Device and method for deodorizing and dehumidification of rooms, cold and freezer rooms

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for ventilation and dehumidification, especially for cold and freezer rooms according to the claims. This invention also relates to any room. Finally, the present invention concerns also a method for ventilating, dehumidifying and deodorizing of cold and freezer rooms according to the claims.

Description

[0001] Device and method for deodorizing and dehumidification of rooms, cold and freezer rooms

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to a new device and method for ventilation leading to a reduction of moisture and odors in the closed rooms where it is installed and is in active operation. It can be installed in all types of rooms and is particularly suitable for cold and freezer rooms. It can also be easily retrofitted in all types of existing rooms.

[0004] Rooms can be defined as: a physical place with entrance / exit that can be opened / closed and which are three-dimensional delimited both upwards, downwards and on the sides. Examples of rooms: cold room, freezer room, storage container, cold and freezer storage transport vehicle, storage room, storage hall or any other room. To reduce the moisture and / or the smell in the closed room where the device is installed, the device makes use of the properties of the air from an adjacent room and / or the outside air. This air is drawn through the partially closed device by means of a fan which is mounted at one end of the device. The fan causes a constant flow of air through the device, and a vacuum or pressure difference between the air inside the device and the air in the room occurs. The air layers are mixed together via the valves in the device, and the vacuum (i.e. negative pressure in the device) draws the moisture and odor from the room into the device and is carried on to adjacent rooms, possibly to outside air. In case of negative pressure in the room itself, the vacuum (i.e. the flow) turns towards the room for partial pressure equalization with reduced humidity in the air flow.

[0005] Background

[0006] Basements are often used as storage rooms, where the outer walls are usually made of masonry or concrete. These walls are often dehumidified inwards to the basement, and where the moisture can create mould, fungus and cellar odors, and where the moisture supplement must be reduced to improve the indoor climate.

[0007] Cold and freezer storage is usually used for temporary storage of perishable products, such as foodstuffs, beverages, medicines, biological materials or temperature-sensitive chemicals.

[0008] Today, freezer rooms are equipped with a pressure equalization valve. Have so far seen two types of existing freezer rooms, a valve that is open with a rocker flap and one that has a spring-loaded function. These valves have as function to let in air from adjacent rooms, both of the two mentioned have built-in heating cables, so that the valve type should not freeze. These valves cause a higher supply of moisture into the freezer room or compartment.

[0009] This moisture then condenses on goods and cold surfaces inside the room. In the condensation process unwanted heat is released inside the freezer and leads to increased energy use. Pressure equalization is used to ensure that the room structure must not be able to collapse. The new invention will replace these the pressure equalization valves.

[0010] Anyone who has installed cold and freezer rooms must be able to trust that these continuously maintain their performance function. Such cold and freezer rooms normally comprise a room or warehouse / storage of suitable size, which is kept within a predetermined temperature (range). These are rooms that are three-dimensionally delimited, both upwards, downwards and on the sides, with at least one entrance door. Preferably, the warehouse / storage is insulated to thereby prevent leakage of hot air from the outside into the cold and freezer storage / warehouse.

[0011] Depending on the type of products being stored, the cold and freezer warehouses / storage rooms are kept within a given temperature range to prevent spoilage of perishable products, such as foodstuffs, beverages, medicines, biological materials or temperature-sensitive chemicals. Here uninterrupted and error-free operation / function of the cold and freezer storage / warehouse is essential.

[0012] The usage

[0013] When products are moved to or from a cold or freezer warehouse / storage, at each entry, there will usually be supplied with warmer air from the adjacent room.

[0014] When warmer air enters the cold and freezer storage, it cools against the cold surfaces inside the cold and freezer storage. This air has some unwanted moisture that condenses on the colder surfaces.

[0015] Condensation of air to liquid is the opposite of boiling or evaporation and is an exothermic process, which means that heat is released, and the refrigerator / refrigerating machine uses more energy to maintain a desired temperature inside in the room.

[0016] Depending on the temperature of the air that is admitted when products are brought in or taken out, as well the temperature of the product itself, this will increase the humidity level inside the room. This humidity can lead to ice and / or frosting on the products and cooling or refrigerating machine, which can lead to the products getting a degraded quality and durability, while the cooling or refrigerating machine has a reduced efficiency. Increased humidity level inside the room can lead to the unwanted growth of fungus and / or mould, as well as a health-damaging working environment.

[0017] Defrosting is carried out at specific time intervals by the cooling or refrigerating machine inside the freezer rooms or compartments. Sometimes the defrosting can cause that all stored products must be temporarily moved out of the room. This is both labour-intensive and expensive.

[0018] When the defrosting is carried out, water vapor occurs again due to the defrosting, which is added to the air inside the room and leads to an increased moisture level in the room air. When the room air cools down again, the moisture will settle as new ice or frosting / freezing on colder surfaces, while thaw / defrost water is partly carried away in drains, and some evaporates back into the room.

[0019] In order to reduce energy consumption, product waste and to improve the working environment, one sees the need to maintain a low moisture level inside the cold and freezer rooms. It is assumed that one must use four times more energy than required when removing one liter of defrost water.

[0020] Own tests

[0021] In tests conducted by the inventor with the full-scale product, significantly less icing is observed on the cooling units. The cold and freezer rooms feel colder, with the same setting as before installation of the device. This indicates that the cooling or refrigerating machine according to the invention gets a better efficiency.

[0022] Defrosting of the cooling unit has been reduced by 50% from 4 hours to 8 hours intervals without a problem.

[0023] It turns out that at reduced humidity in the cold room the durability or shelf life of whipped cream stored in a bowl increases. There is no liquid at the bottom of the bowl, and the fridge taste has disappeared. Ready-cut sliced tomatoes have remained ready to serve for several days, and complaints about this product is currently 0%, where the device is installed.

[0024] If the humidity in the cold room is reduced, moisture will not occur on the shelves or floor.

[0025] In cellars, the cellar smell has disappeared. This is as a result of lower moisture content in the indoor air.

[0026] Reduced energy consumption and reduction in food waste are reducing the CO2 footprint in the business.

[0027] Overview of numbering of the room and the device:

[0028] 1 The room in which the device is installed. la The ceiling inside the room. lb Side walls inside the room.

[0029] 2 The pipe segment itself.

[0030] 2a Pipe segment without valve.

[0031] 2b Pipe segment with valve.

[0032] 2ab Inclined pipe segment through wall lb.

[0033] 2c External surface of the pipe segment where the valve is mounted.

[0034] 2d External vertical surface of the pipe segment.

[0035] 3 Inlet for air and outlet for condensed water.

[0036] 3a Moisture separator for supply air to the pipe segment.

[0037] 3b Moisture separator for supply air to the pipe segment.

[0038] 3c Moisture separator for supply air to the pipe segment.

[0039] 3d Moisture separator for supply air to the pipe segment.

[0040] 4 Outlet for moist air.

[0041] 5 Valve

[0042] 5a Intake for air from room 1.

[0043] 5b Supply air to room 1 for pressure equalization.

[0044] 6 Fan that sucks air through the device from 3 to 4.

[0045] 7 Insulator as distance sleeve between the cold surfaces of room 1 and the device.

[0046] 8 Heating cable.

[0047] 9 Funnel for collecting condensation water from 3.

[0048] 10 Drain pipe / drain for condensed water. 11 Airtight box for joining 2a and 2b on the outside of lb.

[0049] 12 Heating element in box 11.

[0050] 13 Section of one end of the pipe segment.

[0051] 14 Section of the other end of the pipe segment.

[0052] 15 Section of the pipe segment turned 90°.

[0053] 16 Perspective of the pipe segment seen from above and sideways.

[0054] 17 Perspective of the pipe segment seen obliquely from the side.

[0055] 18 Pipe segment seen from the underside.

[0056] 19 Room outside room 1, which can be an adjacent room or the outside of the building.

[0057] Schematic explanation of figure 1 to figure 10:

[0058] Figure 1 shows an inclined moisture-reducing device of a moisture separator, as well as the details of an inlet according to the invention.

[0059] Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of the moisture-reducing device of a moisture separator according to the invention.

[0060] Figure 3 shows a schematic top view of the moisture-reducing device of a moisture separator according to the invention.

[0061] Figure 4 shows a schematic front view of the moisture-reducing device of a moisture separator seen from the underside, with placement of valves in the device according to the invention.

[0062] Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of a further embodiment of the moisture-reducing device of a moisture separator according to the invention.

[0063] Figure 6 shows yet another further embodiment of the moisture-reducing device of a moisture separator according to the invention which comprises a connection on an external side of room 1.

[0064] Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-section of a pipe segment of the moisture-reducing device of a moisture separator according to the invention.

[0065] Figure 8 shows a schematic layout of a longitudinal section of the pipe segment, with air to and from the same pipe segment in a room with negative pressure according to the invention.

[0066] Figure 9 shows a schematic layout of a longitudinal section of the pipe segment in a room without negative pressure according to the invention.

[0067] Figure 10 shows a perspective of the pipe segment and a cross-section according to the invention.

[0068] Detailed description

[0069] Figure 1 and figure 2 schematically show a device for dehumidifying and ventilating a room 1, according to the invention. The same references shown in figure 1 and in all other figures indicate the same features. Figure 2 schematically shows a side view, including the roof la and a part of the side walls lb in room 1.

[0070] Figure 3 shows a schematic top view corresponding to figure 2. Room 1 comprises a room equipped with at least one entrance (not shown), where people can transport in / out products to / from room 1.

[0071] Room 1 can be defined as: a physical place with entrance / exit which can be opened / closed and which is three-dimensionally delimited both upwards, downwards and on the sides. Examples of room 1: cold room, freezer room, storage container, refrigerated / cold and freezer storage transport vehicle, storage room, storage hall or any other room. Room 1 can be kept within a given temperature range. Normal cooling / cold and freezer storage temperatures can vary from +20°C down to above -30°C depending on which products are to be stored in room 1.

[0072] With reference to figure 2, the device comprises at least one pipe segment 2a and one pipe segment 2b where the pipe segment 2a is connected to the pipe segment 2b. Pipe segment 2a is preferably connected to pipe segment 2b in a fluid-tight manner. Additional pipe segments (not shown) may be arranged between the pipe segment 2a and the pipe segment 2b. The pipe segments can be of circular cross-section. Alternatively, each pipe segment can have a rectangular cross-section, an oval cross-section, circular cross-section, L-shaped cross-section or a T-shaped cross-section. The pipe segment may comprise a single channel. The pipe segments can be produced from either polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), optionally composite material, such as e.g. glass fiber reinforced polymer material, or a layered metal-polymer composite material. The pipe segment can be produced by extrusion, by drawing, welding, casting or by other suitable production method.

[0073] Figures 1 and 5 show pipe segment 2a including an inlet 3 for air inflow and outlet for condensed water. Inlet 3 is preferably arranged for air inflow from room 19. Pipe segment 2a extends upwards in an angle a in relation to a horizontal direction. Angle a is within a range 1° < a < 90°, but preferably within a range 15° < a < 60°. Any liquid that condenses due to decreasing temperature gradient inside the pipe segment 2a, can advantageously flow towards the inlet 3 and flow out to the drain. A part of the pipe segment 2a which extends from the inlet 3, through wall lb, is arranged inside room 1.

[0074] With reference to figure 2, pipe segment 2b includes an outlet 4 for outflow of air from the device.

[0075] During operation, air can flow through each pipe segment, from inlet 3 to outlet 4. Pipe segment 2b can be arranged horizontally, or almost horizontally, in room 1. Preferably, pipe segment 2b is arranged to extend parallel to the ceiling of room 1. For this, pipe segment 2b can be attached to or suspended from the ceiling, with insulator 7, to room 1.

[0076] With reference to figure 4, the second pipe segment 2b comprises one or more valves 5. Valve 5 is arranged along one or more sides of the pipe segment. Figure 4 shows several valves 5 arranged on two sides in the pipe segment, and where the valves 5 are offset in relation to each other.

[0077] According to figure 9, the device is configured so that the valves 5 (with little vacuum) allow air flow only in one direction, from room 1, to ventilate moisture out during normal operation.

[0078] According to figure 8, the device is configured so that valve 5 allows the air flow to alternate between airflow 5b which equalizes pressure in room 1, and airflow 5a which ventilates moisture out in room 1, in the same pipe segment 2b, when there is a negative pressure in room 1. The reason why you must have a pressure equaliser, into room 1, occurs at the moment one is about to open the door, this so that the door will not be sucked in so that it cannot is opened, at the same time so that room 1 will not collapse.

[0079] It is important that the pressure drop in room 1 is possibly lower than the triple point, so that sublimation, in particular in freezer, rooms occurs in whole or in part.

[0080] According to figures 1 and 2, 2a is shown as an inclined pipe segment where air from room 19 is sucked into inlet 3 where condensation occurs due to the falling temperature gradient inside the pipe segment 2a inside room 1. Separated condensed water flows back to inlet 3 due to gravity, while dehumidified air is sucked further through the pipe segment 2b by fan 6 (refers to the Mollier diagram). Pressure equalization throughout valve 5 with air direction 5b supplies room 1 with air with a lower moisture content with the help of this device, in particular in cold and freezer rooms.

[0081] The device further includes a fan 6 to create an air flow from inlet 3 to outlet 4. The fan 6 is arranged with connection to outlet 4. Fan 6 can preferably be insulated outside a fan housing. Thereby unwanted condensation on the fan housing can advantageously be prevented. Unwanted condensation can occur due to temperature differences between the colder air coming out of outlet 4 and the warmer ambient temperature of the air in room 19. In a similar way, any part of the outlet 4 that protrudes into room 19, can be isolated. Thereby, unwanted condensation that occurs on the outside of the outlet 4 can advantageously be prevented. Preferably, the fan 6 is electrically driven and can regulate the rotational speed to suit the air flow in the device. The speed of the air flow in the device creates an adapted negative pressure (vacuum) inward to the pipe segment 2b in valve 5 with a certain resistance to the negative pressure in room 1, when the negative pressure in room 1 is greater than the counter- or back pressure in valve 5, valve 5 is changed to air flow 5b to equalize pressure in room 1, ref. figure 8.

[0082] Fan 6 is electrically driven by 5 volt power connected to a speed regulator connected to fan 6, for control of the air velocity in the pipe segment device. Alternatively, the fan 6 can be any fan and can have any connected energy source adapted to the fan 6 and its regulation. The power supply for the fan 6 can be a battery or a power line connected to a power outlet.

[0083] In Figure 6, device 11 shows a connection of pipe segments 2a and 2b in box 11 attached to the outside of room 1. Box 11 can alternatively have a heating element 12 mounted inside the box to increase the temperature gradient in the pipe segment 2b.

[0084] Figure 7 shows an alternative where heating cable 8 is mounted in pipe segment 2b to increase the temperature gradient inside pipe segment 2b. This results in that the air inside pipe segment 2b can contain a higher degree of moisture saturation, which in turn can lead to increased moisture transport through pipe segment 2b to room 19.

[0085] The heat radiation (temperature gradient) from the outside of the pipe segment spreads in the air layers surrounding / around pipe segment 2b, inside room 1, which provides increased activity of the air layer near the pipe segment 2b for moisture transport towards pipe segment 2b.

[0086] When the humidity level inside room 1 is reduced, this can prevent the growth of unwanted fungus, mould, odors, etc. In addition, the need for defrosting cold and freezer devices is reduced.

[0087] As schematically shown in figure 1, the device can comprise a funnel 9 which is broken with a connection to the inlet 3. Funnel 9 can collect condensate / condensation liquid flowing from inlet 3. In connection between funnel 9 and inlet 3 at least one opening for air intake is included. Funnel 9 can be mounted to side wall lb of room 1. Preferably, funnel 9 can be connected to an external drain 10, or any other way, to allow condensate / condensation liquid to be collected in drain 10. By fitting or mounting drain 10, the transport of the condensate / condensation liquid from the device is simplified. It may be necessary to condensation insulate the devices in parts of inlet 3, outlet 4, fan 6, funnel 9 and drain 10.

[0088] The invention also relates to a room 1 which includes a device according to the invention, as described above. The device is preferably mounted so that the inlet is arranged outside room 1, while the main part of the first pipe segment 2a is arranged inside room 1. Furthermore, the device or arrangement is preferably mounted so that the second pipe segment 2b is arranged parallel to the ceiling la of room 1. In addition, the second pipe segment 2b can be attached to the ceiling la with one or more insulators 7, by a bracket or through-screw, or be hung from the ceiling la. The one or more insulators 7 may comprise an insulating material, such as rubber, a polymeric material or a composite material. Thereby, the pipe segment can advantageously be insulated from cold wall surfaces or ceilings, so that the air flowing in the pipe segment retains its temperature as long as possible. Furthermore, the air can circulate around pipe segment 2b by separating pipe segment 2b and roof la with insulator 7. The second pipe segment 2b is further arranged to cross a side wall lb of room 1, so that outlet 4 is arranged outside room 1. The pipe segment 2b can be mounted at an angle or as a U bend adapted to room 1.

[0089] Advantageously, retrofitting of the device according to the invention in an existing room 1 can easily be achieved. Installation of the device according to the invention in an existing room 1 includes to provide two to four through-holes in one or two side walls lb, alternatively ceiling la, of room 1.

[0090] Above, a procedure / method for reducing moisture and ventilation in room 1 is described in accordance with the invention. The method also includes a device according to the invention, as described above.

[0091] While the device is removing moisture, the odor associated with the water molecules is also being removed.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS1. A device for dehumidifying rooms (1), where the device comprises: a first pipe segment (2a) and a second pipe segment (2b), which are connected to each other; and the first pipe segment (2a) comprises an inlet (3) for inflow of air from the outside (19) of room (1), and extending upwards from the inlet (3); and the second pipe segment (2b) comprises an outlet (4) for outflow of air to the outside of room (1), and one or more valves (5) for inflow of moisture from the room (1) into the second pipe segment (2b); and a fan (6) for generating an air flow from the inlet (3) to the outlet (4).

2. The device according to claim 1, where the first pipe segment (2a) is upwards from the inlet (3) in an angle (a) relative to the horizontal direction, where 1° < a < 90° , preferably 22,5° < a < 45° degrees.

3. The device according to claim 1 or claim 2, where it comprises at least two valves (5), preferably at least three valves (5), the valves (5) being arranged equally far along the length of the second pipe segment (2b).

4. The device according to any one of the claims 1-3, wherein the first pipe segment (2a) and the second pipe segment (2b) comprise a T-shaped cross-section.

5. The device according to any one of the claims 1-4, further comprising a heating cable (8) arranged along the length of at least the second pipe segment (2b).

6. The device according to any one of the claims 1-5, further comprising a drain (10), where the drain (10) is configured to connect to an external drain pipe (9).

7. The device according to any one of the claims 1-6, further comprising a coupling (11) which connects the first pipe segment (2a) with the second pipe segment (2b), where the coupling (11) optionally comprises a heating element (12).

8. A room (1) comprising a device according to any one of the claims 1-7.

9. The room (1) according to claim 8, where: the first pipe segment (2a) crosses a side wall (lb) of room (1), and the inlet (3) is arranged outside the room (1); and the second pipe segment (2b) crosses a side wall (lb) of room (1), and the outlet (4) is arranged outside room (19) to the side wall (lb) of room (1).

10. The room (1) according to any one of the claims 8- 9, where room (1) is configured to have stored and / or transported therein / from perishable foodstuffs, beverages, medicines, biological material, food waste or temperature-sensitive chemicals.

11. A method for dehumidifying a room (1), where the method comprises: providing a device according to any one of the claims 1-7 or a room (1) according to any one of the claims 8-10; activating the fan (6) to create an air flow from the inlet (3) to the outlet (4); dehumidification of air in the first pipe segment (2a), by cooling and condensation of moisture which is included therein; rehumidification of air in the second pipe segment (2b) by drawing moisture from the cold store / storage (1) through said at least one valve (5); and expulsion of rehumidified air from the unit through the outlet (4), and thus dehumidification of the room (1).

12. The method according to claim 11, where the method comprises: switching of the air flow in the room (1) using said at least one valve (5) in the second pipe segment (2b) between an air flow direction (5a) from room (1) for ventilation out of moisture from the room (1) during normal operation and an opposite air flow direction (5b) towards room (1) for pressure equalization in the room (1) in relation to room (19) when sufficient negative pressure occurs in the room (1), especially when opening of door in room (1).

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