cold sides of the elastocaloric temperature control unit can be adjusted independently. This significantly increases the efficiency of the ventilation and therefore the air temperature control.

[0015] Downstream of the temperature control unit, or in other words, in the direction of airflow behind the temperature control unit, at least one distribution unit can be arranged. This is, in particular, a distribution flap. Specifically, two distribution units are provided: one for the hot air duct and one for the cooling air duct. Each distribution unit includes an air outlet for releasing excess air. The hot air duct distribution unit includes a hot air outlet, while the cooling air duct distribution unit has a cooling air outlet.

[0016] Whether less warm and / or cold air is required, and what proportion is not needed, depends primarily on the selected operating mode, e.g., a heating mode, a cooling mode, or a reheat mode. In other words, it depends primarily on a temperature requirement and / or an air mass requirement in at least one zone or all zones of the air space.

[0017] The distribution units allow for the release of unused airflow. For example, if the air in the air space is being heated, some of the air coming from the cooling section of the temperature control unit can be released. Warm air from the hot air duct is not released to ensure maximum efficiency. Conversely, in cooling mode, only hot air can be released from the hot air outlet, but no cooling air from the cooling air outlet.

[0018] Preferably, at least one mixing unit can be connected downstream of the temperature control unit, and preferably also downstream of the at least one distribution unit, in which the hot air duct and the cooling air duct are combined. The hot air duct can thus extend continuously from the heating area of ​​the temperature control unit, preferably from an inlet to the heating area, to the at least one mixing unit, while the cooling air duct can extend continuously from the cooling area, preferably from an inlet to the cooling area, to the mixing unit. The hot air duct and the cooling air duct are preferably separated along their entire length (except for the air space of the temperature control unit), and no mixing of the air can occur. Therefore, the hot air duct and the cooling air duct do not form a single duct along an entire route in the ventilation system.

[0019] The device can comprise multiple mixing units. The hot air duct and / or the cooling air duct can each split into at least two sub-ducts downstream of the at least one distribution unit, with one sub-duct of the hot air duct and one sub-duct of the cooling air duct being combined in a distribution unit. The at least one mixing unit serves to mix the hot air from the hot air duct and the cooling air from the cooling air duct and then supply the mixture to the vehicle's airspace. With multiple mixing units, the air in different zones of the airspace can be heated to different temperatures. This allows for zoning. In other words, the hot air and cooling air volume flows are mixed by means of mixing flaps according to the requirements of the airspace to be heated. This avoids inefficient supplemental heating using a PTC (phase changer).

[0020] The device can include a heat exchanger, especially an air-to-air heat exchanger, which is arranged downstream of the temperature control unit. Both the air from the hot air duct and the air from the cooling air duct flow through the air-to-air heat exchanger. However, the air is not mixed; the airflow is kept separate.

[0021] The inclusion of a heat exchanger counteracts the problem of moisture ingress from the air on the hot air side. When the air cools to absorb thermal energy, condensation can form on the elastocaloric material, such as the wires of the elastocaloric temperature control unit. This moisture can then reach the heating area, where the condensed moisture on the material passes into the air. This leads to an increase in the absolute humidity of the air. This can be problematic, for example, when temperature control in a vehicle, building, or rail vehicle, as it can result in fogging of the windows. Due to the movement of the material or wires within the elastocaloric temperature control unit, moisture is transferred between the heat-absorbing and heat-emitting sides.Inside a vehicle, increased humidity levels, depending on surface temperatures, can lead to the dew point being reached, resulting in fogged windows and moisture damage to the interior. Therefore, dehumidifying the supply air by directly connecting the warm air duct to the cold air duct is not practical. An air-to-air heat exchanger between the hot and cold air ducts is particularly advantageous, as it allows heat transfer to occur with spatial separation of the airflows.

[0022] Preferably, the heat exchanger is arranged downstream of the at least one distribution unit in the direction of flow. The heat exchanger can be arranged downstream of the distribution unit associated with the cooling air duct and upstream of the distribution unit associated with the hot air duct.

[0023] The hot air duct can include a bypass to circumvent the heat exchanger. If dehumidification of the supply air is not required, the heat exchanger is bypassed. In this case, the air is fed directly to the mixing unit and then to the air space after passing through the elastocaloric temperature control unit or the distribution unit. This avoids the air-side pressure drop of the heat exchanger when it is not needed for dehumidification, resulting in energy savings and reduced noise for the air conditioning system.

[0024] In another aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle comprising a device as described above. This is, in particular, a motor vehicle.

[0025] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for ventilating the airspace of a vehicle, which uses a device as described above. The method comprises guiding air through a hot air duct that passes through the heating section of the temperature control unit, and guiding air through the cooling duct that passes through the cooling section. The method may also include releasing unused hot air and / or cooling air, depending on an operating mode with respect to heating or cooling the airspace. Furthermore, the method may include drawing in recirculated air using the recirculation unit, drawing in fresh air with at least one blower, mixing hot air and cold air, and supplying the resulting mixture to the airspace using the at least one mixing unit.

[0026] It shows in a purely schematic representation: Fig. 1: a device for ventilating an air space; Fig. 2: another device for ventilating an air space; Fig. 3: another device for ventilating an air space; Fig. 4: another device for ventilating an air space, Fig. 5: another device for ventilating an air space, Fig. 6: another device for ventilating an air space, Fig. 7: another device for ventilating an air space, Fig. 8: a vehicle; and Fig. 9: a method for ventilating an airspace.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a device 10 for ventilating an air space 11, here exemplified by a vehicle 100. It is clearly visible how a recirculation unit 40, specifically a recirculation flap 41, is provided, along with two blowers 50, namely a first blower 50a and a second blower 50b. Thus, both recirculated air and fresh air can be drawn in. These are combined at respective junctions 90. The first blower 50a is assigned to a hot air duct 30 of the device 10, and the second blower 50b to a cooling air duct 32 of the device. The first blower 50a draws in fresh air for the hot air duct 30, and exclusively for this duct, while the second blower 50b draws in fresh air exclusively for the cooling air duct 32. At corresponding junctions 90, the air from each blower is combined with the recirculated air.The hot air duct 30 and the cooling air duct 32 begin after the respective junction 90, where fresh air from the respective blower is combined with recirculated air. Both the hot air duct 30 and the cooling air duct 32 pass through a temperature control unit 20, which has a heating zone 21 and a cooling zone 22. The hot air duct 30 passes through the heating zone 21, and the cooling air duct 32 passes through the cooling zone 22.

[0028] Two distribution units 60 are provided; a first distribution unit 60a for the hot air duct 30 and a second distribution unit 60b for the cooling air duct 32. The first distribution unit 60a has a hot air outlet 80 and the second distribution unit 60b has a cooling air outlet 81. Unneeded cold air and / or warm air is released via the corresponding outlet.

[0029] This is followed by another junction 90, where the hot air duct 30 divides into two sub-ducts 31, namely a first sub-duct 31a and a second sub-duct 31b. The same applies to the cooling air duct 32, which also divides into sub-ducts 33, namely a first sub-duct 33a and a second sub-duct 33b.

[0030] Two mixing units 70 are provided: a first mixing unit 70a and a second mixing unit 70b. These are designed as mixing flaps 71. The first sub-channel 33a of the cooling air duct 32 and the first sub-channel 31a of the hot air duct 30 lead into the second mixing unit 70b, and the second sub-channel 31b of the hot air duct 30 and the second sub-channel 33b of the cooling air duct 32 lead into the first mixing unit 70a.

[0031] The various mixing units 70 allow different zones of the vehicle's airspace to be heated to different temperatures. In particular, the rate at which air is released via the at least one distribution unit 60 can be adjusted to the temperature and mass requirements of the vehicle or different zones of the airspace.

[0032] Fig. Figure 2 shows another device 10, which is analogous to that of the Fig. 1 is configured, but only one mixing unit 70 is present. Therefore, no temperature zoning takes place. Furthermore, the hot air duct 30 and the cooling air duct 32 are not divided into different sub-ducts.

[0033] Fig. Figure 3 shows another device 10, which, as in Fig. 1 is designed, with the difference that only one blower 50 is provided, which can supply both recirculated air and fresh air.

[0034] This is gathered in a distribution unit 60 arranged in front of the blower 50, and drawn in by the blower 50. The hot air duct 30 and the cooling air duct 32 begin from the junction 90, where air for the heating area 21 and the cooling area 22 is separated.

[0035] In Fig. 4 is another device 10, which, apart from the differences mentioned below, is analogous to that of the Fig. 2 is shown. Thus, only one mixing unit 70 is available. Unlike in Fig. In the unit 2, a first fan 50a is assigned to the recirculated air and a second fan 50b to the fresh air. Downstream of the fans 50 but upstream of the temperature control unit 20, two distribution units 60 are provided: a third distribution unit 60c and a fourth distribution unit 60d. The third distribution unit 60c is assigned to the first fan 50a for recirculated air, and the fourth distribution unit 60d to the second fan 50b for fresh air. Two connections lead from each distribution unit 60 to respective nodes 90, with one connection from the third distribution unit 60c and one connection from the fourth distribution unit 60d meeting at each node. The cooling air duct 32 begins at one junction and the hot air duct 30 at the other. The third and fourth distribution units 60c and 60d serve to regulate fresh air and recirculated air volume flows according to the temperature control requirements.To mix the air conditioning requirements of the air space and supply it to the heating area 21 and the cooling area 22 of the temperature control unit 20.

[0036] Fig. 5 represents a further device 10, which is analogous to the device 10 of the Fig. 4 is designed. The only difference in device 10 is the addition of a heat exchanger 45. This is arranged downstream of the temperature control unit 20 in the direction of airflow. Both the hot air duct 30 and the cooling air duct 32 pass through the heat exchanger 45. The heat exchanger 45 is further arranged downstream of the second distribution unit 60b, which is associated with the cooling air duct 32, and upstream of the first distribution unit 60a, which is associated with the hot air duct 30.

[0037] Fig. Figure 6 shows another device 10, which is analogous to the device 10 of the Fig. 5 is formed. However, the heat exchanger 45 is now arranged downstream of the first distribution unit 60a and the second distribution unit 60b in the direction of flow. The hot air duct 30 includes a bypass 46 to bypass the heat exchanger 45 if dehumidification of the supply air is not necessary.

[0038] In Fig. 7 shows another device 10, which is analogous to Fig. 6 is formed. After the first distribution unit 60a or after the heat exchanger 45, two nodes 90 follow. At these, the hot air duct 30 divides into two sub-ducts 31, namely a first sub-duct 31a and a second sub-duct 31b, and the cooling air duct 32 into sub-ducts 33, namely a first sub-duct 33a and a second sub-duct 33b.

[0039] Then, analogously to Fig. 3 Two mixing units 70 are provided for zoning, a first mixing unit 70a and a second mixing unit 70b. These are designed as mixing flaps 71.

[0040] The first sub-channel 33a of the cooling air duct 32 and the first sub-channel 31a of the hot air duct 30 lead into the second mixing unit 70b, and the second sub-channel 31b of the hot air duct 30 and the second sub-channel 33b of the cooling air duct 32 lead into the first mixing unit 70a.

[0041] Fig. Figure 8 shows a vehicle 100 comprising a device 10 for ventilating an air space of a vehicle according to one of the Fig. 1 to 3.

[0042] Fig.Figure 9 shows a method 200 for ventilating an air space, which includes guiding 203 air through a hot air duct and 204 air through a cooling air duct. Recirculated air can be drawn in 201 and fresh air can be drawn in 202. Unneeded hot air and / or cooling air can be released 205, in particular by means of a distribution unit. In a heating mode, unneeded cooling air can be released at a cooling air outlet of the distribution unit associated with the cooling air duct, while no hot air is released at the hot air outlet, in order to operate as efficiently as possible. Conversely, in a cooling mode, only hot air can be released at the hot air outlet, but no cooling air at the cooling air outlet.

[0043] Hot air and cold air are mixed from the corresponding channels 206 and fed into an airspace. Reference symbol list 10 Device 11 Airspace 20 temperature control units 21 Heating area 22 Cooling area 30 Hot air duct 31 Subchannel 31a first subchannel 31b second subchannel 32 Cooling air duct 33 Subchannel 33a first subchannel 33b second subchannel 40 recirculation unit 41 Recirculation flap 45 heat exchangers 46 Bypass 50 blowers 50a first blower 50b second blower 60 distribution unit 60a first distribution unit 60b second distribution unit 60c third distribution unit 60d fourth distribution unit 70 mixing unit 70a first mixing unit 70b second mixing unit 71 Mixing valve 80 Hot air outlet 81 Cooling air outlet 90 Junction 100 vehicles 200 methods for ventilating an airspace 201 Intake of recirculated air 202 Fresh air intake 203 Guiding air through a hot air duct 204 Guiding air through a cooling air duct 205 Release of unneeded hot air and / or cooling air depending on an operating mode 206 Mixing hot air and cold air and supplying it to the airspace QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2020 002 845 A1

[0002] KR 2014 / 0030240 A

[0002]

Claims

[1] Device (10) for ventilating an air space (11), wherein the device (10) comprises an elastocaloric temperature control unit (20) with a heating area (21) and a cooling area (22) which interact calorically, characterized by , that the device (10) comprises a hot air duct (30) passing through the heating area (21) and a cooling air duct (32) passing through the cooling area (22). [2] Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the hot air duct (30) and the cooling air duct (32) are separated from each other to at most one interior space of the temperature control unit (20). [3] Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the device (10) comprises at least two blowers (50), wherein a first blower (50a) serves to supply fresh air to the hot air duct (30) and a second blower (50b) serves to supply fresh air to the cooling air duct (32). [4] Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a mixing unit (70) is arranged after the temperature control unit (20), wherein the hot air duct (30) and the cooling air duct (32) are combined in the mixing unit (70). [5] Device (10) according to claim 4, characterized by , that after the temperature control unit (20) the hot air duct (30) and the cooling air duct (32) are divided into at least two sub-ducts (31), wherein one sub-duct (31) of the hot air duct (30) and one sub-duct (31) of the cooling air duct (32) are combined in at least one mixing unit (70). [6] Device (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , that between the temperature control unit (20) and the at least one mixing unit (70) at least one distribution unit (70) is arranged for the release of unneeded hot air and / or cooling air depending on an operating mode. [7] Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the device (10) comprises a heat exchanger (45) which is arranged downstream of the temperature control unit (20) in the direction of flow, and wherein both the hot air duct (30) and the cooling air duct (32) pass through the heat exchanger (45). [8] Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the device (10) comprises two distribution units (70) in the direction of flow upstream of the temperature control unit (20) in order to supply a recirculated air mass flow and a fresh air mass flow to the heating area and the cooling area of ​​the temperature control unit (20) depending on temperature control requirements. [9] Vehicle (100) comprising a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. [10] Method (200) for ventilating an air space (11), wherein the method (200) uses a device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8 with an elastocaloric temperature control unit (20) having a heating area (21) and a cooling area (22), characterized by , that the method (200) comprises the guiding (201) of air through a hot air duct (30) which passes through the heating area (21) of the temperature control unit (20) and the guiding (202) of air through a cooling air duct (32) which passes through the cooling area (22).

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