Cooling device and method for cooling a room

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cooling device for cooling a room and a method for cooling a room.

[0002] Shutters, folding shutters, roller shutters, and similar devices have been standard features in various buildings for decades. Originally intended to protect window glazing, they are now primarily used for aesthetic reasons. In warmer regions, shutters also serve to a certain extent as protection from sunlight.

[0003] The thermal insulation is passive in nature, the shutters darken the room and are mainly operated manually.

[0004] Active air conditioning systems are usually retrofitted into buildings, have a questionable appearance, are very expensive, and offer no additional benefits beyond their intended purpose. Furthermore, retrofitting usually requires extensive work on the building, such as wall penetrations, cable and pipe installation, etc.

[0005] US2019 / 024939 A1, US 2017 / 191763 A1, CN 22 293 760 Y and US 2007 / 125111 a1 disclose alternative cooling devices for mounting in a window

[0006] The invention is based on the object of avoiding the disadvantages of the prior art and providing improved functions for window coverings as well as improved cooling for living spaces.

[0007] This object is achieved by a cooling device for cooling a room according to claim 1 or a method for cooling a room according to claim 10.

[0008] The cooling device according to the invention for a room with an outer wall in which a window is arranged comprises a heat-insulating window covering designed to be attached to the outer wall and to seal a window opening; and at least one cooling element arranged in the sealed window opening designed to cool air from the room.

[0009] In a cooling position, the window covering is closed, sealing the window opening. In an open position, the window covering is at least partially open. The cooling element can be arranged on an inner side of the window covering; in this case, the cooling element is located in the window opening in the cooling position. The cooling element can be arranged in the window opening; in this case, the cooling element is always located in the window opening.

[0010] According to the invention, folding or sliding shutters or similar window coverings are equipped with climate-control functions. These window coverings can be operated manually or automatically and, when closed, form an airtight seal with the lintel, reveal, and window sill. The shutters or similar elements are designed with thermal insulation for additional insulation.

[0011] The key effect here is the use of the building's windows. Cooling via shutters or similar devices has the advantage of not requiring any additional penetrations through the masonry during installation. To cool with the cooling device described, all that is needed is to open the windows while keeping the shutters closed. This creates a cooling connection to the interior while maintaining insulation from the exterior.

[0012] At least part of the cooling system is visually appealing and located on the exterior of the building. Such a cooling system can be retrofitted at any time, with little effort and relatively inexpensively. The closed shutters, with their appropriately installed closing frames, create an airtight seal and are optimally thermally insulated. This makes the air conditioning even more effective, as only the interior air is circulated. This circulation can optionally be supported with appropriately installed fans. The shutters, roller blinds, etc. thus create additional thermal insulation between the interior and exterior areas. This allows the existing, open window to be used to air-condition the interior.

[0013] The cooling device can include a control system for automated window coverings or an automated closing element, such as folding shutters. The control system can have a central unit. This allows for simultaneous and independent control of multiple shutters at appropriate temperatures and sun positions using software. The control system, which uses an app, can react to current weather conditions or programmable times of day and regulate the room climate even when you are not present. Using sensors, the shutters can be controlled by the control system based on the sun position, temperature, etc.

[0014] The window covering may include a closure frame for attachment to the exterior wall and at least one closing element movably arranged in the closure frame for sealingly closing the window opening. The closing element may comprise one or more folding or sliding shutters or similar window coverings, such as roller shutters.

[0015] It can further be provided that the cooling element is an evaporator element of a compression cooling system, a heat sink of a cooling system according to the vortex tube principle, a Peltier element and / or a cooling element of an absorption cooling system or adsorption cooling system.

[0016] With compression cooling, the inside of the window covering is lined with at least one cooling element, e.g., pipes or other suitably large surfaces such as evaporator plates, in which the refrigerant is located, where it evaporates and extracts heat from the interior. Additional components, such as a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and / or dryer, can be mounted either outside, on, or near the window covering. All components that directly or indirectly dissipate heat can be installed on the outside of the window covering or the masonry.

[0017] Cooling using the vortex tube principle works with compressed air and is similar in design to the compression cooling system described above. The cooling effect is achieved as follows: A compressor unit for generating compressed air is located on the outside of the house wall or centrally inside, or possibly on the outside of the window shutter itself. The compressed air is fed into the vortex tube and set in rotation there. The gas separates into a hot and a cold portion if two different air outlets are provided. The compressed air generation can be installed centrally or individually on the window shutter. The cooled air can be used directly or indirectly: Direct means that the compressed air is fed into the room to be cooled. To ensure air balance, the cooling device includes an air-permeable connection to the outside.Indirect cooling lowers the temperature of a heat sink. The cooled air can then be redirected to a compressor after passing through the heat sink. The cold air can then be directed to a second heat sink or released into the outside air after passing through the first heat sink. This option is also very effective; the closed circuit and recirculated air cooling of the room eliminate the need for air balancing, and efficiency can be higher.

[0018] When cooling with Peltier elements, the elements consume electrical energy to generate a lower temperature on their inside than in the room. With appropriate heat dissipation on the outside of the Peltier elements, which are coupled to the outside of the shutters, the efficiency of these elements can be sufficient and result in a noticeable temperature reduction. This variant is particularly suitable for installation in shutters, as nothing other than the shutter assembly, a power supply, and an optional fan needs to be installed. Furthermore, this variant has only a few components and is virtually maintenance-free.

[0019] Absorption or adsorption cooling uses thermally driven refrigeration systems that obtain the energy needed for cooling by using heat. In special cases, the outer sides of the shutters can be heated by solar energy or a weather-independent heating system (electric, gas, waste heat), initiating the specific cycle. Here, too, system components with higher temperatures can be located on the outside of the shutters or on the outside of the building. Cooling components are located on the inside of the shutters, thermally insulated from the outside. Ideally, the use of ambient heat or solar energy is advantageous. Air conditioning is often required in buildings, especially during periods of high solar radiation.

[0020] It may be provided that one or more additional components of the cooling device, such as a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, a fan, a compressed air generator, and / or a dryer, are arranged on the closing element. As previously described, these are system components with higher temperatures, which are advantageously arranged on the outside of the window covering or the closing element, such as a shutter.

[0021] It can further be provided that one or more further components of the cooling device, such as a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, a blower, a compressed air generator, and / or a dryer, can be arranged on the outer wall and / or are arranged on the closure frame, and that a fluid connection or compressed air connection exists between the at least one cooling element and the one or more further components. The cooling medium is circulated between the individual components of the cooling device via the fluid connection / compressed air connection. In this way, too, components with emissions, such as heat or noise, can be kept out of the interior or arranged at a distance.

[0022] A circulation element configured to circulate the air inside the room to generate an airflow at the cooling element can be provided. This allows for a targeted airflow to the cooling element, which can improve the cooling of the room, for example, by making it more uniform and / or faster.

[0023] It may further be provided that multiple window coverings and cooling elements are provided for multiple windows, and that one or more further components have a fluid / compressed air connection to the multiple cooling elements for multiple windows. This central supply of fluid / air and / or energy can be arranged centrally at a suitable location in the building and thus simultaneously supply several or all cooling elements and / or other components of the cooling device.

[0024] The window covering may include a protective element configured to protect against solar radiation, an insulating element configured for sound insulation, and / or manually operable or driven louvers for an air inlet. Thus, the cooling device can keep other emissions such as sunlight and the associated heat or noise away from the interior or attenuate them. Furthermore, the cooling device may include an air inlet for supplying fresh air. The air inlet may, for example, be a pressure equalizer in the form of an inlet for cooled air in a vortex tube cooling system.

[0025] It can further be provided that the cooling device, preferably the window covering, has lighting on the inside. The lighting can be provided directly on a component of the cooling device or in the window opening. Closed shutters prevent daylight from entering the room and normally require the switching on of electric light. The inside of the closed shutters can be lined with suitable lighting devices that allow individual lighting through the windows or even simulate daylight. A daylight simulation can, for example, support the photosynthesis process of plants in the room. Furthermore, ambient lighting with changeable colors, for example from LED light, can be provided.In conjunction with the cooling device, warm components of the lighting system can be mounted on the outside of the window covering and insulated from the interior. This way, the efficiency of the cooling device is not reduced, as any heat generated is not dissipated into the interior. The energy supply for this lighting, as well as other electrical devices on the shutters, can be generated and ensured using solar cells. The solar cells are arranged on the sunny side of the shutters or around the windows and store electrical energy in an accumulator. This energy storage system supports the electrical devices when sunlight decreases. Alternatively, the lighting can be powered directly by the solar cells without an energy storage system.

[0026] A method according to the invention for cooling a room with an outer wall in which a window is arranged comprises the steps Sealing a window opening with a window covering; supplying the room's interior air to the sealed window opening; and cooling the airflow at the window opening.

[0027] Sealing can be done automatically or manually, preferably with the window covering of the previously described cooling device. The supply of the room's interior air can be achieved by an air flow caused by the temperature difference of the cooled air. Furthermore, the circulation of the interior air can be assisted, for example, by a blower or fan. Otherwise, the same advantages and modifications apply as previously described.

[0028] Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the remaining features mentioned in the subclaims.

[0029] The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another, unless stated otherwise in the individual case.

[0030] The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Figure 1 an external view of a cooling device on an external wall with a window; Figure 2 a side sectional view of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 an interior view of a window covering; Figure 4 a side sectional view of Figure 3 ; Figure 5 an external view of a window covering with compressor; Figure 6 a side sectional view of Figure 5 ; Figure 7 an external view of a window covering with Peltier element; and Figure 8 a side sectional view of Figure 7 .

[0031] Figure 1shows a cooling device 10 for a room with an exterior wall 12 in which a window 14 is arranged. The cooling device 10 comprises a heat-insulating window covering 16, which is attached to the exterior wall 12 and is intended for sealing a window opening or a window reveal in the exterior wall 12. When the window covering 16 is closed, the window opening is hermetically sealed, so that no air circulation between the interior and the environment at the exterior wall 12 is possible.

[0032] The window covering 16 here comprises a closure frame 18 for attachment to the exterior wall 12 and at least one closing element 20 movably arranged in the closure frame 18 for sealingly closing the window opening. In this example, two closing elements 20 are provided in the form of folding shutters.

[0033] At least one cooling element is arranged in the sealed window opening and is designed to cool air from the room. Figure 1 The internal cooling element is not shown; it is described using the following figures.

[0034] A compressor unit 22 of the cooling device 10 is attached to the outer wall 12 near the window 14. In this example, it is a compressor unit 22 of a compression cooling or a vortex tube cooling system.

[0035] In the case of compression cooling, the compressor unit 22 comprises a compressor 24 and a condenser, i.e., a condenser. In the case of vortex tube cooling, the compressor unit 22 comprises a vortex tube 24. One or more additional components of the cooling device 10, such as an expansion valve, a fan, a compressed air generator, and / or a dryer, can be arranged on an outer side of the closure element 20 and / or on the outer wall 12.

[0036] The terms "inside" and "outside" refer to the interior. Elements located within or facing the interior are referred to as "inside." Elements located outside or facing away from the interior are referred to as "outside."

[0037] Figure 2 shows a lateral sectional view of Figure 1, in which the window 14 is tilted so that the cooling device 10 can be active and an exchange of air to the interior is ensured. The cooling device 10 closes the window opening 30 hermetically with the closing element 20 and the closing frame 18 as well as an optional seal 28. Thus, when the device is closed, no or only severely restricted air exchange and heat transfer between the interior 32 and the exterior is possible. When the window 14 is tilted, the air in the interior 32 can now circulate along the cooling device 10, where it is cooled. In this way, the air in the interior 32 can be cooled.

[0038] Together with the insulation or thermal insulation 34 on the shutter or locking element 20, this achieves an optimal separation between the external environment and the interior space in front of the window 14. The thermal insulation 34 can also serve as sound insulation.

[0039] The activation of the cooling device 10 now leads to a cooling of the evaporator or heat sink 36 located on the inner side of the closing elements 20. The open window 14 enables an exchange of air to the interior 32, which can optionally be supported by one or more fans 38 or other circulation elements.

[0040] Two covers 40 on the inside and / or outside of the closure elements 20 protect the components and can be visually appealing. All components are supported by the closure element 20. The covers 40 can form channels or circulation paths for the air to be cooled in the interior space 32. These channels or circulation paths can be routed along the evaporator or heat sink 36.

[0041] The cooling capacity of the system is adjustable, and a variety of sensors can be used for this purpose. The sensors can be located both inside and outside the system.

[0042] Furthermore, a lighting 42 is provided on the inside of the closing element 20, which can illuminate the darkened interior 32.

[0043] Figure 3 shows an interior view of a window covering 16 with a closing element 20. An upper and a lower lighting 42 is provided.

[0044] Air inlets 44 (or air outlets) are provided on a lower side of the closure element 20, which are connected to a fan 38 behind the cover 40 via a duct or circulation path. Two such ducts or circulation paths are provided, on either side of the evaporator 36. The two ducts or circulation paths can be separate from each other or form a common duct or circulation path. In either case, this creates an air flow behind the evaporator 36 to cool the supplied interior air.

[0045] Figure 4shows a lateral sectional view of the locking element 20 of Figure 3 The seal 28 is shown at the top and bottom, which can be provided circumferentially or partially circumferentially. The profile of the seal 28 can be adapted to a profile of the closing frame 18 and / or the window reveal.

[0046] On the outside, the closing element 20 is completely or almost completely covered with thermal insulation 34, which can be covered by a cover 40. On the inside, planar lighting 42 is provided, which can, for example, simulate daylight.

[0047] Behind the evaporator 36, i.e., inside the closing element 20, there is a channel or circulation path 46 in which air circulation is created by one or more fans 38. The air flowing past the evaporator 36 from the interior space 32 is cooled. Not shown is a supply line from the evaporator 36 to the compressor unit 22 arranged on the outside. The supply line can, for example, run through a hinge of the closing element 20, so that the supply line is not subject to movement.

[0048] Figure 5 shows an external view of a closing element 20 of a window covering with integrated compressor unit 22.

[0049] The compressor unit 22 is not located at the window or centrally, but sits directly on the outside of the closing element 20. The inside of the closing element 20 is essentially constructed in the same way. Insulation is located between the components. This design eliminates the need for external connections between the cooling and compressor units, and the entire system is more compact.

[0050] The compressor unit 22 includes a condenser 26 and may include a fan that draws in ambient air through air inlets 44 and creates an airflow over the condenser 26. Reverse air circulation is also possible.

[0051] Figure 6 shows a lateral sectional view of Figure 5 . In the upper part is Figure 5shown compressor unit 22 is shown, which is connected to the evaporator 36 by a supply line (not shown) running inside the closing element 20. The evaporator 36 is arranged on an inner side of the closing element 20 facing the interior space 32. The areas of the compressor unit 22 and the evaporator 36 are each covered with thermal insulation 34. The thermal insulation 34 of the compressor unit 22 is located on the inside of the closing element 20 and prevents heat from the warm components of the cooling device 10, namely the compressor unit 22. The thermal insulation 34 of the evaporator 36 is located on the outside of the closing element 20 and prevents heat from the environment.

[0052] This design enables very good insulation with a small thickness of the closure element 20, since the components of the cooling device 10 are arranged offset. For optimized insulation, the two thermal insulation layers 34 can partially overlap.

[0053] Figure 7 shows an external view of a closing element 20 of a window covering with a Peltier element. The actual Peltier element(s) are arranged on the inside or inside the closing element 20 and are controlled by means of Figure 8 explained.

[0054] In the external view shown, a heat sink 50 is shown with two fans 48 for generating an air flow of ambient air along the heat sink 50. Radial or axial fans can be used, which generate a flow along or between cooling fins of the heat sink 50.

[0055] Figure 8shows a lateral sectional view of the locking element 20 of Figure 7 .

[0056] This variant is mounted and sealed in the same way as the compressor variants. Within the closure element 20 are one or more Peltier elements 52, each with the cold side facing inward. An internal heat sink 54 is attached to this surface and faces the space between the window and the closure element 20. The effectiveness of the cool side can be increased with fans 56, which generate a flow of air from the interior over the internal heat sink 54.

[0057] The warm side of the Peltier elements 52 is provided with the external heat sink 50, which is arranged on the outside of the closure element 20. Supported by fans 48, the heat is dissipated to the outside. Both sides are separated from each other by insulation 58, which surrounds the Peltier elements 52.

[0058] During operation, the inner side of the Peltier elements 52 is cooled, while the outer side is heated, consuming electrical energy. The cooling device 10 can be controlled by controlling the fans 48, 56 and the Peltier elements 52. Various sensors can also be used for this purpose.

[0059] A method for cooling a room 32 having an exterior wall 12 in which a window 14 is arranged may comprise the following steps.

[0060] First, the window opening 30 is sealed with a window covering 16. This can be done by manually or automatically closing one or more closing elements 20, such as shutters. Ideally, the window opening 30 is then hermetically or nearly hermetically sealed.

[0061] Next, indoor air from room 32 is supplied to the sealed window opening 30. This can be achieved by using natural airflow, which gradually develops as the indoor air warms. One or more circulation elements, such as fans, can be used to support airflow.

[0062] The air flow, or rather the interior air flowing past the window opening 30 and thus past a cooling element, is then cooled. The circulation of the air leads to cooling of the entire interior space 32.

[0063] The cooling device presented here for a room with an exterior wall containing a window, and the method for cooling a room, allow for efficient cooling of the room with a simple retrofit without further wall penetration. The existing window is cleverly used for the cooling device—contrary to its original purpose.

Claims

1. Cooling device (10) for a room with an outer wall (12) in which a window (14) is arranged, including - a heat-insulating window covering (16) configured to be mounted on the outer wall (12) and to close a window opening (30) airtight; - at least one cooling element (36; 52) which is arranged in the sealed window opening (30) and which is configured to cool air from the room by circulating indoor air.

2. The cooling device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the window covering (16) includes a closing frame (18) to be attached to the outer wall (12) and at least one closing element (20) which is arranged so as to be movable in the closing frame (18) for an airtight closure of the window opening (30).

3. The cooling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling element (36; 52) is an evaporator element of a compression cooling, a cooling unit (36) of a cooling according to the vortex tube principle, a Peltier element (52) and / or a cooling element of an absorption cooling or adsorption cooling.

4. The cooling device (10) according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that one or more further components of the cooling device (10), such as a compressor (24), a condenser (26), an expansion valve, a fan, an air compressor and / or a dryer are arranged on the closing element (20).

5. The cooling device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that one or more further components of the cooling device (10), such as a compressor (24), a condenser (26), an expansion valve, a fan, an air compressor and / or a dryer can be arranged on the outer wall (12) and / or are arranged on the closing frame (18), and in that there is a fluid connection or compressed-air connection between the at least one cooling element (36; 52) and the one or more further components.

6. The cooling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a circulation element (38, 56) configured to circulate the indoor air of the room (32) is provided in order to generate an air flow at the cooling element (36; 52).

7. The cooling device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that multiple window coverings and cooling elements are provided for multiple windows (14) and in that the one or more further components include a fluid connection or compressed-air connection with the multiple cooling elements for multiple windows (14).

8. The cooling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the window covering (16) includes a protective element configured to protect against solar radiation, an insulation element configured for sound insulation and / or manually operable or powered slats for an air inlet.

9. The cooling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling device (10), preferably the inside of the window covering (16), includes a light (42).

10. Method for cooling a room (32) with an outer wall (12) in which a window (14) is arranged, with the steps: sealing a window opening (30) airtight with a window covering (16); opening the window (14); conveying the indoor air of the room (32) to the sealed window opening (30); and cooling the indoor air by circulating an air flow at the window opening (30).