METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A VENTILATION, HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING AND / OR AIR PURIFICATION SYSTEM

Description

technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a method of controlling a ventilation, heating, air conditioning and / or purification system for several zones of a room, in particular a room in the tertiary sector. Previous technique

[0002] In a building, particularly in the service sector, maintaining optimal air quality is essential to ensure a satisfactory level of comfort and health for its occupants. Air quality standards are often mandated by regulations governing service sector buildings, such as the standard departmental health regulations (RSDT). Specifically, the RSDT sets limit values ​​that certain indoor air pollutants must not exceed to guarantee the comfort and health of the occupants. Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) defines thresholds that indoor air pollutants must not exceed to protect the health of occupants. These thresholds can be set at different levels. Those defined by the WHO are more stringent than the limit values ​​established in the RSDT.

[0003] As is well known, maintaining air quality is achieved through a process that involves extracting stale air from the room and introducing fresh air from an external source. The volume of fresh air introduced into the room can be equal to the volume of stale air extracted, particularly when a dual-flow ventilation system is used to supply and extract both fresh and stale air. Alternatively, the volume of fresh air supplied to the room can differ from the volume of stale air extracted, especially when a dual-flow system is configured accordingly.

[0004] FR 3082288 A1 discloses a ventilation device for the ventilation and heating or air conditioning of the interior space of a building. EP 3767194 A1 discloses an airflow control device.

[0005] However, the continuous introduction of fresh air into the room results in significant energy losses, making the process very energy-intensive.

[0006] The aim of the invention is to provide a method that remedies this drawback. Summary

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a method for controlling a ventilation, heating, air conditioning and / or purification system for several zones of a room, said system comprising at least one airflow control device and a thermal treatment device for airflow and / or a purification treatment device for airflow circulating in said system, the system further comprising a ventilation device, the control device comprising a housing including: an inlet adapted to receive an airflow, called fresh air, from the ventilation system, called the first inlet; an inlet adapted to receive an airflow, called recirculated air, from the heat treatment system and / or the airflow purification system, called the second inlet; a plurality of outlets adapted to be connected to a respective duct of the system to bring an airflow into a respective zone of the room, each outlet being associated with at least one respective zone of the room; each outlet comprising: a first portion fluidly connected to the first inlet and forming a first air outlet, a second portion fluidly connected to the second inlet and forming a second air outlet. the organ further comprising, for each of the outlets, a fresh air flow control device, called the first control device, disposed in the first air outlet, the first control device being movable between a fully closed position of the first air outlet and a fully open position of the first air outlet, the process being characterized in that it comprises the following steps: comparison of a value of at least one parameter, called the parameter value, relating to at least one constituent of air, to a given value, called the comparison value, in each of the zones, and if a ratio, called the pollution ratio, of said parameter value to said comparison value is greater than or equal to a value equal to 1, called the unit value, in at least one of the zones, called the polluted zone, increase of the fresh air flow by said first control device of the outlet associated with said at least one polluted zone,and / or an increase in the flow rate of recycled air passing through the mouth associated with said at least one polluted area.

[0008] Thus, thanks to the process according to the present invention, it is possible to improve air quality in the polluted area of ​​the room by increasing both the fresh air intake and the recirculated air intake. Consequently, the amount of fresh air to be supplied to the room from outside is reduced, thereby limiting energy losses.

[0009] According to another feature of the invention, the step of increasing the recycled air flow rate includes an activation of a recycled air flow rate control device, called the second control device, disposed in the second air outlet, the second control device being movable between a fully closed position of the second air outlet and a fully open position of the second air outlet.

[0010] According to another feature of the invention, during the step of increasing the flow rate of recycled air passing through the mouth associated with said at least one polluted zone, the second control device of said mouth associated with said at least one polluted zone moves so as to increase a section of the second air outlet of said mouth associated with said at least one polluted zone, and / or the second control devices of the unpolluted zones move so as to reduce a section of the respective second air outlets.

[0011] According to another feature of the invention, during the step of increasing the fresh air flow by said first outlet control device associated with said at least one polluted zone, the first control device of said at least one polluted zone moves so as to increase a section of the first air outlet of said outlet associated with said at least one polluted zone, and / or the first control devices of the unpolluted zones move so as to reduce a section of the respective first air outlets.

[0012] According to another feature of the invention, the step of increasing the fresh air flow by said first mouth regulation device associated with said at least one polluted area lasts until the pollution ratio is less than the unit value in the polluted area.

[0013] According to another feature of the invention, the increase in recycled air flow rate and / or the increase in fresh air flow rate is correlated with the value of the pollution ratio.

[0014] According to another feature of the invention, a fresh air flow rate at the inlet of the regulating device, called the overall fresh air flow rate, is maintained constant. According to another feature of the invention, a fresh air flow rate at the inlet of the regulating device, called the overall fresh air flow rate, is variable.

[0015] According to another feature of the invention, said at least one constituent of air is chosen from: one or more inorganic compound(s), and / or one or more volatile organic compound(s), and / or one or more semi-volatile organic compound(s), and / or particles, and / or microorganisms, and / or water vapor in the polluted area at a given temperature.

[0016] According to another feature of the invention, when the pollution ratio is greater than the unit value for at least two air constituents, a priority order is established between the at least two air constituents, a value of the increase in the fresh air flow rate and / or the recycled air flow rate depending on said priority order.

[0017] According to another feature of the invention, the order of priority is established based on an absolute difference between the pollution ratio and the unit value for each air constituent, and / or the nature of each air constituent, and / or the detection of a human presence in the polluted area.

[0018] According to another feature of the invention, the second air outlet of each vent provides a flow of recycled air to the respective area(s) of the room during defined time periods. Brief description of the drawings

[0019] Other features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following description. This description is purely illustrative and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 [ Fig. 1 ] schematically illustrates an example of a ventilation, heating, air conditioning and / or purification system for a room controlled by a process according to the present invention; Fig. 2 [ Fig. 2 ] illustrates a functional schematic cross-sectional view of an airflow control device of the system of the figure 1 ; Fig. 3 [ Fig. 3 ] illustrates a perspective view of the airflow control organ of the figure 2 , facing the front of the organ; Fig. 4 [ Fig. 4 ] illustrates a partial perspective view of the airflow control organ of the figure 3 ; Fig. 5 [ Fig. 5 ] is an enlarged view of a detail of the figure 4 ; Fig. 6 [ Fig. 6 ] illustrates a perspective view of the airflow control organ of the figure 3 , turned towards the back of the organ; Fig. 7 [ Fig. 7 ] illustrates a perspective view of the airflow control organ of the figure 3 mounted on a heat treatment and / or purification system. Description of the implementation methods

[0020] A ventilation, heating, air conditioning, and / or purification system 1 for a room 2 is represented on the figure 1 .

[0021] Unit 2 comprises several zones 3. Unit 2 belongs to a building used, for example, in the service sector. For example, zones 3 are offices. Hereafter, the exterior of the building will be referred to as "exterior." Alternatively, unit 2 could be, for example, a single-family or multi-family dwelling.

[0022] On the figure 1The different zones 3 are separated by walls or form enclosed spaces, but system 1 is also suitable for delimited areas without fixed partitions either inside room 2 or inside a room in room 2, for example for an open workspace also called in English "open space".

[0023] The air in each of Zone 3 may be renewed for health and / or regulatory reasons. Furthermore, the air in each of Zone 3 may be temperature-controlled for comfort and / or regulatory reasons. Similarly, the air in each of Zone 3 may be purified for health and / or regulatory reasons.

[0024] System 1 allows each of the 3 zones to benefit from ventilation, heating, and / or air conditioning. Specifically, System 1 may include an airflow heat treatment device 4 and a ventilation device 5, which will be described later. System 1 also includes an airflow control device 6. The control device 6 will be described later with reference to figures 2 to 7 .

[0025] The heat treatment device 4 and the ventilation device 5 are fluidically connected to the airflow control element 6. In other words, a fluid, in this case air, can flow between the ventilation device 5 and the heat treatment device 4 on the one hand, and the control element 6 on the other.

[0026] System 1 may further include an airflow purification treatment device 11. By "purification" is meant, for example, removing all or part of the air from impurities such as microbes, viruses, bacteria, insects, microorganisms, particles, volatile or semi-volatile organic compounds, polluting gas molecules, inorganic compounds, etc.

[0027] Air purification treatment is, for example, a physico-chemical treatment of the air. Physico-chemical treatment includes, for example, mechanical filtration, gravimetric filtration, adsorption, ionization and capture, electrostatic filtration, ozonation, plasma, photocatalysis, biofiltration, the use of a disinfectant or radiation, the use of activated carbon, etc.

[0028] In another example, air purification treatment consists solely of internal mixing (or dilution) of the air from several zones 3, without the application of any physicochemical treatment. Internal mixing blends the air from one or more more polluted zones with the air from one or more less polluted zones. This results in air with a pollutant concentration intermediate between that of the more polluted zone(s) and that of the less polluted zone(s).

[0029] In another example, air purification treatment combines internal mixing and physico-chemical treatment of the air.

[0030] The purification treatment device 11 is fluidically connected to the airflow control element 6. Thus, a fluid, in this case air, can flow between the purification treatment device 11 and the control element 6.

[0031] In some cases, the purification treatment device 11 is a device independent of the thermal treatment device 4. In some cases, the purification treatment device 11 and the thermal treatment device 4 form a single device.

[0032] In the example of the figure 1 The purification treatment device 11 and the thermal treatment device 4 are integrated into the same enclosure 7. According to another example of system 1, not shown, system 1 does not include a thermal treatment device 4, and only the purification treatment device 11 is provided in the enclosure 7. According to another example of system 1, not shown, the purification treatment device 11 is located in a first enclosure upstream of a second enclosure housing the thermal treatment device 4. In what follows, only the example of the figure 1, in which the purification treatment device 11 and the thermal treatment device 4 are integrated into the same box 7.

[0033] As particularly shown on the figure 7 , box 7 advantageously presents a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0034] Advantageously, one face of the casing 7 is open to form a suction inlet 8. The suction inlet 8 is equipped with a suction device capable of drawing in an airflow from room 2, referred to as the recirculated airflow. For example, the suction device 8 includes fans for drawing in the recirculated airflow, as shown in the figure 1The extraction vent 8 is located inside room 2, so that the recirculated airflow originates from one or more zones 3 of room 2. In other words, the recirculated airflow consists of one or more airflows from one or more zones 3. In some cases, the recirculated airflow consists solely of airflows from one or more zones 3, referred to as "living rooms." "Living room" is defined as any room not equipped with a water supply. In such cases, the extraction vent 8 is located only in the living rooms.

[0035] The enclosure 7 preferably includes at least one heat exchanger (not shown) belonging to the heat treatment device 4. The heat exchanger may, for example, be an evaporator or a condenser. The heat exchanger is capable of modifying the temperature of the airflow drawn in through the suction inlet 8, so as to control the temperature of the recirculated airflow.

[0036] Advantageously, a thermal control system (not shown) is connected to the air heat treatment device 4. The thermal control system includes at least one temperature sensor 10 installed in each zone 3. This at least one temperature sensor 10 measures the air temperature in each zone 3. The thermal control system further includes an electronic control unit (not shown) for the heat treatment device 4, and an electronic connection linking the control unit and the temperature sensors 10 in each zone 3. This connection may be wired or wireless, depending on the embodiment. Thus, based on the measurements from the at least one temperature sensor 10 in each zone 3, the heat exchanger in the housing 7 can adjust the temperature of the recirculated airflow according to a setpoint air temperature in each zone 3.The term "setpoint temperature" refers to a desired air temperature in each Zone 3 that ensures the comfort of at least one occupant in that Zone 3. In some cases, the setpoint temperature can be manually set by the occupant of each Zone 3. In other cases, the setpoint temperature can be set automatically, for example, based on an outside temperature or a time range. As will be detailed later, System 1 is designed so that the ambient air temperature is adjustable for each Zone 3, independently of the other Zone 3s.

[0037] The purification treatment device 11 includes, for example, at least one filter (not shown). This filter is installed, for example, in the housing 7 near the suction outlet 8. This filter performs filtration of the recirculated airflow to remove impurities. In some cases, the purification treatment device 11 may include a mixing chamber for airflows from different zones 3, which together form the recirculated airflow. In some cases, the purification treatment device 11 combines filtration and mixing of the airflows to form the recirculated airflow.

[0038] As will be explained later, the purification treatment device 11 can advantageously be connected to an air quality sensor system. The air quality sensor system includes at least one sensor 13. In some cases, at least one sensor 13 is installed in each zone 3 of the room 2. Such cases are encountered, in particular, when the zones 3 are completely separated from each other by walls or constitute enclosed spaces. In some cases, at least one sensor 13 is shared between several zones 3. Such cases are encountered, in particular, when the zones 3 are not separated from each other by walls, when the walls do not completely separate the zones 3, or when the zones 3 do not constitute enclosed spaces. In some cases, certain zones 3 are without sensors 13.

[0039] At least one sensor 13 is configured to measure a quantity of at least one air constituent in the respective zone 3 of room 2. The at least one air constituent may be: one or more inorganic compound(s), and / or one or more volatile organic compound(s), and / or one or more semi-volatile organic compound(s), and / or particles, and / or microorganisms, and / or water vapor in the polluted area at a given temperature.

[0040] Examples of inorganic compounds include carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (Os), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and / or radon, among others.

[0041] Examples of volatile organic compounds include alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, hydrocarbons, and / or terpenes. Specifically, examples of volatile organic compounds include benzene, formaldehyde, naphthalene, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, hydrogen cyanide, acetaldehyde, acrolein, ethylbenzene, and / or toluene.

[0042] The semi-volatile organic compound(s) include, for example, phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, musks and / or pesticides, among others.

[0043] By "microorganism" we mean a living organism invisible to the naked eye, such as viruses or bacteria for example.

[0044] By "particle" we mean any solid or liquid compound suspended in the air of each of the 3 zones.

[0045] The amount of water vapor in the polluted area at a given temperature determines the relative humidity in that area. Specifically, relative humidity is defined as the ratio of the partial pressure of water vapor in the air of each zone 3 at a given temperature to the saturation vapor pressure in said zone 3 at the given temperature. The relative humidity in zones 3 is preferably within a range of 30% to 70%, and even more preferably between 40% and 60%. Above the upper values ​​of these ranges, there is, for example, a risk of deterioration of room 2, particularly through bacterial growth, condensation, and water infiltration into the walls. Below the lower values ​​of these ranges, there is, for example, a risk of reduced comfort, or even a health risk, for the occupants of room 2.Occupants may, for example, experience dryness of the mucous membranes due to dry conditions in room 2. Thus, when the relative humidity in one of the zones 3 is outside the said ranges of values, zone 3 is considered a polluted zone.

[0046] In some cases, at least one sensor 13 is a presence sensor enabling the determination of a human presence in the respective zone 3.

[0047] Advantageously, the air quality sensor system further includes an electronic control unit (not shown) and an electronic connection linking the control unit and the sensors 13 in each zone 3. Advantageously, the control unit is equipped with a storage medium (not shown), such as memory. The control unit may also be equipped with a processor (not shown). The electronic connection may be wired or wireless, depending on the embodiment.

[0048] In some cases, when the heat treatment device 4 is operating, the purification treatment device 11 cannot operate. In some cases, when the purification treatment device 11 is operating, the heat treatment device 4 cannot operate. In some cases, the heat treatment device 4 and the purification treatment device 11 can operate simultaneously. In some cases, the operation of the heat treatment device 4 is prioritized. Thus, when the heat treatment device 4 is activated, the purification treatment device 11 may be automatically shut down. In some cases, the operation of the purification treatment device 11 is prioritized. Thus, when the purification treatment device 11 is activated, the heat treatment device 4 may be automatically shut down.

[0049] One face of the casing 7, parallel to the suction inlet 8, is also open to form an outlet 9 through which the recycled airflow flows. The outlet 9 is fluidly connected to the airflow control device 6.

[0050] The fluidic link between outlet 9 and airflow control element 6 will be described in more detail later.

[0051] The ventilation system 5 includes a ventilation network capable of drawing in stale airflows 12 from zones 3 of room 2 and extracting them from room 2 to the outside.

[0052] For this purpose, the ventilation network includes a plurality of return air outlets 14 capable of drawing in the stale airflows 12. Each return air outlet 14 is located in one of the zones 3 of the room 2. Each return air outlet 14 is fluidly connected to the ventilation system 5 via a network of ducts 15, so as to be able to extract the stale airflows.

[0053] In some cases, the extraction of stale air 12 is carried out from zones 3 referred to as "wet rooms." Such cases are encountered, for example, when room 2 is a single-family or multi-family dwelling. A "wet room" is defined as any room equipped with at least one water supply. Wet rooms can include, for example, a kitchen, a bathroom, a shower room, toilets, etc. In such cases, the return air vents 14 can only be located in the wet rooms.

[0054] The ventilation device 5 is also capable of drawing in a flow of fresh air from outside and transmitting it into the room 2 via the control unit 6.

[0055] For this purpose, the ventilation system 5 includes an intake inlet equipped with an intake system 17, capable of drawing in an initial fresh air stream 18. The intake system 17 may include a fan and / or an airflow modulator to draw in this initial fresh air stream 18. This initial fresh air stream 18 originates from outside the building and is intended to be supplied to room 2. Advantageously, the ventilation system 5 may include at least one filter (not shown). The filter of the ventilation system 5 is, for example, located in the intake inlet. The filter is, for example, a gravimetric filter. Thus, the initial fresh air stream 18 can be further filtered by the ventilation system 5 to ensure that it carries few impurities.

[0056] The volume of fresh air in the first fresh air stream 18 can be fixed, in which case the fresh air flow rate is called a "fixed flow rate". Alternatively, the volume of fresh air in the first fresh air stream 18 can be variable, in which case the fresh air flow rate is called a "variable flow rate".

[0057] The ventilation system 5 can include any type of machine capable of performing the function of drawing in fresh air from outside and expelling stale air to the outside. For example, so-called "single-flow" machines may be suitable. In another example, so-called "dual-flow" machines may also be suitable.

[0058] The ventilation device 5 also includes a fresh air outlet 19 fluidly connected to the air flow control unit 6 so as to convey all or part of the first fresh air flow 18 to the air flow control unit 6.

[0059] THE figures 2 to 7represent the airflow control unit 6. For the sake of simplicity in the illustration, and unlike the figures 3 to 7 , there figure 2 does not represent a view of organ 6 but a purely functional diagram of the latter.

[0060] In the example of the ventilation, heating, air conditioning, and / or purification system of a room shown on the figure 1 The airflow control unit 6 is installed in a false ceiling. Therefore, vertical and horizontal directions will be used subsequently to describe the relative locations of the components of the airflow control unit 6 in relation to the figures 2 to 7A person skilled in the art will understand that these directions are relative to each other and refer to the spatial directions in the operating position of the air flow control device 6 in a suspended ceiling. A person skilled in the art will be able to adapt the description if the air flow control device 6 is used in a different operating position, for example, perpendicular to the suspended ceiling position, or in a position where the device 6 is fixed to the wall.

[0061] As seen on the figures 2 to 7 , the air flow regulation unit 6 comprises a box 24 which advantageously has a general rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0062] The 24-unit enclosure thus presents six parallel faces, two by two: an upper face 25 forming a horizontal ceiling of the box and a lower face 26 forming a horizontal floor of the box, two small vertical side faces 27 and 28, and two large vertical faces forming a front face 29 of the box and a rear face 30 of the box 24.

[0063] As will be detailed later, the front face 29 has a plurality of outlets 42 for recycled airflow, a plurality of outlets 43 for fresh airflow and a plurality of inlets 20.

[0064] The rear face 30 of the housing 24 is covered by a rectangular plate 31, which has a central opening containing a rectangle smaller than the rectangular plate 31 with the central opening. The opening is, for example, rectangular in shape, as seen on the figure 6The rectangular plate 31, with its hollowed-out shape, forms an inlet 32 ​​for recycled airflow from the thermal treatment device 4 and / or the purification treatment device 11. This inlet 32 ​​thus presents a horizontal extent allowing the recycled airflow to be distributed over the entire length of the box 24.

[0065] Preferably, we plan, as shown on the figures 2 to 7A recirculated airflow distribution device is located opposite the inlet 32. This distribution device includes at least two deflectors 33 to direct the recirculated airflow from the center of the housing 24 towards the peripheral lateral sections. Thanks to these features, the airflow control element 6 allows for a substantially homogeneous distribution of the recirculated airflow across the multiple recirculated air outlets 42. In some cases, the recirculated airflow to be distributed across the multiple outlets 42 is constant. In other cases, the recirculated airflow to be distributed across the multiple outlets 42 is variable.

[0066] The fluidic link between the outlet 9 of the box 7 and the air flow control element 6 is achieved by fixing the rear face 30 of the box 24 onto the outlet 9. Thus, the control element 6 is fluidically connected to the thermal treatment device 4 and / or to the air flow purification treatment device 11.

[0067] As depicted on the figures 2 , 4 And 5 , the casing 24 also has a partition 34 separating it into two compartments that are watertight between them: a compartment 35 for supplying recycled airflow, and a compartment 36 for supplying fresh airflow.

[0068] Partition 34 has a general U-shape, meaning it consists of a horizontal rectangular plate with two opposite edges 37 and 38 folded to form two plates inclined symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane. The two inclined plates are fixed to the ceiling of the enclosure 24. The hollowed-out rectangular vertical plate closes the outer parts of the U, leaving only the interior of the U open.

[0069] The inside of the U thus forms compartment 35 for supplying recycled airflow while the outside of the U forms compartment 36 for supplying fresh airflow, as described below in more detail.

[0070] The side face 28 has a duct 39 forming a fresh air inlet. The fresh air inlet 39 can be fluidly connected to the fresh air outlet 19 of the ventilation unit 5 by a network 50. The duct 39 allows the entry of a fresh air flow rate, called the overall fresh air flow rate, into the control unit 6. The network 50 may include one or more control devices (not shown) for the fresh air flow rate entering the control unit 6. In some cases, the overall fresh air flow rate is kept constant. In some cases, the overall fresh air flow rate is variable. In some cases, the overall fresh air flow rate can be variable, then constant, or vice versa.

[0071] The inlet 39 is mounted on a removable plate attached to the housing by means of screws 400. This removable plate can be positioned on either of the small side faces 27, 28, while the other small side face 28, 27 is fitted with another removable plate without a duct. Thus, the housing 24 can be hermetically sealed by this removable plate.

[0072] Thanks to these features, an operator can choose the simplest configuration according to the environment, in order to connect the control unit 6 to the ventilation device 5 via the network 50 through the duct 39.

[0073] In addition, one of the inclined plates 37, 38 of the partition 34 being arranged opposite the duct 39 allows, in operation, to deflect the fresh air into the fresh air supply compartment 36.

[0074] The plurality of mouths 20 will now be described. Each of the mouths 20 has, for example, a circular shape.

[0075] As depicted on the figures 2 to 7 The horizontal rectangular plate of the partition 34 delimits each of the mouths 20 into two portions, an upper portion 40 and a lower portion 41. A section of the upper portion 40 represents, for example, about ¾ of the total section of the mouth 20. A section of the lower portion 41 represents, for example, about ¼ of the total section of the mouth 20.

[0076] The upper portion 40 forms the recycled airflow outlet 42 of each mouth 20. The outlet 42 is fluidly connected, via the interior of the recycled airflow supply compartment 35, to the recycled airflow inlet 32.

[0077] The lower portion 41 forms the fresh air outlet 43 of each opening. In particular, outlet 43 allows a second fresh air flow to pass through opening 20. This second fresh air flow is less than or substantially equal to the first fresh air flow. Specifically, the second fresh air flow can be substantially equal to the first fresh air flow only when a single outlet 43 of the component 6 allows fresh air to exit into room 2, the other outlets 43 being blocked. Outlet 43 is fluidly connected, via the interior of the fresh air supply compartment 36, to the duct 39 forming the fresh air inlet.

[0078] Thus, each opening 20 has both a recycled airflow outlet 42 and a fresh air outlet 43. A mixture 23 of airflow comprising fresh and recycled air therefore passes through each opening 20.

[0079] Each of the 20 openings is associated with at least one respective zone 3 of room 2. As visible on the figure 1 Each outlet 20 is connected to a duct 21. In some cases, the duct 21 allows the airflow control unit 6 to be fluidly connected to one of the zones 3 via a supply vent 22. In some cases, the duct 21 allows the airflow control unit 6 to be fluidly connected to several zones 3 via the supply vent 22. Thus, the airflow control unit 6 is able to deliver the mixture 23 of fresh and recirculated air flows to each of the zones 3.

[0080] The distribution of the mixture 23 of the airflows, in particular the recycled air flow and the fresh air flow, is controllable zone 3 by zone 3, as will be explained below.

[0081] As is apparent from figures 2 to 7The airflow control unit 6 includes, for each outlet 20, a fresh air flow control device. In some cases, as shown by the figures 2 to 7 , the regulating body 6 includes for each mouth 20 a device for regulating the flow of recycled air.

[0082] In the example of regulatory body 6 of the figures 2 to 7 The devices for regulating the fresh air flow and the recirculated air flow are dampers. In particular, the recirculated air outlet 42 is equipped with a damper 44 mounted to pivot about a substantially vertical axis 45 in the upper portion 40. The vertical axis 45 is substantially located at the center of the upper portion 40, so as to subdivide the upper portion 40 into two substantially symmetrical parts. Thus, two substantially equivalent recirculated air flow passage sections are formed.

[0083] The flap 44 is pivotally mounted between two extreme positions: a fully closed position for the recirculated air outlet 42 and a fully open position for the recirculated air outlet 42. Complete closure is made possible by the shape of the flap 44. In fact, the flap 44 has the same shape and surface area as the cross-section of the upper portion 40.

[0084] As depicted on the figures 4 And 5 The airflow control unit 6 may include a first actuator 46 for each of the flaps 44 of the recirculated air outlets 42. The actuator 46 is, for example, a stepper motor. Each actuator 46 controls the rotation of each respective flap 44 in response to an electronic command.

[0085] The electronic control unit of the heat treatment device 4 can be adapted to send electronic rotation commands to each damper 44 independently of the other damper 44. Similarly, the air quality sensor system can be adapted to send electronic rotation commands to each damper 44 independently of the other damper 44. Thus, the electronic control unit and / or the sensors 13 allow control of the recirculated air flow rate to each zone 3. Control can therefore be performed, for a given zone 3, based on the setpoint temperature and the temperature of zone 3 as measured by the corresponding temperature sensor 10. Alternatively, control can also be performed, for a given zone 3, based on the quantity of at least one air constituent in the respective zone 3 as measured by the sensors 13.In some cases, the control is carried out based on the detection by sensors 13 of the presence of human in the given zone 3.

[0086] The flap 44 thus presents a function of regulating the airflow in the outlet 42 of recycled airflow.

[0087] The fresh air outlet 43 is equipped with a pivotally mounted flap 47. The flap 47 pivots about a horizontal axis X. The horizontal axis coincides with the upper edge of the lower portion 41. The flap 47 pivots between two extreme positions: a fully closed position for the fresh air outlet 43 and a fully open position for the fresh air outlet 43. The flap 47 has a shape and surface area substantially similar to or larger than the lower portion 41. Thus, in the fully closed position, the outlet 43 can be sealed.

[0088] The air quality sensor system can be adapted to send electronic rotation commands to each damper 47 independently of the other dampers 47. Thus, the sensors 13 allow control of the fresh air flow to each zone 3. As will be explained later, the control is carried out, for a given zone 3, based on the quantity of at least one air constituent in zone 3 measured by the sensors 13. In some cases, the control is carried out based on the detection by the sensors 13 of the presence of a person in the given zone 3.

[0089] The flap 47 thus presents a function of regulating the flow of fresh air in the fresh air outlet 43.

[0090] Note that the flap 44 of the recirculated air outlet and the flap 47 of the fresh air outlet are therefore mounted to pivot around perpendicular intersecting axes. Thus, component 6 can be made compact, which is particularly advantageous, for example, for installation in a false ceiling.

[0091] Of course, the dampers 44 and 47 can be replaced by other devices for opening and closing the recirculated air outlets 42 and the fresh air outlets 43. For example, the dampers 44 and 47 can be replaced by a ventilation iris installed in each vent 20.

[0092] It is noted that component 6 allows the distribution of fresh air flow to be regulated by zone 3 by means of at least one second actuator (not shown) which allows the position of the flaps 47 to be adjusted. In some cases, a second actuator is provided for each flap 47. In some cases, only one second actuator is provided for all the flaps 47.

[0093] The control unit 6 has the advantage of allowing the sharing of a duct network already planned for the blowing of recycled air by adding fresh air while allowing the distribution of the quantity of fresh air per duct to be adjusted once the installation of the ducts is complete.

[0094] A method for controlling the ventilation, heating, air conditioning and / or purification system 1 described above will now be described. In what follows, the expression "recycled air" refers to an airflow that has been treated by the purification treatment device 11, either by filtration and / or internal mixing, as explained previously.

[0095] The process includes a first step of comparing a value of at least one parameter, called the parameter value, to a given value, called the comparison value, of at least one parameter in each of the zones 3. The parameter relates to at least one constituent of the air in each zone 3. The parameter is for example a quantity in the air of at least one of the constituents of the air in each zone 3.

[0096] As previously mentioned, at least one constituent of air can be chosen from: one or more inorganic compound(s), and / or one or more volatile organic compound(s), and / or one or more semi-volatile organic compound(s), and / or particles, and / or microorganisms, and / or water vapor in the polluted area at a given temperature.

[0097] The parameter value is determined by means of at least one sensor 13 provided in each zone 3.

[0098] The comparison value corresponds to a predetermined value for each Zone 3 of at least one parameter associated with the parameter value. In particular, the comparison value may correspond to a maximum value of at least one parameter imposed by regulations to ensure an optimal level of air quality in the respective Zone 3. The comparison value may also correspond to a maximum value of at least one parameter established by the occupant of each Zone 3. In some cases, the comparison value of at least one parameter is the same for all Zone 3s. In other cases, the comparison value of at least one parameter differs between Zone 3s. Advantageously, the comparison value is stored on the storage medium of the electronic control unit associated with the sensors 13.

[0099] The comparison between the parameter value and the comparison value can, for example, be carried out by the processor of the electronic control box associated with the sensors 13.

[0100] The comparison between the parameter value and the comparison value includes, in particular, the determination of a ratio, known as the pollution ratio. The pollution ratio is defined as the ratio between the parameter value and the comparison value in each of the three zones. In other words, the pollution ratio is the ratio of the parameter value to the comparison value. The optimal level of air quality is therefore ensured when the pollution ratio is less than a value equal to 1, known as the unit value.

[0101] When in one of the zones 3, known as the polluted zone, the pollution ratio is greater than or equal to 1, the air quality cannot be judged satisfactory in said polluted zone.

[0102] To remedy this, the process described herein includes a step of increasing the fresh air flow rate by the fresh air control device of the inlet(s) 20 associated with the contaminated area. In particular, during the fresh air flow rate increase step, the flap 47 of each inlet 20 associated with the contaminated area can move around the horizontal axis X towards the upper edge of the lower portion 41. In other words, the flap 47 of each inlet 20 associated with the contaminated area can move from the fully closed position to the fully open position. This flap 47 of each inlet 20 associated with the contaminated area may or may not reach the fully open position.

[0103] Thus, each flap 47 can move to increase the cross-section of the fresh air outlet 43 of each vent associated with the polluted area. This promotes the passage of fresh air through the vents 20 associated with the polluted area, thereby facilitating the entry of fresh air into said polluted area.

[0104] When several outlets 20 are associated with the polluted area, the movement of the respective flaps 47 can be independent of each other. Thus, the increase in the cross-section of the outlet 43 may differ between the outlets 20 associated with the polluted area.

[0105] In certain cases, the fresh air control device for each unpolluted zone 3 moves to reduce the cross-section of each fresh air outlet 43 from the respective vents 20. In other words, the damper 47 of each vent 20 associated with the unpolluted zones 3 can move between the fully open and fully closed positions, with said damper 47 potentially reaching the fully closed position. Reducing the cross-section of the outlets 43 of the vents 20 associated with the unpolluted zones is particularly advantageous when the overall fresh air flow rate is kept constant, but it can also occur when the overall fresh air flow rate is variable. Thanks to the reduction in the cross-section of the outlets 43 of the vents 20 associated with the unpolluted zones 3, the fresh air flow rate introduced into the polluted zone increases, even if the overall fresh air flow rate remains constant.

[0106] The dampers 47 of the inlets associated with the uncontaminated zones can move independently of each other when several inlets 20 are associated with the uncontaminated zones. Thus, the reduction in cross-section of the outlets 43 can differ between each inlet 20 associated with the uncontaminated zones. Of course, it is also possible that only some of the dampers 47 of the inlets 20 associated with the uncontaminated zones 3 move in such a way as to reduce the cross-section of the respective outlets 43. Thus, in some cases, only the dampers 47 of the inlets 20 associated with the uncontaminated zones 3 and located between the duct 39 forming the fresh air intake and the inlet(s) 20 associated with the contaminated zone move.

[0107] To improve air quality in the polluted area, the process may further include a step of increasing the recycled air flow rate through the outlet(s) 20 associated with the polluted area. This step of increasing the recycled air flow rate includes activating the recycled air flow control device located in the recycled air outlet 42 of each outlet 20 associated with the polluted area. Specifically, during this step, the flap 44 of each outlet 20 associated with the polluted area can move to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the recycled air outlet 42 of the outlet 20 associated with at least one polluted area. In other words, the flap 44 of each outlet 20 associated with the polluted area can move from the fully closed position to the fully open position. The said flap 44 of each mouth 20 associated with the polluted area may or may not reach the fully open position.Thus, the passage of recycled air through the openings 20 associated with the polluted area is favoured, so as to favour the entry of recycled air into said polluted area.

[0108] When several outlets 20 are associated with the polluted area, the movement of the respective flaps 44 can be independent of each other. Thus, the increase in the cross-section of the outlet 42 may differ between the outlets 20 associated with the polluted area.

[0109] In certain cases, the zone 3 control device of each unpolluted zone 3 moves in such a way as to reduce the cross-section of each recycled air outlet 42 of the inlets 20 associated with said unpolluted zones 3. In other words, the flap 44 of each inlet 20 associated with the unpolluted zones 3 can move between the fully open position and the fully closed position, said flap 44 being able to or not reach said fully closed position. Thus, the flow rate of recycled air passing through each inlet 20 associated with each unpolluted zone decreases.

[0110] The flaps 44 of the inlets associated with unpolluted areas can move independently of each other when several inlets 20 are associated with unpolluted areas. Thus, the reduction in cross-section of the outlets 42 can differ between each inlet 20 associated with unpolluted areas. Of course, it is also possible that only some flaps 44 of inlets 20 associated with unpolluted areas 3 move in such a way as to reduce the cross-section of the respective outlets 42.

[0111] When the recycled air flow rate to be distributed across the plurality of outlets 42 is variable, the step of increasing the recycled air flow rate through the outlet(s) 20 associated with the polluted area can be carried out without the movements of the dampers 44 explained above. In particular, increasing the recycled air flow rate to be distributed across the plurality of outlets 42 can increase the recycled air flow rate through the outlet(s) 20 associated with the polluted area, without needing to decrease the recycled air flow rate through the outlet(s) 20 associated with the unpolluted area(s).

[0112] In some cases, the increase in recirculated air flow rate and / or the increase in fresh air flow rate in the polluted area(s) is correlated with the pollution ratio value. For example, the further the pollution ratio deviates from the unity value, the greater the increase in fresh air flow rate and / or recirculated air flow rate in each polluted area.

[0113] When the pollution ratio exceeds the unit value for at least two air components, a priority order is established among these two components. The required increase in fresh air flow and / or recirculated air flow through the air inlet(s) associated with the polluted area depends on this priority order. In some cases, the priority order is based on the absolute difference between the pollution ratio and the unit value for each air component. Therefore, the required increase in fresh air flow and / or recirculated air flow through the air inlet(s) associated with the polluted area is determined based on the component whose pollution ratio is furthest from the unit value. In some cases, the priority order depends on the specific nature of each air component.Thus, for example, since CO2 is a marker of human presence in Zone 3, priority may be given to CO2 over other air constituents. Therefore, if in the polluted area the CO2 pollution ratio and the pollution ratio for at least one other air constituent exceed the unit value, the increase in the fresh air flow rate and / or the recirculated air flow rate passing through the outlet(s) associated with the polluted area will primarily aim to reduce the CO2 pollution ratio below the unit value, even if the absolute difference between the CO2 pollution ratio and the unit value is less than the absolute difference between the pollution ratio of the other air constituent and the unit value.

[0114] The priority order can also be used when there are at least two polluted zones in room 2. In this case, the movement of dampers 44 and 47 in the control unit 6 can be done, for example, to favor the intake of fresh air and / or recirculated air in the polluted zone with a pollution ratio exceeding the unit value for the constituent established as the priority in the order of priority. Thus, for example, there might be a first polluted zone with a CO2 pollution ratio exceeding the unit value, and a second polluted zone with a NO2 pollution ratio exceeding the unit value. If CO2 is considered to have priority over NO2, flaps 44 and / or flaps 47 of the mouths 20 associated with the first polluted area can further increase the cross-section of outlets 42 and / or outlets 43 compared to flaps 44 and / or flaps 47 of the mouths 20 associated with the second polluted area.If the order of priority is established based on an absolute difference between the pollution ratio and the unit value for each air constituent, the increase in the section of outlets 42 and / or outlets 43 will be greater in the outlets 20 associated with the polluted area having a greater absolute difference between the pollution ratio of one of the air constituents and the unit value.

[0115] In some cases, the step of increasing the fresh air flow rate through flap 47 of each outlet 20 associated with at least one polluted area continues until the pollution ratio is below the unit value in each polluted area. In some cases, the step of increasing the recirculated air flow rate through flap 44 of each outlet 20 associated with at least one polluted area continues until the pollution ratio is below the unit value in each polluted area.

[0116] It is noted that the process according to the present exposition can be applied continuously in room 2. Thus, the process allows continuous monitoring of the air constituents in the zones 3 of room 2 associated with at least one sensor 13, which makes it possible to adjust the fresh air and recycled air flow rates arriving in each zone 3 when the pollution ratio for at least one air constituent of the zones 3 exceeds the unit value in at least one of the zones 3.

[0117] In some cases, the control unit 6 continuously supplies a flow of fresh air and / or a flow of recirculated air to each zone 3 through outlets 43 and 42, respectively. This allows the air quality in each zone 3 to be smoothed over time. In some cases, outlet 42 of each vent 20 supplies the recirculated air flow to the respective zone(s) 3 of the room during defined time periods. In some cases, outlet 43 of each vent 20 supplies the fresh air flow to the respective zone(s) 3 of the room during defined time periods.

[0118] It is noted that, ideally, the sum of the fresh air and recirculated air flow rates introduced into each zone 3 is equal to the stale air flow rate extracted from the respective zone 3. Thus, the pressure in each zone 3 is constant.

[0119] By using recirculated air to improve air quality in Zone 3, the process described herein also limits the need for fresh air intake in Room 2, thereby reducing energy losses. For example, when several Zone 3 areas are unpolluted, the fresh air intake in the polluted areas can be reduced and replaced by recirculated air, consisting entirely or partially of airflow from the unpolluted Zone 3 areas.

[0120] Of course, this disclosure is not limited to the example described above with regard to the figures. This disclosure also encompasses all the variations and combinations that a person skilled in the art might consider in the context of the protection sought.

[0121] Thus, for example, the increase in the flow rate of fresh air and / or the flow rate of recycled air introduced into each zone 3 can be done according to the detection by the sensor(s) 13 of a human presence in the zones 3.

[0122] Similarly, the comparison between the parameter value and the comparison value may include, in particular, determining whether there is an exceedance between the parameter value and the comparison value in each of the Zone 3 areas. In these cases, Zone 3 areas are considered polluted areas when the parameter value is greater than the comparison value. Therefore, the increase in the fresh air flow rate and / or the recirculated air flow rate introduced into at least one polluted area occurs when, in at least one polluted area, the parameter value is greater than the comparison value.

[0123] Similarly, the process may include an inter-zone comparison of parameter values. In this configuration, the parameter value for the same air component is compared between the different zones. When the parameter values ​​differ between zones, the fresh air flow rate increase steps and / or the recirculated air flow rate increase steps described above aim to homogenize the parameter values ​​in all zones.

[0124] Finally, the method can also be adapted to determine parameter values ​​that deviate from a comparison range. The comparison range corresponds to a predetermined range of values ​​for each Zone 3, including a lower and an upper limit of values ​​between which the parameter value should advantageously fall. In particular, the comparison range may correspond to a range of values ​​for at least one parameter mandated by regulations to ensure an optimal level of air quality in the respective Zone 3. The comparison range may also correspond to a maximum value for at least one parameter established by the occupant of each Zone 3.In these cases, when the parameter value is not included in the comparison range, the process can modify the fresh air and recirculated air flow rates introduced into each zone 3, until the parameter value is within the comparison range in all zones 3. This configuration allows, for example, the relative humidity in each zone 3 to be set so that it is preferably between 30% and 70%, preferably even more between 40% and 60%.

Claims

1. Method for controlling a system (1) for ventilation, heating, air conditioning and / or purification of several zones (3) of a premises (2), said system (1) comprising at least a member (6) for regulating an airflow and a device (4) for heat treatment of an airflow and / or a device (11) for purification treatment of an airflow circulating in said system (1), the system further comprising a ventilation device (5), the regulation member (6) including a box (24) comprising: - an inlet (39) adapted to receive a flow of air, called fresh air, from the ventilation device (5), called first inlet, - an inlet (32) adapted to receive a flow of air, called recirculated air, from the heat treatment device (4) and / or from the airflow purification treatment device (11), called second inlet, - a plurality of nozzles (20) adapted to be each connected to a respective duct (21) of the system (1) to bring an airflow into a respective zone (3) of the premises (2), each nozzle (20) being associated with at least one respective zone (3) of the premises (2), each nozzle (20) comprising: - a first portion (41) fluidly connected to the first inlet (39) and forming a first air outlet (43), - a second portion (40) fluidly connected to the second inlet (32) and forming a second air outlet (42), the member (6) further including, for each of the nozzles (20), a device (47) for regulating a flow rate of fresh air, called first regulation device, disposed in the first air outlet (43), the first regulation device (47) being movable between a position of total closing of the first air outlet (43) and a position of total opening of the first air outlet (43), the method comprising the following steps: - comparing a value of at least one parameter, called parameter value, relating to at least one component of an air to a given value, called comparison value, in each of the zones (3), the method being characterised in that if a ratio, called pollution ratio, of said parameter value to said comparison value is greater than or equal to a value equal to 1, called unit value, in at least one of the zones (3), called polluted zone, - increasing of the flow rate of fresh air by said first regulation device (47) of the nozzle (20) associated with said at least one polluted zone, and / or - increasing a flow rate of recirculated air passing through the nozzle (20) associated with said at least one polluted zone.

2. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the step of increasing the flow rate of recirculated air comprises activating a device (44) for regulating the flow rate of recirculated air, called second regulation device, disposed in the second air outlet (42), the second regulation device (44) being movable between a position of total closing of the second air outlet (42) and a position of total opening of the second air outlet (42).

3. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein, during the step of increasing the flow rate of recirculated air passing through the nozzle (20) associated with said at least one polluted zone, the second regulation device (44) of said nozzle associated with said at least one polluted zone moves so as to increase a cross-section of the second air outlet (42) of said nozzle (20) associated with said at least one polluted zone, and / or the second regulation devices (44) of the non-polluted zones move so as to reduce a cross-section of the respective second air outlets (42).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, during the step of increasing of the flow rate of fresh air by said first regulation device (47) of the nozzle (20) associated with said at least one polluted zone, the first regulation device (47) of said at least one polluted zone moves so as to increase a cross-section of the first air outlet (43) of said nozzle (20) associated with said at least one polluted zone, and / or the first regulation devices (47) of the non-polluted zones move so as to reduce a cross-section of the respective first air outlets (43).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of increasing of the flow rate of fresh air by said first regulation device (47) of the nozzle (20) associated with said at least one polluted zone lasts until the pollution ratio is less than the unit value in the polluted zone.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the increase in the flow rate of recirculated air and / or the increase in the flow rate of fresh air is correlated with the value of the pollution ratio.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a flow rate of fresh air at the inlet of the regulation member (6), called overall fresh air flow rate, is maintained constant.

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a flow rate of fresh air at the inlet of the regulation member (6), called overall fresh air flow rate, is variable.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one component of the air is chosen from: - one or more inorganic compound(s), and / or - one or more volatile organic compound(s), and / or - one or more semi-volatile organic compound(s), and / or - particles, and / or - microorganisms, and / or - water vapour in the polluted zone at a given temperature.

10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the pollution ratio is greater than the unit value for at least two air components, an order of priority is established between the at least two air components, a value of the increase in the flow rate of fresh air and / or in the flow rate of recirculated air depending on said order of priority.

11. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the order of priority is established according to an absolute difference between the pollution ratio and the unit value for each component of the air, and / or a nature of each component of the air, and / or a detection of a human presence in the polluted zone.

12. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second air outlet (42) of each nozzle (20) provides a flow of recirculated air to the respective zone(s) (3) of the premises during defined time slots.