HEAT EXCHANGER PANEL FOR TEMPERING A ROOM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a heat exchanger panel for temperature control of a room and a method for temperature control of a room with such a heat exchanger panel.

[0002] It is a well-known method for temperature control in buildings, i.e., for heating and cooling, to heat or cool a building component, for example, using a heated or cooled pipe register. This allows the component to transfer heat to the room air and surrounding surfaces through radiative exchange, or to absorb heat from the room air, surrounding surfaces, and heat loads within the room, thereby influencing the indoor climate. Commonly used components include ceiling panels, wall panels, or underfloor heating systems equipped with a water-based pipe register or electrically operated heating wire. This can be installed directly during the building's construction or retrofitted to an existing building.

[0003] German patent application DE 10 2015 211 473 A1 and WO 2016 / 207141 A2 describe a device for air conditioning a room. The device comprises a heat sink with a surface facing the room. The surface is cooled to a temperature lower than that of the room by means of the heat sink. The heat sink is implemented, for example, by means of cooling pipes. The cooling pipes can be filled with water, a water / glycol mixture, or a refrigerant. Electrically cooled components, e.g., via Peltier elements, can also be used instead of cooling pipes. Furthermore, the device comprises a surface element between the surface and the room. The surface element is designed to be almost impermeable to room air and water vapor, but transparent to thermal radiation. Additionally, a dehumidification device is to be arranged in the area between the surface and the room to remove any small amount of moisture that may accumulate.The dehumidification device can include, among other things, a sorbent and / or a heating device and / or a fleece.

[0004] In this known heat exchanger device, the fleece is applied to the entire surface of the heat sink and extends over the sides of the heat exchanger into a rear area for drying. The problem is that with the fleece covering the entire surface, large amounts of water accumulate, leading to an uncontrolled situation. As a result, the moisture is not always carried away to the rear of the heat exchanger as intended, but can remain partially within the device. This impairs the performance of the heat exchanger and can eventually lead to damage. Since such a heat exchanger device should be designed for continuous operation over a long period, this is a serious problem.

[0005] US Patent 3,905,203 A discloses an air-cooling and water condensate removal device comprising a thin plate. One side of the plate has a fine, wettable, serrated, or porous surface. The opposite side of the plate is thermally insulated. Inside the plate is a cooling plate, for example, containing a circulating liquid coolant. The coolant cools the wettable surface, causing moisture from the air to condense. The resulting condensate is then drained away via capillary action.

[0006] JP H06-323577 A shows a cooling device for homes and offices that absorbs thermal radiation to cool the room. The cooling device comprises a panel that is thermally insulated on the wall side. A thin polymer layer is applied to the room-facing side of the panel, allowing thermal radiation to pass through while protecting the panel from direct contact with the air. The panel is cooled by means of circulating water.

[0007] CN 111 912 066 A describes a radiant air conditioner. The radiant air conditioner comprises a room-facing energy transfer layer, a damping layer, and a room-facing radiant panel. The energy transfer layer is in thermal contact with the radiant panel via the damping layer, and the temperature of the radiant panel can be adjusted by means of this contact. An adjustment device is provided for setting the thickness of the damping layer, thus allowing precise adjustment of the radiant panel temperature.

[0008] Based on this prior art, the present invention aims to provide a heat exchanger panel for temperature control of a room, which temperature control the room in an energy-efficient manner and allows for more controlled condensation between a heat sink and a surface element that is arranged at some distance from the heat sink.

[0009] This problem is solved by the items having the features of the independent patent claim. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to the invention, a heat exchanger panel is provided, which includes a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger has a medium line for guiding a heat exchange medium from a medium inlet to a medium outlet and a thermally conductive heat exchanger wall, which is connected to the medium line. The heat exchanger wall forms an interface facing a space, which can be brought to a lower temperature than that of a heat load. At least one surface element is arranged between the interface and the space, which is at least partially permeable to thermal radiation and almost impermeable to air, so that an almost airtight space is formed between the interface and the surface element.

[0011] The heat exchanger panel is characterized by a condensation cavity adjacent to the medium inlet, located on the side of the panel facing away from the heat exchanger wall and the surface element. The heat exchanger wall has at least one opening, allowing the space between the inlet and the condensation cavity to communicate. A capillary material, or at least a capillary-active element, is arranged within the condensation cavity and directed towards an outer surface of the heat exchanger panel. This capillary action transports the liquid condensing within the cavity to the outside, where it evaporates. The condensation cavity is a cavity free of other objects, allowing air to enter and the moisture it contains to condense.

[0012] The described heat exchanger panel comprises the heat exchanger and the space formed between the interface of the heat exchanger wall and the surface element. In a theoretical and idealized design of the heat exchanger panel, this space is completely sealed, preventing any air exchange or water vapor ingress, even with a vapor pressure gradient with the surroundings. In practice, this is extremely difficult to achieve, which is why air exchange, water vapor ingress, and consequently, moisture ingress almost always occur.

[0013] Since the heat exchanger panel is subjected to a temperature difference between the cold interface and the warm room air during operation, humidity accumulates in the space between the panels over time and condenses on the cold interface. It should also be considered that such a heat exchanger panel is used continuously for extended periods. The primary transport mechanism for the introduction of moisture is water vapor diffusion due to the partial pressure gradient between the different climates. The water vapor partial pressure in the room is higher than that in the space between the panels.

[0014] By design, a lower water vapor saturation pressure will prevail in the condensation cavity than in the remaining, nearly airtight space. The resulting diffusion pressure gradient creates a continuous flow of liquid from the point of water entry to the condensation cavity. Due to the low amount of water vapor, the natural vapor pressure equalization is sufficient to transport liquid from the condensation cavity to an outer surface of the heat exchanger panel via capillary action, where it then evaporates. This enables continuous drying of the space.

[0015] WO 2016 / 207141 A2 shows a heat exchanger panel in which a fleece is arranged along an interface of the heat sink and extends outwards, capable of transporting moisture to the outside. However, this known heat exchanger panel does not have a condensation cavity, so air can accumulate and cool within it, causing the moisture contained in the air to condense.

[0016] The capillary material can be a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, or an absorbent material. For example, the capillary material can be a polymer film, particularly a polyamide film or a polyester film.

[0017] The term "capillary material" refers to materials that are fundamentally capable of absorbing liquids, in this case, water. These materials are further characterized by their pores, which form a structure that allows liquids to move within the material primarily due to capillary action. Capillary tension is a specific form of surface tension. The pores can be macroscopic or microscopic at the molecular level, such as hollow fibers in a polyamide or polyester film. To the human eye, a polyamide film appears smooth and poreless. However, it contains very small pores that are capable of absorbing water, causing it to spread within the film. With such small pores, molecular interactions can also influence the spread of water within the film.

[0018] It is also possible to incorporate capillary channels into the heat exchanger wall, eliminating the need for a fleece or fabric. In this case, the heat exchanger wall itself forms the capillary material and leads to an exterior area of ​​the heat exchanger panel. The capillary channels can be integrated into the surface of the heat exchanger wall, for example, using a laser. Preferably, the capillary channels are located on the surface of the heat exchanger wall facing the condensation cavity and extend only as far as the condensation cavity.

[0019] The interface of the heat exchanger wall is designed to be cooled. The heat exchanger wall is a highly thermally conductive surface, with its interface representing the surface of the heat exchanger facing the space between the pipes. The heat exchanger wall establishes thermal contact between individual elements of the fluid line, thus increasing the cooling surface area of ​​the heat exchanger. Cooling of the interface is achieved by a cold fluid circulating through the fluid line. This cools the fluid line first, and due to thermal conduction, the surface of the fluid line, and subsequently the heat exchanger wall and the interface, cool down. The fluid line is coldest near the fluid inlet. The further the fluid line extends towards the fluid outlet, the warmer it becomes.

[0020] The heat load in a room can be caused, for example, by solar radiation or by heat emitted by people. The infrared thermal radiation emitted by the heat load is absorbed by the interface and carried away from the room by the cold medium.

[0021] In the area adjacent to the medium inlet, a condensation cavity is located next to the medium line. This condensation cavity is a small air cavity formed on the side of the heat exchanger facing away from the surface element. In this area, the heat exchanger wall has at least one opening, allowing communication between the space between the wall and the condensation cavity. The humidity accumulating in the space between the wall and the condensation cavity passes through this opening into the condensation cavity and condenses there on the cold medium line. The capillary material within the condensation cavity, which is vapor-tight and airtight to an outer surface of the heat exchanger panel, transports the condensing liquid to the outside via capillary action, where it can dry in the air.The pores of the capillary material are so fine that only minimal moisture ingress occurs through diffusion, both inside and outside the heat exchanger panel. Therefore, virtually no water vapor can penetrate from the outside, and there is almost no gas flow from the outside towards the condensation cavity. If the pores are filled with water during condensation, they become impermeable to vapor diffusion. Since the condensed water is distilled, there is no risk of the pores becoming clogged. Furthermore, no liquid can penetrate the capillary material from the outside to the condensation cavity because the water vapor pressure and moisture content of the capillary material are higher inside the condensation cavity than on the outer surface.

[0022] Due to the varying temperature distribution within the pipe, the humidity accumulating in the space between the pipes is not evenly distributed throughout the entire space, but rather condenses primarily at the coldest point of the pipe. Since moisture is thus drawn from the air at this point, more air with higher humidity is drawn in that direction, and the moisture condenses again.

[0023] With the described arrangement, it is not necessary to position the capillary material along the entire length of the heat exchanger. This arrangement takes advantage of the fact that moisture primarily condenses in the area of ​​the medium inlet on the medium line. For this reason, the condensation cavity, where the moisture collects, is provided in this section of the medium line. Therefore, it is sufficient to place the capillary material only in this area to effectively and controllably remove the moisture.

[0024] By positioning the condensation cavity on the side of the heat exchanger wall facing away from the surface element, and with at least one opening connecting the space between the surface element and the condensation cavity, the thermal radiation transmitted by the surface element does not directly strike the medium line. The medium line is thus shielded from a large portion of the thermal radiation by the heat exchanger wall and remains cool.

[0025] The medium conduit can consist of one or more straight conduit sections or of a meandering conduit.

[0026] In one embodiment of the heat exchanger panel, the heat exchanger has a meandering medium conduit.

[0027] The medium line is preferably designed such that it has a supply line and a discharge line with a large cross-section, which are arranged approximately parallel to each other, with connecting lines of smaller cross-section arranged between them. The connecting lines run approximately parallel to each other and connect the supply line and the discharge line. These connecting lines can be capillary tubes, and such a piping system with capillary tubes is also referred to as a capillary tube mat, especially if the lines are made of plastic.

[0028] The heat exchanger panel can comprise a ceiling or wall panel into which the medium pipe is embedded. The medium pipe is preferably integrated into the ceiling or wall panel in such a way that the material of the ceiling or wall panel fills the spaces between the individual elements of the medium pipe. The space between the interface and the surface element can be laterally enclosed by edge elements.

[0029] The ceiling or wall panel and the edge elements can be made of a material that is essentially diffusion-tight. This design minimizes heat transfer into the medium pipe and moisture ingress into the space between the interface and the panel element.

[0030] The interface of the heat exchanger wall is particularly relevant for room temperature control. This interface can be smooth or rough to influence its absorption and reflection behavior. The heat exchanger wall can, for example, be a layer of metal or contain or consist of a metallic alloy. High thermal conductivity and / or high heat capacity of the interface, combined with high absorption in the 2 to 20 µm wavelength range of thermal radiation, can increase the performance of the heat exchanger panel according to the invention. Conversely, the response behavior of the heat exchanger panel can be specifically influenced by a low or high heat capacity of the interface, or by the addition of phase change materials (PCMs).

[0031] The area where the condensation cavity is formed adjacent to the medium inlet can comprise at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 30% of the length of the medium line.

[0032] This design ensures that the condensation cavity covers the area where the medium line is coldest and where the majority of condensate forms. This limited area, in which the capillary material is also located, prevents large water accumulation and allows for controlled drainage of the condensate.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, which uses a capillary mat having a manifold, the condensation cavity is formed along a large part of the manifold through which the cooling medium is supplied to the capillary mat. Preferably, the condensation cavity extends over a region of at least 60%, in particular at least 70%, and in particular preferably at least 90% of this manifold.

[0034] Since the condensation cavity, unlike the surface of the heat exchanger wall, does not receive thermal radiation, it is generally cooler than the heat exchanger wall.

[0035] It is also possible to cover only parts of the capillary material, however, those areas would be even cooler due to the absence of capillary material.

[0036] The heat exchanger wall may have several openings, with a minimum clear width of at least 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, or 0.4 mm, and / or a maximum clear width of 1.5 mm, 1.4 mm, or 1.3 mm. The openings may also be longitudinal slots or combinations of slots and round openings. The heat exchanger wall may also be made of a diffusion-open material in the condensation cavity.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the heat exchanger panel, the heat exchanger wall has openings in the form of perforations. The hole size of the perforations is selected such that water vapor can flow through, but not liquid water. This prevents water from dripping from the condensation cavity towards the surface element and accumulating there. This would eventually lead to damage to the heat exchanger panel.

[0038] The surface element can exhibit a transmission of more than approximately 50%, more than approximately 70%, or more than approximately 90% at a wavelength between approximately 3 µm and approximately 30 µm or between approximately 6 µm and approximately 20 µm, at least in a partial range.

[0039] The surface element decouples heat exchange via thermal radiation and conduction at the interface of the heat exchanger wall. Consequently, the interface can be cooled to a temperature below the dew point of the humidity in the room air. This allows heat to be effectively extracted from the room via thermal radiation. The surface element can, for example, contain or be made of a polymer.

[0040] The aforementioned wavelength range contains a large portion of the thermal radiation energy of a blackbody radiator at approximately 300 K. If the heat exchanger panel according to the invention is to be used in a warmer climate, this wavelength range may be shifted. Similarly, shorter wavelengths may occur if the room contains specific heat sources, such as electrical or electronic devices. A transmission of approximately 50% to approximately 90% in at least a sub-range of the aforementioned wavelength range ensures that a sufficient proportion of the thermal radiation reaches the interface of the heat exchanger wall and can thus be dissipated from the room.At the same time, the transparency and the associated low absorption and emissivity of the surface element in the aforementioned wavelength range of the material ensure that the surface element releases little heat energy to the interface and therefore does not cool down and thus does not fall below the dew point of the moisture in the room air.

[0041] At the same time, the surface element can be at least partially reflective and / or absorbent in the visible spectral range, thus enabling a visually appealing design.

[0042] A trough may be provided that completely or almost completely encloses the ceiling or wall panel on the side facing the ceiling or wall, and / or that completely or almost completely encloses the medium pipe and the condensing cavity on the side facing the ceiling or wall. The trough may be made of a diffusion-tight material, preferably a metal such as aluminum.

[0043] The tray thus insulates the ceiling or wall panel, and consequently the condensation cavity, from the surrounding environment, which is normally formed by a non-diffusion-tight insulation material. If the tray only encloses the medium pipe and the condensation cavity, then the medium pipe and the condensation cavity are specifically insulated from the surrounding environment.

[0044] On a side of the heat exchanger panel facing away from the room, a heat-insulating and / or sound-absorbing layer and / or a layer that is diffusion-tight against water vapor may be provided.

[0045] The thermal insulation layer reduces energy losses from a room to the outside, or into unheated volumes and surfaces. The sound-absorbing layer reduces the noise level in the room by absorbing sound waves and converting them into heat energy. This improves speech intelligibility, among other things. The sound-absorbing layer is, for example, an acoustic foam and is preferably made of the same material as the diffusion-tight thermal insulation. Compared to the thermal insulation, the acoustic foam has a more open-pored surface. The vapor-tight layer prevents moisture from penetrating the ceiling and / or walls of the room, or from accumulating on the surface of the heat exchanger.

[0046] Electronic components, such as sensors, semiconductors, LEDs and / or other active or passive components or thermal or hygroscopic storage materials, can be arranged between the heat exchanger wall and the surface element and / or on the side of the surface element facing the room.

[0047] The components can also be electrothermal components, such as Peltier elements. In some versions, a PCM material can also be incorporated for thermal buffering.

[0048] Electronic components, such as LEDs, can be used for decorative and technical purposes. For example, a heat exchanger panel according to the invention can not only serve to regulate the temperature of a room, but also contribute to the room's visual design and workplace lighting by incorporating light elements. In warehouses or laboratories, where a constant temperature and / or humidity is crucial, sensors can be provided to continuously monitor these values.

[0049] Furthermore, a method according to the invention for cooling a room with a heat exchanger panel as described above is provided, comprising the following steps: Guiding a cool heat exchange medium in a medium line, condensing moisture in a condensation cavity adjacent to the medium line, absorbing the moisture through a section of a capillary material arranged in the condensation cavity, and removing the moisture by means of the capillary action of the capillary material to an outer surface of the heat exchanger panel.

[0050] The advantages described above with reference to the intake system apply analogously to the method according to the invention.

[0051] Further tasks, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description and the exemplary embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings. These show in: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a heat exchanger panel according to the invention, integrated into a ceiling or wall panel, in a first embodiment; in a side view. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a heat exchanger panel according to the invention, integrated into a ceiling or wall panel, in a first embodiment with a trough; in a side view. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a heat exchanger panel according to the invention, integrated into a ceiling or wall panel, in a first embodiment with a trough; in a second embodiment; in a side view. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a heat exchanger panel according to the invention, integrated into a ceiling or wall panel, in a second embodiment.Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the heat exchanger panel according to the invention, integrated into a ceiling or wall panel, in a third embodiment; Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of the heat exchanger panel according to the invention, integrated into a ceiling or wall panel, in a fourth embodiment; Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of the heat exchanger panel according to the invention, integrated into a ceiling or wall panel and connected to a heat exchanger, in a first embodiment;Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of the heat exchanger panel according to the invention, integrated into a ceiling or wall panel and connected to a heat exchanger, in a second embodiment, and Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of the heat exchanger panel according to the invention, integrated into a ceiling or wall panel and connected to a heat exchanger, in a third embodiment.

[0052] In the following, a heat exchanger panel 1 according to the invention for temperature control of a room 2 is described in more detail by way of example using a first embodiment ( Figs. 1 to 3 Room 2 has a heat load.

[0053] The heat exchanger panel 1 comprises a heat exchanger 3. The heat exchanger 3 is integrated into a ceiling or wall panel 4. The heat exchanger 3 has a medium line 5. The medium line 5 comprises a supply line 23 and a discharge line 24 with a large cross-section. The supply line 23 and the discharge line 24 are arranged approximately parallel to each other. Connecting lines 6 with a smaller cross-section are arranged between them. The connecting lines 6 run approximately parallel to each other and connect the supply line 23 and the discharge line 24. The connecting lines 6 are preferably capillary tubes. The supply line 23, the discharge line 24, and the connecting lines 6 are preferably made of plastic so that together they form a capillary tube mat. Fig. 7 The medium line 5 and / or the connecting lines 6 can also be made of metal.

[0054] The heat exchanger 3 can also have several medium lines 5 with a large cross-section in sections, which are connected to each other by means of the connecting lines 6 ( Fig. 8 In this arrangement, the multiple medium lines 5 are arranged parallel to each other and each is connected to the others by several connecting lines 6 arranged perpendicular to them and again running parallel to each other. The connecting lines 6 are preferably capillary tubes. The heat exchanger 3 can also have a meandering medium line 5 ( Fig. 9 ).

[0055] The medium is a refrigerant in fluid form that serves to absorb heat. The refrigerant can be, for example, chilled water. Heat exchanger 3 can also be directly filled with a refrigerant, such as R32 or R290.

[0056] The medium line 5 of the heat exchanger 3 has a medium inlet 7 and a medium outlet 8. The heat exchanger medium typically flows through the medium line 5 from the medium inlet 7 towards the medium outlet 8.

[0057] A heat pump 9 is provided to supply the cooled heat exchange medium to the heat exchanger 3 via a pipe 10 ( Figs. 7 to 9The heat exchange medium is fed directly from pipe 10 into the medium inlet 7 of the medium line 5 of the heat exchanger 3. After passing through the medium line 5, the heat exchange medium exits the medium line 5 through the medium outlet 8 and returns to the heat pump 9. The heat pump 9 and the heat exchanger 3 form a circuit. For example, a single heat pump 9 can be installed in a building, connected via several pipes 10 to a multitude of heat exchanger panels 1 on different floors, supplying the cooled heat exchange medium to the heat exchangers 3. Alternatively, any heat sink can be integrated into the circuit. This also allows for systems with solar cooling, geothermal probes, or groundwater cooling, and consequently, renewable cooling sources.

[0058] The medium line 5 of the heat exchanger 3 is integrated into the ceiling or wall panel 4 in such a way that a material of the ceiling or wall panel 4 fills the spaces between the individual elements of the medium line 5. The material is preferably a diffusion-tight thermal insulation material.

[0059] The heat exchanger 3 has a thermally conductive heat exchanger wall 11, which is thermally connected to the medium line 5 and the connecting lines 6, so that the heat exchanger wall 11 is tempered by the medium line 5. On a side facing chamber 2, the heat exchanger wall 11 forms an interface 12. The interface 12 represents the surface of the heat exchanger 3 facing chamber 2. The temperature exchange between chamber 2 and the heat exchange medium, which flows through the medium line 5 of the heat exchanger 3, essentially takes place at the interface 12. The heat exchanger wall 11 is a layer of a metal or another highly thermally conductive material. The heat exchanger wall 11 establishes thermal contact between the individual elements of the medium line 5, thus increasing the cooling surface area of ​​the heat exchanger 3.

[0060] The medium line 5 has its coldest point in the area of ​​the medium inlet 7. The further the medium line 5 extends towards the medium outlet 8, the warmer it becomes. For this reason, a condensation cavity 13 is formed in this area adjacent to the medium inlet 7, adjoining the medium line 5 and on the side facing away from the heat exchanger wall 11 with respect to the interface 12. The condensation cavity 13 is a small air cavity.

[0061] The ceiling or wall panel 4 has a trough 26 on the ceiling or wall side, which completely or almost completely encloses the ceiling or wall panel 4 on the side facing the ceiling or wall ( Fig. 2Furthermore, the tray 26 projects into a lateral area of ​​the ceiling or wall panel 4, thus also enclosing the outer surface 19. The tray 26 is diffusion-tightly connected to the ceiling or wall panel 4 in the area of ​​the edge element 15, preferably by bonding or welding. The tray 26 is made of a diffusion-tight material, such as a metal like aluminum. It can also be made of plastic or be implemented as a coating within the ceiling or wall panel 4. In this way, the tray 26 insulates the ceiling or wall panel 4, and consequently also the condensation cavity 13, from the surrounding environment on the ceiling or wall side, which is normally formed by a non-diffusion-tight insulating material.

[0062] It can also be provided that the tray 26 only encloses the medium line 5 and the condensing cavity 13, so that in particular the medium line 5 and the condensing cavity 13 are insulated from the environment ( Fig. 3 ).

[0063] In one possible embodiment ( Fig. 1 The medium line 5 is arranged at a slight distance from the heat exchanger wall 11 in the ceiling or wall panel 4. The space created by this distance between the medium line 5 and the heat exchanger wall 11 forms the condensation cavity 13. For good thermal contact between the medium and the heat exchanger wall 11, the connecting lines 6 are attached to the heat exchanger wall 6 and are thus in direct thermal contact with it (not shown).

[0064] If a hose system is used instead of the capillary tube system, representing the medium line 5, then, for example, walls 25 made of a metal, such as aluminium, are provided to connect the medium line 5 and the heat exchanger wall 11 to ensure a good thermal connection between the medium line 5 and the heat exchanger wall 11.

[0065] In another possible embodiment ( Fig. 4The medium line 5 is arranged directly adjacent to the heat exchanger wall 11 to ensure direct thermal connection. The condensing cavity 13 is located laterally adjacent to the medium line 5 and slightly spaced from the heat exchanger wall 11. Preferably, the condensing cavity 13 is located on the side of the medium line 5 that is closer to an edge of the heat exchanger 3. However, condensing cavities 13 can also be provided on both sides of the medium line 5. This has the advantage that an installation error involving incorrect orientation of the flow and return lines cannot occur.

[0066] A surface element 14 is arranged at a distance from the interface 12 on the side of the heat exchanger wall 11 facing space 2. The surface element 14 is at least partially permeable to thermal radiation and almost impermeable to air and water vapor diffusion from space 2. The surface element 14 can, for example, contain or consist of a polymer.

[0067] In a lateral area of ​​the heat exchanger panel 1, edge elements 15 are provided between the heat exchanger wall 11 and the surface element 14. The edge elements 15, together with the surface element 14, ensure that an almost airtight gap 16 is formed between the heat exchanger wall 11 and the surface element 14.

[0068] The heat exchanger wall 11 has several openings 17 in the area of ​​the condensing cavity 13. The intermediate space 16 is connected to the condensing cavity 13 via these openings 17. The openings 17 are formed, for example, by perforations in the heat exchanger wall 11. The perforation size is selected to allow water vapor to flow through, but not liquid water. The openings 17 can be designed as longitudinal or elongated slots, or as combinations of slots and round openings. The heat exchanger wall 11 can also be made of a diffusion-open material in the area of ​​the condensing cavity 13. It is also possible for the condensing cavity 13 to be completely exposed.

[0069] A capillary material 18 is provided in the condensation cavity 13. The capillary material 18 can be a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, or an absorbent material. For example, the capillary material 18 can be a polyamide film or a polyester film. The condensation cavity 13 can be completely filled with the capillary material 18.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the capillary material 18 is a nonwoven fabric. It is also possible to cover at least one opening 17 of the heat exchanger wall 11 with the nonwoven fabric 18.

[0071] The fleece 18 leads to an outer surface 19 of the heat exchanger panel 1. The fleece 18 extends through the ceiling or wall panel 4 and the tray 26 to the outer surface 19. The fleece 18 is bonded to the ceiling or wall panel 4 and the tray 26 in such a way that a vapor-diffusion- and airtight connection is formed between the fleece 18 and the ceiling or wall panel 4 or the tray 26. The adhesive is viscous enough to reliably bond the surface of the fleece 18 to the ceiling or wall panel 4 or the tray 26, but not so viscous that it can penetrate the pores of the fleece 18 and clog them.

[0072] When the medium line 5 is traversed by the cold heat exchanger medium, the medium line 5 cools down first, and then, due to heat conduction, its surface cools down. Consequently, the heat exchanger wall 11 connected to the medium line 5, and thus the interface 12, also cools down.

[0073] Since the medium line 5 has its coldest point in the area of ​​the medium inlet 7, any moisture present in the space 16 is not evenly distributed within that space. The moisture condenses primarily at this coldest point of the medium line 5. As moisture is thus drawn from the air at this point, more air with higher humidity is drawn in this direction, and the moisture condenses again. The moisture then passes through the openings 17 in the heat exchanger wall 11. The condensed moisture is absorbed by the fleece 18 and transported to the outside by capillary action, where it can dry in the air.

[0074] Instead of the capillary material 18, capillary channels (not shown) can also be incorporated into the heat exchanger wall 11. This eliminates the need for a fleece or fabric. In this case, the heat exchanger wall 11 additionally forms the capillary material 18 and leads to the outer surface 19 of the ceiling or wall panel 4. The capillary channels can, for example, be incorporated into the surface of the heat exchanger wall 11 using a laser. The capillary channels have a circular surface area of ​​at least 0.1 mm², at least 0.3 mm², or at least 0.5 mm², and / or a circular surface area of ​​at most 1 mm², at most 0.75 mm², or at most 0.5 mm².

[0075] Thermal radiation emanating from a heat load in space 2 is transmitted at least partially through the surface element 13. From there, after passing through the space 16, it reaches the interface 12 of the heat exchanger wall 11 and is absorbed there. The heat is then absorbed and dissipated by the heat exchange medium flowing through the medium line 5 via thermal conduction. Since the heat exchanger wall 11 also extends over the condensation cavity 13 and has only openings 17 that are permeable only to moisture, the condensation cavity 13 is shielded from a large portion of the thermal radiation. As a result, the condensation cavity 13 and the medium line 5 remain cooler – or rather, form the coolest point in the closed space 16.

[0076] According to a third embodiment ( Fig. 5A sound-absorbing layer 20 is incorporated into the material of the ceiling or wall panel 4. The sound-absorbing layer 20 is preferably an acoustic foam and preferably made of the same material as the diffusion-tight thermal insulation material of the ceiling or wall panel 4. The acoustic foam has a more open-pored surface compared to the thermal insulation material. The sound-absorbing layer 20 reduces the sound level and reverberation time in room 2.

[0077] According to a fourth embodiment ( Fig. 6 ) Lighting elements 21 are provided on the side of the surface element facing away from room 2.

[0078] The lighting elements 21 can be provided on either the side of the surface element 14 facing room 2 or on the side facing away from room 2. The lighting elements 21 can, for example, be LEDs spaced apart from one another on the surface element 14. In this way, a ceiling or wall panel 4 can not only serve to regulate the temperature of room 2, but also, together with the lighting elements 21, contribute to the visual and technical design of room 2. The lighting elements 21 are preferably connected to a control unit 22. The control unit 22 can be operated by means of a remote control. This allows, for example, the lighting elements 21 to be switched on and off individually, or the brightness of each lighting element 21 to be adjusted individually.

[0079] In addition to or instead of the lighting elements 21, other electronic components (not shown), such as sensors, semiconductors, LEDs and / or other active or passive components or thermal storage materials, can also be arranged on the surface element 14.

[0080] Both the lighting elements 21 and / or the other electronic components are arranged such that a sufficiently large portion of thermal radiation necessary for the invention can pass through the surface element 14 and reach the interface 12. The lighting elements 21 and / or the other electronic components can also be designed such that, like the surface element 14, they are at least partially transparent to thermal radiation and virtually impermeable to air.

[0081] A method according to the invention for a heat exchanger panel 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above is explained below.

[0082] A cool heat exchanger medium is passed through the medium line 5 of the heat exchanger 3 of the heat exchanger panel 1 in order to cool it.

[0083] Moisture located in the space 16 of the heat exchanger panel 1 condenses in the condensation cavity 13 adjacent to the medium line 5.

[0084] The moisture accumulated in the condensation cavity 13 is absorbed by the section of capillary material 18 arranged in the condensation cavity 13.

[0085] Due to the capillary action of the capillary material 18, the moisture is guided in the capillary material 18 and discharged to an outer surface 19 of the heat exchanger panel 1.

[0086] Here, moisture is released into the environment. Reference symbol list

[0087] 1Heat exchanger panel 2Room 3Heat exchanger 4Ceiling or wall panel 5Medium line 6Connecting lines 7Medium inlet 8Medium outlet 9Heat pump 10Pipe 11Heat exchanger wall 12Interface 13Condensation cavity 14Surface element 15Edge element 16Intermediate space 17Opening 18Capillary material 19External surface 20Sound-absorbing layer 21Lighting element 22Control device 23Supply line 24Discharge line 25Wall 26Tub

Claims

1. A heat exchanger panel (1) comprising a heat exchanger (3), the latter having a fluid conduit (5) for conveying a heat exchange fluid from a fluid inlet (7) to a fluid outlet (8) and a heat-conducting heat exchanger wall (11) connected to the fluid conduit (5), the heat exchanger wall (11) forming a boundary surface (12) which faces a space (2) and can be brought to a temperature lower than that of a heat load, at least one surface element (14) being arranged between the boundary surface (12) and the space (2), which is at least partially permeable to thermal radiation and virtually impermeable to air, so that a virtually airtight interstitial space (16) is formed between the boundary surface (12) and the surface element (14), characterized in that in the region adjacent to the fluid inlet (7), a condensation cavity (13) is formed adjacent to the fluid conduit (5) and on the side of the heat exchanger wall (11) facing away with respect to the surface element (14), and the heat exchanger wall (11) has at least one opening (17) so that the interstitial space (16) is connected to the condensation cavity (13) in a communicating manner, and a capillary material (18) is arranged in the condensation cavity (13) and extends to an outer surface (19) of the heat exchanger panel (1), such that any liquid condensing in the condensation cavity (13) is transported outward due to the capillary action of the capillary material (18).

2. The heat exchanger panel (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the heat exchanger panel (1) comprises a ceiling panel or wall panel (4) in which the fluid conduit (5) is embedded, and in that the interstitial space (16) is bounded laterally by edge elements (15).

3. The heat exchanger panel (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the ceiling panel or wall panel (4) and the edge elements (15) are formed from a substantially diffusion-tight material.

4. The heat exchanger panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the capillary material (18) is a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a sorptive material, or is formed as a polymer.

5. The heat exchanger panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fluid conduit (5) is at least one straight or meandering conduit.

6. The heat exchanger panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the region in which the condensation cavity (13) is formed adjacent to the fluid inlet (7) comprises at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 30% of the length of the fluid conduit (5).

7. The heat exchanger panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a plurality of openings (17) are formed in the heat exchanger wall (11), the openings (17) having a minimum clear width of at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.3 mm, or at least 0.4 mm, and / or a maximum clear width of 1.5 mm, 1.4 mm, or 1.3 mm.

8. The heat exchanger panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the surface element (14) exhibits, at least in a partial region, a transmission of more than about 50% or more than about 70% or more than about 90% at a wavelength between about 3 µm and about 30 µm or between about 6 µm and about 20 µm.

9. The heat exchanger panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a trough (26) is provided, which completely or nearly completely encloses the ceiling panel or wall panel (4) on the side facing the ceiling or the wall, respectively, and / or which completely or nearly completely encloses the fluid conduit (5) and the condensation cavity (13) on the side facing the ceiling or the wall, respectively.

10. The heat exchanger panel (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the trough (26) is formed from a diffusion-tight material, preferably a metal such as aluminum.

11. The heat exchanger panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a heat-insulating and / or sound-absorbing layer (20) and / or a layer that is diffusion-tight with respect to water vapor is provided on a side of the heat exchanger panel (1) facing away from the space (2).

12. The heat exchanger panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that electronic components, such as sensors, semiconductors, LEDs, and / or other active or passive components, or thermal storage materials are arranged between the heat exchanger wall (11) and the surface element (14) and / or on the side of the surface element (14) facing the space (2).

13. A method of cooling a space (2) using a heat exchanger panel (1) according to claim 1, comprising the steps of conducting a cool heat exchanger fluid in a fluid conduit (5), condensing moisture in a condensation cavity (13) adjacent to the fluid conduit (5), absorbing the moisture by a section of a capillary material (18) arranged in the condensation cavity (13), and discharging the moisture by means of the capillary action of the capillary material (18) toward an outer surface (19) of the heat exchanger panel (1).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that a heat exchanger panel according to any one of claims 2 to 12 is used.