HVAC SYSTEM FOR REMOVING MOISTURE FROM FLOWING AIR

Abstract

A heating and ventilation system that removes water vapor from the recirculating air of a passenger compartment is provided. The system includes an enclosure having an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet comprising a first inlet oriented to receive air flowing from a passenger compartment of a vehicle enclosing the enclosure and a second inlet configured to receive air from outside a vehicle. A enclosure supports a semipermeable membrane aligned with the first inlet such that air flowing through the first inlet passes through the semipermeable membrane before flowing to the air outlet, and air flowing through the second inlet does not pass through the semipermeable membrane. A first port in fluid communication with the semipermeable membrane. The enclosure includes a valve operable to control air flowing therein.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority over preliminary US patent application No. 63 / 635073, filed on April 17, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This application relates to HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems for vehicles or other machines that have passenger or other spaces whose environmental conditions are to be controlled. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A representative embodiment of the disclosure is provided. The embodiment includes a heating and ventilation system. The system includes a housing that incorporates an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet comprising a first inlet oriented to receive air flowing from a passenger compartment of a vehicle enclosed by the housing, and a second inlet configured to receive air from outside the vehicle. The air outlet extracts air from the first and second inlets and directs the air from the first and second inlets to a fan.The housing supports a semipermeable membrane oriented towards the first inlet, such that air flowing through the first inlet passes through the semipermeable membrane before flowing to the air outlet, while air flowing through the second inlet does not pass through the semipermeable membrane. A first port is in fluid communication with the housing, so that water vapor flowing from the housing into the first port passes through the semipermeable membrane.The housing further comprises a valve arranged in the housing, which can be positioned in a first position to allow an airflow from the first air inlet through the semi-permeable membrane to the air outlet and to prevent an airflow from the second inlet from reaching the air outlet, and which can be positioned in a second position that prevents an airflow from the second inlet from reaching the air outlet and that prevents an airflow from the first air inlet and the semi-permeable membrane from reaching the air outlet.

[0004] Other representative embodiments of the disclosure include the structure described in the numbered paragraphs at the end of this specification, including all different combinations of elements within the various numbered paragraphs.

[0005] The advantages of the present disclosure become clearer to the person skilled in the art with reference to the following description of the preferred embodiments of the disclosure, which are shown and described for illustrative purposes. As can be seen, further and different embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are possible, and its details can be modified in various respects. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative and not as limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an intake housing for an HVAC system for a vehicle. Fig. Figure 2 is another perspective view of the intake housing of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the intake housing of Fig. 1 to section AA of Fig. 1 around (without showing the schematic vacuum source which is in Fig. 1 is shown). Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of another intake housing for an HVAC system for a vehicle. Fig. Figure 5 is another perspective view of the intake housing of Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of yet another intake housing for an HKL system for a vehicle. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the intake housing of Fig. 6 in section BB of Fig. Around 6. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view from below of the intake housing of Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view of yet another intake housing for an HVAC system with a housing similar to the housing of Fig. 1, with an external air intake to allow a larger semi-permeable membrane than would be possible given the size of the housing. Fig. 1 would be possible. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In Fig. Figures 1-9 show an intake housing 100, 200, 300, 400 of a heating and ventilation system. The heating and ventilation system is provided for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system that is particularly suitable for a vehicle and, in some embodiments, is particularly suitable for a vehicle powered exclusively by electricity (normally stored in one or more batteries in the vehicle), and in other embodiments for a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine and a battery and can be powered by either the internal combustion engine or the battery, as desired or required.The system can also be used for various vehicle types, such as passenger cars, as well as for other types of machinery and heavy equipment that include a space (for example, a passenger or operator compartment, or a storage area) that requires heating or air conditioning, such as tractors, combine harvesters, excavators, cranes, trains, aircraft, boats, and the like. Although the system can be successfully implemented in all these types of vehicles and machinery (and others that have one or more climate-controlled spaces), for the sake of brevity, this specification refers to the use of the system in a passenger car.

[0007] The intake housing 100, 200, 300, 400 is configured to receive air entering the HVAC system, and in particular to be able to receive air from outside the vehicle, which encloses the HVAC system ("fresh air"), and air drawn in from the passenger compartment of the vehicle ("recirculated air"). The intake housing 100, 200, 300, 400 includes one or more valves 29 that control the air source flowing into a fan chamber 180 and into the suction of a fan 181 (schematic). The figures show a shaft 29 operated by an operator (not shown), with the valve located in the intake housing 100. The fan chamber 180 can be located in a fan housing (not shown) which can be attached to an outlet section 160 (also 260, 360) of the intake housing 100, 200, 300, 400.The valves 29 can be positioned to allow only the flow of fresh air, only the flow of recirculated air, or a combination of fresh and recirculated air, while preventing the other airflow. The term "prevent" is defined here as including the prevention of any flow that is undesirable due to the position of the valve 29. However, it also covers situations where a minimal amount of undesired flow is possible past the valve, for example, if the surfaces of the valve do not have complete surface-to-surface contact with the surfaces of the housing, and thus undesired flow is not completely blocked. The position of the valves 29 is controlled by an HVAC controller (800, schematic), whereby the position of the valve 29 is controlled based on the user-desired operation of the HVAC system or based on instructions received from a vehicle control unit.The valves 29 can be moved in the direction M, N to the desired positions, controlled by the HKL control 800.

[0008] In conventional HVAC systems, the heated air supplied to the vehicle's passenger compartment is often provided exclusively by fresh air drawn in by the fan, or it consists predominantly of fresh air rather than recirculated air from the passenger compartment. This is because, when the vehicle is operating in cold weather, the air in the passenger compartment typically has a much higher dew point and a much higher relative humidity (due to the presence of passengers continuously releasing water vapor into the passenger compartment air) than the outside air, which has a very low relative humidity in cold weather.

[0009] Utilizing recirculated air from the passenger compartment (as opposed to outside air) by the HVAC system is particularly advantageous for electric or hybrid vehicles currently powered by battery. In these vehicles, operating the HVAC system, and especially the heat pump system, requires a significant amount of electrical energy to heat the incoming air. This is necessary for the heat pump heater (and, if needed, the electric heater) to warm the airflow. As a result, the remaining charge of the vehicle's battery decreases, thus reducing the distance the vehicle can travel before needing to stop to recharge—or, in the case of hybrid vehicles, the distance the vehicle can travel without resorting to the combustion engine for torque and battery recharging.The lower load on the battery due to the relatively low heat input required when the HVAC housing absorbs passenger compartment air (which is significantly warmer than the outside air when the vehicle is driving in cold weather) minimizes the power consumption of the HVAC system (heat pump system and electric heating when needed) to maintain the passenger compartment at the temperature desired by the passengers.

[0010] In comparison, if the air used by the HVAC system is fresh air, the temperature of the fresh air in cold weather is much lower than the desired temperature in the passenger compartment. Therefore, the heat pump heater (and, if necessary, the electric heater) must operate at a very high level to transfer sufficient heat to the air flowing through the evaporator and thus raise the air temperature from the inlet temperature (at or near the outside air temperature) to the desired temperature for the passenger compartment. This high operating level of the heat pump system consumes significant amounts of electricity, which discharges the battery relatively quickly – thus reducing the vehicle's range (or shortening the time a hybrid vehicle needs to switch back to combustion engine operation – which also reduces the vehicle's range).

[0011] The intake housings 100, 200, 300 are provided for and allow exclusively the use of recirculated air or a higher percentage thereof in an HVAC system for operation in cold weather - without the fogging of the windows that typically occurs when using recirculated air in conventional HVAC systems.

[0012] Each of the intake housings 100, 200, 300, 400 is equipped with a semi-permeable membrane 40, which is positioned within and, in particular, at a location where all or a high percentage of the recirculated air flows through the semi-permeable membrane 40 before reaching the fan intake housing 180 and interacting with the fan 181. The intake housing 100, 200, 300, 400 is configured to draw in air (either fresh air or recirculated air) and direct this air to the fan 181. From the fan, the air (airflow T, schematic) flows through an evaporator and into the outlet housing, where the air is directed into the heat pump heater (when the HVAC system is in heating or defrosting mode) and, via a variety of valves contained therein, to the desired outlet. Air flows from the HVAC system – depending on the position of the valves – either to defrosting, to the panel (i.e.to the air outlet louvers in the dashboard) or to the floor, where it can flow into the first, second or third row of a vehicle.

[0013] The first intake housing 100 is in Fig. Figures 1 to 3 are shown. The first intake housing 100 includes a first air inlet 150 and 140, both configured to receive recirculated air flowing from the vehicle's passenger compartment (not shown). The housing has a second inlet 170 configured to receive fresh air from outside the vehicle.

[0014] The first air inlet includes two different air inlets, one of which is an air inlet 150 that draws in recirculated air and allows this air to flow directly into an internal volume 110 of the housing. The air inlet 150 can include a plurality of holes 151 extending through the wall of the housing. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the holes 151 are arranged in several walls that form the housing (i.e., a curved central wall 122 and opposing right and left side walls 123, 124). The right and left walls 123, 124 can be flat, and the central wall 122 extends between the upper edges of the right and left walls. The curvature of the central wall 122 can be a continuous curvature, so that the one or more valves 29 (which rotate about valve shafts 129) extend along the inner surface of the curved central wall 122 during the change of position as discussed herein.

[0015] The first air inlet also includes an air inlet 140, which is likewise configured to receive recirculated air. The air inlet 140 incorporates a semi-permeable membrane 40, so that air flowing into the air inlet 140 passes through the semi-permeable membrane 40 before reaching the internal volume 110 of the housing 20.

[0016] The semipermeable membrane 40 is configured such that air flowing into the semipermeable membrane 40 can pass through it, while a substantial portion of the moisture (i.e., water vapor) entrained with the air is prevented from flowing across the width of the semipermeable membrane and, in particular, from flowing out of the semipermeable membrane 40. The semipermeable membrane 40 is connected to a first port 110a, so that any water vapor prevented from flowing through the semipermeable membrane 40 flows into or is directed to the first port 110a.In some embodiments, the first port 110a is connected to a vacuum source 900 (negative pressure source) which, during operation, generates a vacuum / suction in the first port 110a, which is carried on to the semi-permeable membrane 40 (and the sump 112, if present, as discussed below), thereby directing the suction onto the semi-permeable membrane to draw the water vapor (stream WW, . Fig. 3) in the semi-permeable membrane 40, which is prevented or restricted from passing through it, is drawn out of the membrane with the air and to the first connection 110a. The operation of the vacuum source 900 forces the water vapor within the semi-permeable membrane to flow through the first opening 110a and out of the housing 20 (schematically represented as WW).

[0017] Due to the presence of the semipermeable membrane 40, the air flowing through and out of the semipermeable membrane 40 (schematically represented as Q and QQ) contains a significantly lower percentage of water vapor than the air flowing into the housing 100 via the first inlet 150 (airflow schematically represented as R). The air (QQ) leaving the semipermeable membrane 40 has a lower water vapor content than the air Z entering the semipermeable membrane.

[0018] In some embodiments, two flow paths (not shown) are provided to direct air to the two different first inlets (150 and 140). The HVAC control 800 can control the recirculated airflow (through a valve, not shown) such that in some embodiments, air flows only through the semi-permeable membrane (and not through inlet 150 into the housing), while in other embodiments, the HVAC control 800 can control the recirculated airflow so that air does not flow through the semi-permeable element (air inlet 140) and flows only through inlet 150, or in some embodiments, the HVAC control can operate so that air flows through both inlets 140 and 150.

[0019] It is understood that the air flowing through the semi-permeable membrane 40 (Z, Q, QQ) is subject to considerable resistance in terms of flowing through it, so that, for example, in situations where the HVAC system is operated as an air conditioner (and the fresh air therefore has the same or a higher humidity than the air in the passenger compartment), there is no or a lesser need to remove water vapor from the air flowing through the HVAC system.In this case, the HVAC control can direct all recirculated air to flow to inlet 150 (and not through inlet 140 and the semi-permeable membrane 40) to eliminate the flow resistance of the semi-permeable membrane, which increases the airflow at the same fan speed and prevents an even higher fan speed than required without the semi-permeable membrane 40 (thereby minimizing the fan noise / vibration audible / perceptible in the passenger compartment and limiting the current required to operate fan 181).

[0020] It is understood that the operation of the fan 181 generates a negative pressure on the suction side of the fan, which is passed on to the inlet 150 and to the semi-permeable membrane 40, and the negative pressure at the outlet of the semi-permeable membrane (compared to the positive pressure at the inlet of the semi-permeable membrane 40) causes air to be "drawn" through the semi-permeable membrane at a higher mass flow rate than would be the case if the fan 181 were not in operation.

[0021] Under circumstances where the fresh air is significantly colder than the air in the passenger compartment, the HVAC control 800 can control the recirculated air flow into the housing 100 so that all the recirculated air flows through the semi-permeable membrane 40, thus maximizing the amount of water vapor that can be removed from the air that is directed from the HVAC system into the passenger compartment.

[0022] The first intake housing 100 additionally includes a second inlet 170, which is configured to receive air (W, schematic) flowing from outside the vehicle – i.e., fresh air. The fresh air W flowing into the interior volume 110 can, depending on the position of the valve 29, be directed to the fan chamber 180 ( Fig. 3 (schematic) flow.

[0023] The first intake housing 100 can have a filter 30 arranged above the fan chamber 180, so that both the fresh air (W) and the recirculated air (R, Z) drawn into the housing flow through a filter 30 before reaching the fan 181. The air filter 30 can be replaceable and accommodated in a filter cavity 130, with the arrow X indicating the direction in which the filter 30 can be inserted into the filter cavity 130.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first port 110a is directly connected to the semipermeable membrane 40, so that water vapor removed from the air flowing through it (WW, schematically) passes directly to the first port 110a (in some embodiments due to the vacuum force generated by the vacuum source 900). The first port 110a can be connected to the semipermeable membrane via a seal 122 extending between the semipermeable membrane 40 and the housing 142 to prevent air from entering the first port 110a from anywhere other than the semipermeable membrane 40. In some embodiments, a second seal 124 can be provided between the semipermeable membrane 40 and the housing 142 to prevent air from bypassing the semipermeable membrane 40 through the housing 142.

[0025] In other embodiments, the sump 112 is not provided and the first port 110a is directly connected to the semipermeable membrane 140. The first port 110a is connected to the semipermeable membrane 140 via a second seal 132, which prevents water vapor flowing through the semipermeable membrane from leaving it in any way other than through the first port 110a.

[0026] A second intake housing 200 is in Fig. Figures 4 to 5 are shown. The second intake housing 200 includes a first air inlet 250 configured to receive recirculated air flowing from the vehicle's passenger compartment (not shown). The housing has a second inlet 270 configured to receive fresh air from outside the vehicle.

[0027] The first airflow allows recirculated air to flow into the interior volume 210 of the housing 200 (airflow R, schematic). The air inlet 250 can include a plurality of holes 251 extending through the walls of the housing. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the holes 251 are arranged in several walls that form the housing (i.e., a curved central wall 222 and opposing right and left side walls 223, 224). The right and left walls 223, 224 can be flat, and the central wall 222 extends between the upper edges of the right and left walls. The curvature of the central wall 222 can be a continuous curve, so that the one or more valves 29 (which rotate around valve shafts 129, now in the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 are shown, but the one in Fig. 3 resemble valve 29) along the inner surface of the curved central wall 222 when they change their position, as discussed herein.

[0028] The internal volume 210 encloses a semi-permeable membrane 40, which is designed such that recirculated air R entering the internal volume flows through the semi-permeable membrane 40.

[0029] The semipermeable membrane 40 is configured such that air flowing into the semipermeable membrane 40 can pass through it, while a substantial portion of the moisture (i.e., water vapor) entrained with the air is prevented from flowing across the width of the semipermeable membrane and, in particular, from flowing out of the semipermeable membrane 40. The design and operation of the semipermeable membrane 40 in this embodiment are similar to those described in connection with the housing 100 described above.

[0030] The semipermeable membrane 40 is connected to a first port 110a, so that water vapor, which is prevented from flowing through the semipermeable membrane 40, flows into or is directed to the first port 110a. In some embodiments, the first port 110a is connected to a vacuum source (negative pressure source, similar to the vacuum source 900 described in Fig. 1 shown and described above) connected, which during operation generates a vacuum / suction into the first port 110a, which is carried on to the semi-permeable membrane 40 (and the sump 112, if present, as discussed below), thereby directing the suction towards the semi-permeable membrane to draw the water vapor (stream WW, Fig. 3) in the semi-permeable membrane 40, which is prevented or restricted from passing through it, is drawn out of the membrane with the air and to the first connection 110a. The operation of the vacuum source 900 forces the water vapor within the semi-permeable membrane to flow through the first opening 110a and out of the housing 20 (schematically represented as WW).

[0031] Due to the presence of the semi-permeable membrane 40, the air flowing through and out of the semi-permeable membrane 40 (as in Fig. 3 schematically represented as Q and QQ), contains a significantly lower percentage of water vapor than the air flowing into the housing 200 via the first inlet 250 (airflow schematically represented as R).

[0032] In the second intake housing 200, the semi-permeable membrane 40 extends under the entire first air intake 250, so that all the recirculated air (R) must flow through the semi-permeable membrane 40 before it flows to the fan chamber (not shown, like the fan chamber 180 discussed above).

[0033] In some embodiments, the second intake housing 200 is configured to accommodate a filter similar to the filter 30 discussed above. The filter can be removed and replaced as described above. In these embodiments, the filter is housed in a filter compartment 230 and can be installed in or removed from the filter compartment 230.

[0034] In other embodiments, the intake housing 200 can be rearranged so that the filter compartment 230 is located below the semi-permeable membrane, and in particular so that recirculated air (R) entering the intake housing 200 through the first inlet 150 meets the semi-permeable membrane 40 before it meets the filter.

[0035] The second intake housing 200 includes a second inlet 270, configured to allow fresh air to enter the internal volume 210 of the housing (W, schematic). In this embodiment, the fresh air W also flows through the semi-permeable membrane (and the filter) and then into the fan housing (schematic airflow T). Fig. 5, the fan housing is not shown, but is attached below the outlet section 260 to the second intake housing 200).

[0036] Now referring to Fig. Figures 6 to 8 show the third intake housing 300. The third intake housing 300 includes a first air inlet 350, configured to receive recirculated air flowing from the vehicle's passenger compartment (not shown). The housing has a second inlet 370, configured to receive fresh air from outside the vehicle.

[0037] The third intake housing 300 allows recirculated air to flow into one of two separate internal volumes 310, 310a of the housing 300 (airflow R1 and R2, schematic). The air inlet 350 can include a plurality of holes 351 extending through the walls of the housing. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the holes 351 are arranged in several walls that form the housing (i.e., a curved central wall 322 and opposing right and left side walls 323, 324). The right and left walls 323, 324 can be flat, and the central wall 322 extends between the upper edges of the right and left walls. The curvature of the central wall 322 can be a continuous curve, such that the one or more valves 29 (which rotate around valve stems 329, shown in Figure 1) Fig. 6, Fig. 8) and similar to the one in Fig. 3 valve 29) extend along the inner surface of the curved central wall 322 when they change their position, as discussed herein.

[0038] The third intake housing 300 encloses a wall 355 that divides the internal volumes into two separate volumes 310, 310a, as shown in the Fig. Figures 6 to 8 illustrate this. The position of the wall causes the recirculated air R1, flowing through the right wall 323 and the right side of the central wall 322, to flow into the interior volume 310, and the recirculated air R2, flowing through the left wall 324 and the left side of the central wall 322, to flow into the second interior volume 310a. Similarly, the fresh air W1, flowing through the second inlet 370 on the right side of the wall 355, flows into the first interior volume 310, and the fresh air W2, flowing through the second inlet 370 on the left side of the wall 355, flows into the second interior volume 310a.

[0039] The first internal volume 310 encloses a semi-permeable membrane 40, which is designed such that recirculated air R1 entering the first internal volume flows through the semi-permeable membrane 40 before passing through the outlet section 360 and into the fan housing (not shown, similar to the fan housing 180, schematically). Fig. 3) flows.

[0040] The semipermeable membrane 40 is configured such that air flowing into the semipermeable membrane 40 can pass through it, while a substantial portion of the moisture (i.e., water vapor) entrained with the air is prevented from flowing across the width of the semipermeable membrane and, in particular, from flowing out of the semipermeable membrane 40. The design and operation of the semipermeable membrane 40 in this embodiment are similar to those described in connection with the housing 100 described above.

[0041] The semipermeable membrane 40 is connected to a first port 110a, so that water vapor, which is prevented from flowing through the semipermeable membrane 40, flows into or is directed to the first port 110a. In some embodiments, the first port 110a is connected to a vacuum source (negative pressure source, similar to the vacuum source 900 described in Fig. 1 shown and described above) connected, which during operation generates a vacuum / suction into the first port 110a, which is carried on to the semi-permeable membrane 40 (and the sump 112, if present, as discussed below), thereby directing the suction towards the semi-permeable membrane to draw the water vapor (stream WW, Fig. 3) in the semi-permeable membrane 40, which is prevented or restricted from passing through it, is drawn out of the membrane with the air and to the first connection 110a. The operation of the vacuum source 900 forces the water vapor within the semi-permeable membrane to flow through the first opening 110a and out of the housing 20 (schematically represented as WW).

[0042] Due to the presence of the semi-permeable membrane 40, the air flowing through and out of the semi-permeable membrane 40 (as in Fig. 3 schematically represented as Q and QQ), contains a significantly lower percentage of water vapor than the air flowing into the housing 300 via the first inlet 350 (airflow schematically represented as R1).

[0043] The third housing 300 is configured such that the second internal volume 310a does not enclose a semi-permeable membrane, as in Fig. Figure 6 shows the filter 30 visible in the second inner volume 310, while the semipermeable membrane 40 (above the filter 30 when air flows through it) is positioned above the filter in the first inner volume 310a. In other embodiments, the filter can be positioned above the semipermeable membrane 40 so that the current R1 encounters the filter before flowing into the semipermeable membrane 40 (similar to the housing 200, as shown in the Fig. 4-5 (shown).

[0044] The third intake housing 300 includes a second inlet 370, configured to allow fresh air to enter the first and second internal volumes 310, 310a of the housing (W1 and W2, respectively, schematically). In this embodiment, the fresh air W1 into the first internal volume 310 also flows through the semi-permeable membrane (and the filter) and then into the fan housing (schematic airflow T1). Fig. 8. The fan housing is not shown, but is attached to the second intake housing 300 below the outlet section 360, similar to... Fig. 3) The fresh air flowing into the second internal volume 310a (W2) does not pass through a semi-permeable membrane on its way to the outlet 360 and the fan housing below.

[0045] In some embodiments, separate inlet flow paths for recirculated air can be provided, such that a first inlet flow path is positioned to generate flow R1 (which flows through the semi-permeable membrane 40) and a second flow R2 (which does not flow through the semi-permeable membrane). These two flows can have a control valve to direct the flow to the desired flow path or to both paths R1 and R2, depending on the HVAC control selection.For example, if the vehicle is operated with warm air and the HVAC system is therefore operated with an air conditioner, the HVAC control can direct the recirculated air to flow only through path R2 to prevent the air from having to flow through the semi-permeable membrane, which adds extra resistance to the flow (and thereby potentially causing flow noise or requiring higher fan speeds, which require more electrical power to operate).In other embodiments, if the vehicle is operated in a cold external environment, the HVAC system can be operated such that the recirculated air flows only through path R1, so that all the recirculated air flows through the semi-permeable membrane 40 to achieve the benefit of water vapor removal, thereby allowing all or part of the recirculated air from the passenger compartment to be used in the passenger compartment, but avoiding condensation as is known in conventional systems that use recirculated air for heating.

[0046] In some embodiments, the HVAC control can also be configured to allow only the fresh air flow W1 (such as in situations with very humid outside air during HVAC operation when fresh air is desired) or only the fresh air flow W2 (such as during operation in cold weather when the fresh air has a relatively low water vapor content) into the first intake housing (and the respective page 310, 310a).

[0047] In some embodiments, the first connection 110a is directly connected to the semi-permeable membrane 40, so that water vapor removed from the air flowing through it (WW, schematically, similar to Fig. 3 from the above embodiment), directly to the first port 110a (in some embodiments due to the vacuum force generated by the vacuum source 900). The first port 110a can be connected to the semipermeable membrane via a seal 122 extending between the semipermeable membrane 40 and the housing 320 to prevent air from entering the first port 110a from anywhere other than the semipermeable membrane 40. In some embodiments, a second seal 124 can be provided between the semipermeable membrane 40 and the housing 142 to prevent air from bypassing the semipermeable membrane 40 through the housing 142.

[0048] In other embodiments, the sump 112 is not provided and the first port 110a is directly connected to the semipermeable membrane 140. The first port 110a is connected to the semipermeable membrane 140 via a second seal 132, which prevents water vapor flowing through the semipermeable membrane from leaving it in any way other than through the first port 110a.

[0049] In Fig. A fourth intake housing 400 is now provided. The fourth intake housing 400 is similar to the first intake housing 100 and includes the same components as the first intake housing 100, the differences between the fourth and the second intake housing being discussed herein. For brevity, identical components in the first and fourth intake housings are identified with the same element numbers.

[0050] The first air inlet includes two distinct air inlets, one of which is an air inlet 150 that receives recirculated air (R, schematic) and allows this air to flow directly into an internal volume 110 of the housing. The air inlet 150 can include a plurality of holes 151 extending through the wall of the housing. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the holes 151 are arranged in several walls that form the housing (i.e., a curved central wall 122, an opposing right wall 123, and a left wall (in Fig. 9 not shown, but similar to the one in Fig. (1 shown in Figure 124). The right and left walls 123, 124 can be flat, and the central wall 122 extends between the upper edges of the right and left walls. The curvature of the central wall 122 can be a continuous curvature, so that the one or more valves 29 (rotating around valve stems 129) extend along the inner surface of the curved central wall 122 during the change of position, as discussed herein.

[0051] The first air intake also includes an air intake 440, which is likewise configured to receive recirculated air (Z, schematic). Air intake 440 is connected to an air duct 480 extending away from air intake 440 to provide a larger surface area for receiving recirculated air (Z) than would be available with air intake 440 alone, due to the size of the housing 400, which is limited by the space provided in the vehicle for the HVAC system.

[0052] The air duct 480 extends away from the housing 400 and encloses a relatively large inlet area. The inlet area supports a semipermeable membrane 40, which can be significantly larger within the inlet area of ​​the air duct 480 than the area provided within the air inlet 440 (which is of a similar or the same size as the air inlet 140 of the housing 100). The larger surface area of ​​the semipermeable membrane 40 in the inlet area of ​​the air duct allows for the removal of a higher percentage of water vapor from the intake air (Z, schematically) than in the previously discussed embodiment of the housing 100, which, due to the relatively small air inlet 140 imposed by size constraints, has a smaller semipermeable membrane 40.

[0053] The semi-permeable membrane 40 functions in a similar manner to the semi-permeable membrane in the housing embodiments (100, 200, 300) discussed above. The semi-permeable membrane 40 is connected to a first port 110a, which, as in the embodiments discussed above, can be connected to a vacuum source. The first port 110a can be directly connected to the semi-permeable membrane, or, in other embodiments, a sump may be provided (not shown, but similar to the sump 112 in the embodiments discussed above) in which water vapor drawn from the air flowing through the semi-permeable membrane can collect and condense before being removed via the first port 110a.

[0054] Fig.Figure 9 further shows the fan housing 180 and schematically shows the exhaust air from the fan housing (T, schematic) which flows to the evaporator of the heat pump heating unit and to the flow control valves in the second housing 740 of the HVAC system.

[0055] The term "approximately" is specifically defined herein as encompassing a range that includes the reference value plus or minus 5% of the reference value. The term "essentially the same" applies when the item being compared deviates from the reference value by approximately 5%.

[0056] The computing elements or functions disclosed herein, such as the HKL-Controller 800, may include a processor and memory in which computer-readable instructions are stored that can be executed by the processor. In some embodiments, the processor is a hardware processor configured to execute a predefined set of basic operations in response to receiving a corresponding basic instruction selected from a predefined native instruction set. Each of the modules defined herein may include a corresponding set of machine code that can be selected from the native instruction set and stored in memory. Embodiments may be implemented as a software product stored on a machine-readable medium (also referred to as a computer-readable medium, processor-readable medium, or computer-usable medium containing computer-readable program code).The machine-readable medium can be any suitable physical medium, including magnetic, optical, or electrical storage media, such as a floppy disk, an optical disc, a storage device (volatile or non-volatile), or a similar storage mechanism. The machine-readable medium can contain various sets of instructions, code sequences, configuration information, or other data which, when executed, cause a processor to perform steps in a method according to an embodiment of the invention. It is known that other instructions and operations necessary for implementing the described embodiments can also be stored on the machine-readable medium. Software running on the machine-readable medium can interact with circuits to perform the described tasks.Furthermore, embodiments can be implemented on application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or very large-scale integration (VLSI) circuits. In fact, experts in this field can use any number of suitable structures capable of performing logical operations according to the embodiments.

[0057] Of course, those skilled in the art, given the teachings and disclosures contained herein, will know that alternative designs and / or embodiments of the invention may be possible (e.g., by replacing one or more components with others, by alternative configurations of the components, etc.). Although some of the components, relationships, configurations, and / or steps of the invention are not expressly mentioned and / or illustrated in relation to one another, they may be used in relation to one another and / or adapted for use. All of the above, and various other structures, configurations, relationships, utilities, any that may be illustrated herein and / or based upon it, and the like, may, but need not, be incorporated into and / or achieved by the invention.One or more of the aforementioned and / or illustrated structures, configurations, relationships, utilities and the like may be implemented in and / or by the invention, on their own and / or without reference to, consideration of or implementation of any of the other aforementioned structures, configurations, relationships, utilities and the like, in various permutations and combinations, as is readily apparent to the person skilled in the art, without departing from the core, mark and spirit of the disclosed invention.

[0058] Although the preferred embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it is understood that the invention is not limited thereto and modifications may be made without departing from the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the accompanying claims, and all devices that fall within the meaning of the claims, either literally or equivalently, are intended to be included therein.

[0059] The patent specification can be easily understood based on the following numbered paragraphs: Numbered paragraph 1: A heating and ventilation system, comprising: a housing that includes an air inlet and an air outlet, wherein the air inlet comprises a first inlet oriented to receive air flowing from a passenger compartment of a vehicle that the housing encloses when the housing is installed in the vehicle, and a second inlet configured to receive air from outside the vehicle; wherein the air outlet receives air from the first and second inlets and allows the air from the first and second inlets to flow to a fan; the housing supports a semi-permeable membrane oriented towards the first inlet, such that air flowing through the first inlet passes through the semi-permeable membrane before flowing to the air outlet, and air flowing through the second inlet does not pass through the semi-permeable membrane; a first connection which is in fluid contact with the housing, so that water vapor flowing from the housing into the first connection flows out of the semi-permeable membrane; wherein the housing further comprises a valve arranged in the housing which can be positioned in a first position to allow an airflow from the first air inlet through the semi-permeable membrane to the air outlet and to prevent an airflow from the second inlet from reaching the air outlet, and which can be positioned in a second position which prevents an airflow from the second inlet from reaching the air outlet and prevents an airflow from the first air inlet and the semi-permeable membrane from reaching the air outlet. Numbered paragraph 2: The heating and ventilation system according to numbered paragraph 1, wherein the valve can be positioned in a third position which lies between the first and second positions, wherein in the third position air can reach the air outlet from both the first air inlet and the second air inlet. Numbered paragraph 3: The heating and ventilation system according to one of the numbered paragraphs 1 or 2, wherein the first port is configured to be connected to a component which, during operation, creates a suction within the first port to force fluid within the housing to flow out of the housing through the first port. Numbered paragraph 4: The heating and ventilation system according to numbered paragraph 3, wherein during operation of the component the suction within the first opening forces the water vapor within the semi-permeable membrane to flow out of the housing through the first opening. Numbered paragraph 5: The heating and ventilation system according to any of the numbered paragraphs 1 to 4, further comprising a seal surrounding a circumference of the semi-permeable membrane, the seal forming a convoluted path for air flowing through the first inlet to flow within the housing and bypass the semi-permeable membrane. Numbered paragraph 6: The heating and ventilation system according to numbered paragraph 5, wherein the seal includes an opening through which the first connection extends. Numbered paragraph 7: The heating and ventilation system according to numbered paragraph 5, wherein the seal extends from the first opening. Numbered paragraph 8: The heating and ventilation system according to any of the numbered paragraphs 1 to 7, wherein air flowing into and through the second inlet flows to the air outlet and does not flow through the semi-permeable membrane. Numbered paragraph 9: The heating and ventilation system according to any of the numbered paragraphs 1 to 8, further comprising a space within the housing for receiving a filter, wherein, if a filter is installed within the space, air flows through the filter before flowing into the air outlet. Numbered paragraph 10: The heating and ventilation system according to any of paragraphs 1 to 9, further comprising a fan which draws suction from the housing, in particular air which, depending on the position of the valve, flows into the housing from one or both of the first and second inlets. Numbered paragraph 11: The heating and ventilation system according to any of the numbered paragraphs 1 to 10, further comprising a third inlet, wherein the third inlet is configured to draw in air from outside the vehicle, wherein the semi-permeable membrane is directed towards the third inlet so that air flowing through the third inlet passes through the semi-permeable membrane before flowing to the air outlet. Numbered paragraph 12: The heating and ventilation system according to numbered paragraph 11, wherein the housing includes a wall separating the second inlet and the third inlet. Numbered paragraph 13: The heating and ventilation system according to any of the numbered paragraphs 1 to 12, wherein the housing supports an air duct which establishes an airflow path to the first inlet, wherein the semi-permeable membrane is arranged inside the air duct so that air entering the air duct passes through the semi-permeable membrane before reaching the first air inlet of the housing. Numbered paragraph 14: The heating and ventilation system according to numbered paragraph 13, wherein the air duct includes a duct air inlet which is larger than the first air inlet, so that the semi-permeable membrane can fill the duct air inlet and may therefore be larger than the size of the semi-permeable membrane enclosed in the first air inlet of the housing. Numbered paragraph 15: The heating and ventilation system according to numbered paragraph 13, wherein the same quantity of recirculated air entering the duct air inlet passes over a larger volume of a semi-permeable membrane than the same quantity of recirculated air would pass over if the semi-permeable membrane were located inside the first air inlet of the enclosure. 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] US 63 / 635.073

[0001]

Claims

[1] Heating and ventilation system including: a housing that includes an air inlet and an air outlet, wherein the air inlet comprises a first inlet oriented to receive air flowing from a passenger compartment of a vehicle that the housing encloses when the housing is installed in the vehicle, and a second inlet configured to receive air from outside the vehicle; wherein the air outlet receives air from the first and second inlets and allows the air from the first and second inlets to flow to a fan; the housing supports a semi-permeable membrane oriented towards the first inlet, such that air flowing through the first inlet passes through the semi-permeable membrane before flowing to the air outlet, and air flowing through the second inlet does not pass through the semi-permeable membrane; a first connection which is in fluid contact with the housing, so that water vapor flowing from the housing into the first connection flows out of the semi-permeable membrane; wherein the housing further comprises a valve arranged in the housing which can be positioned in a first position to allow an airflow from the first air inlet through the semi-permeable membrane to the air outlet and to prevent an airflow from the second inlet from reaching the air outlet, and which can be positioned in a second position which prevents an airflow from the second inlet from reaching the air outlet and prevents an airflow from the first air inlet and the semi-permeable membrane from reaching the air outlet. [2] Heating and ventilation system according to claim 1, wherein the valve can be positioned in a third position which lies between the first and the second position, wherein in the third position air can reach the air outlet from both the first air inlet and the second air inlet. [3] Heating and ventilation system according to claim 1, wherein the first connection is configured to be connected to a component which, during operation, creates a suction within the first connection to force fluid within the housing to flow out of the housing through the first connection. [4] Heating and ventilation system according to claim 3, wherein during operation of the component the suction within the first opening forces the water vapor within the semi-permeable membrane to flow out of the housing through the first opening. [5] Heating and ventilation system according to claim 1, further comprising a seal surrounding a circumference of the semi-permeable membrane, wherein the seal forms a convoluted path for air flowing through the first inlet to flow within the housing and bypass the semi-permeable membrane. [6] Heating and ventilation system according to claim 5, wherein the seal includes an opening through which the first connection extends. [7] Heating and ventilation system according to claim 5, wherein the seal extends from the first opening. [8] Heating and ventilation system according to claim 1, wherein air flowing into and through the second inlet flows to the air outlet and does not flow through the semi-permeable membrane. [9] Heating and ventilation system according to claim 1, further comprising a space within the housing for receiving a filter, wherein, when a filter is installed within the space, air flows through the filter before flowing into the air outlet. [10] Heating and ventilation system according to claim 1, further comprising a fan which draws suction from the housing, in particular air which flows into the housing from one or both of the first and second inlets depending on the position of the valve. [11] Heating and ventilation system according to claim 1, further comprising a third inlet, wherein the third inlet is configured to receive air from outside the vehicle, wherein the semi-permeable membrane is directed towards the third inlet so that air flowing through the third inlet passes through the semi-permeable membrane before flowing to the air outlet. [12] Heating and ventilation system according to claim 11, wherein the housing comprises a wall that separates the second inlet and the third inlet. [13] Heating and ventilation system according to claim 1, wherein the housing supports an air duct which establishes an airflow path to the first inlet, wherein the semi-permeable membrane is arranged inside the air duct so that air entering the air duct flows through the semi-permeable membrane before reaching the first air inlet of the housing. [14] Heating and ventilation system according to claim 13, wherein the air duct includes a duct air inlet which is larger than the first air inlet, so that the semi-permeable membrane can fill the duct air inlet and therefore can be larger than the size of the semi-permeable membrane enclosed in the first air inlet of the housing. [15] Heating and ventilation system according to claim 14, wherein the same quantity of recirculated air entering the duct air inlet flows past a larger volume of a semi-permeable membrane than the same quantity of recirculated air would flow past if the semi-permeable membrane were located inside the first air inlet of the housing.

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