Method for removing moisture in a floor structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method (100) and system (10) for removing moisture from a floor structure (11). The system (10) comprises an insulating and / or draining granulate material(14), provided below the floor structure (11), and at least one sensor (16), configured to detect at least one parameter of the granulate material (14). The granulate material (14) comprises at least one channel system (12) and the channel system (12) is provided with an airing function for ventilating the floor structure. At least one parameter of a flow of a gaseous medium within the channel system (12) is configured to be regulated based on the at least one parameter of the granulate material (14).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system and a method for removing moisture in a floor structure.BACKGROUND

[0002] Foundations for construction of buildings are traditionally formed by a concrete ground plate arranged on a layer of insulating material, such as cellular plastic, in an excavation. The layer of cellular plastic may sometimes need to be as thick as 400 mm to provide necessary insulating properties. The concrete ground plate, casted on site on the insulating material, may in such cases have difficulties to dry and cure. The drying can only be performed upwards due to the presence of cellular plastic below, and the drying and curing may take long time.

[0003] A prefabricated concrete ground plate would solve problems concerning drying and curing on site, but would be difficult to arrange to provide a leveled foundation.

[0004] A prefabricated slab would furthermore not solve problems regarding external moist from the ground or air affecting the slab.

[0005] Consequently, there is a need for a facilitated way of forming a building foundation regarding time and effectiveness when it comes to drying, curing and construction.SUMMARY

[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved solution that alleviates the mentioned drawbacks with present devices. Furthermore, it is an object to provide a method for removing moisture in a floor structure.

[0007] The invention is defined by the appended independent claims, with embodiments being set forth in the appended dependent claims, in the following description and in the drawings.

[0008] In a first aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided a system for removing moisture from a floor structure. The system comprises an insulating and / or draining granulate material, provided below the floor structure, at least one sensor, configured to detect at least one parameter of the granulate material, and wherein the granulate material comprises at least one channel system and wherein the channel system is provided with an airing function for ventilating the floor structure, and wherein at least one parameter of a flow of a gaseous medium within the channel system is configured to be regulated based on the at least one parameter of the granulate material.

[0009] The granulate material may be provided on top of a slab or an excavating bottom. Such insulating and / or draining granulate material may be foam glass, lightweight-expanded aggregate, pumice, macadam, sand or the like. Such materials may both provide an insulating function and a draining function to the house foundation, or at least one of the functions. Such material may further be nonorganic, thereby providing a house foundation system free from organic material.

[0010] The at least one channel system is configured for drying the foundation when arranged in an excavation or on a slab. The drying may be achieved by providing a controlled pressure flow of a gaseous medium, for instance air, in the channel system, which may be achieved by using any or a mixture of the following: under pressure, overpressure, balanced pressure, varying pressure. The channel system may comprise a channel formed in the granulate material, a perforated tube or hose arranged in the granulate material. The channel system may be connected to a dehydrator arrangement configured to provide an under pressure in the channel system and thereby enable extraction of humidity in the foundation. Humidity in the foundation may thereby be drawn towards the channel system and extracted through the channel system.

[0011] The system may provide an effective way of drying the floor structure and / or the granulate material when moisture is detected in the granulate material. Moisture detected in the granulate material may indicate moisture being present also in the floor structure. A regulation of flow of gaseous medium through the channel system may then be provided to improve the drying process.

[0012] Advantageously, the system may be used both in the drying process of a newly formed floor structure, and to remove moisture in already formed floor structures, e.g., to prevent damage following a leakage.

[0013] The channel system may comprise a single channel extending in a pattern through the granulate material for covering as large area of the granulate material as possible, such as a zigzag like pattern. Alternatively, the channel system may comprise two or more channels together arranged to cover as large area of the granulate material as possible. The two or more channels may outside or inside the granulate material join such that they are connected to the same source of the flow of gaseous medium.

[0014] The system may comprise a regulating unit configured to regulate the at least one parameter of the flow of the gaseous medium within the channel system based on the detected at least one parameter of the granulate material. The combination of the channel system, the sensor and the regulating unit may provide an adaptive system, continuously adjusting the properties of the gaseous medium in the channel system in a drying process. The drying process may thereby be more time and energy effective. In other words, by utilizing the detection of a parameter indictive of e,g. humidity and / or temperature of the granulate material a drying process may be adapted to the needs at that moment. External properties, such as the outside temperature, humidity and the like may further affect the drying process, and having a continuously adaptive system may improve the drying process.

[0015] The regulating unit may be communicatively connected, by wire or wirelessly, to the at least one sensor. Information of e.g. humidity and / or temperature detected by the at least one sensor may be communicated to the regulating unit. The system may further comprise a control unit configured to receive the detected information from the at least one sensor and to control the regulating unit to regulate the flow of gaseous medium in the channel system.

[0016] The properties of the gaseous medium in the channel system may be at least one of the flow rate, relative humidity, pressure, temperature, or the like. The relative humidity of the gaseous medium entering the channel system may be between 0-50%, preferably between 0-40%, or between 0-30%. The temperature of the gaseous medium entering the channel system may be between 0-45 degrees Celsius, preferably between 15-40 degrees Celsius. The flow rate of the gaseous medium entering the channel system may be between 1-5 m / s.

[0017] The gaseous medium may preferably be air. However any other gaseous medium exhibiting similar characteristics may be used.

[0018] The at least one sensor may be a humidity sensor and the at least one parameter of the granulate material may be a parameter indictive of humidity. The detected humidity of in the granulate material may thereby be used to regulate the flow of gaseous medium within the channel system. Said flow may thereby facilitate the process of drying the granulate material and / or the floor structure. The parameter indicative of humidity in the granulate material may be a parameter indicative of relative humidity and / or humidity ratio within the granulate material.

[0019] The at least one sensor may be a temperature sensor and the at least one parameter of the granulate material may be a parameter indictive of a temperature. A detection of temperature in the granulate material may be used alone or in combination with a detected humidity in the granulate material. The at least one sensor may in such embodiment comprise both a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor.

[0020] The system may further comprise a regulating unit configured regulate one or more parameters, or characteristics, of the flow of gaseous medium in the channel system. The regulating unit may receive the detected parameters from the at least one sensor, and thus regulate the flow of the gaseous medium based on the detected parameters. The regulating unit may adjust the temperature and / or flow rate of the gaseous medium in the channel system.

[0021] A first section of the channel system may be configured to provide a flow of dry air into the foundation, and a second section of the channel system may be configured to extract air from the foundation, thereby extracting humidity in the foundation. The channel system may as well, or alternatively be arranged to provide dry air to the foundation in order to achieve a more quick and efficient drying procedure.

[0022] The channel system may have an inflow and an outflow, and the at least one of the at least one sensor may detect the humidity of the gaseous medium at the outflow. The humidity of the outflow may provide a further characteristic that may be used to regulate the flow of gaseous medium in the channel system. The humidity of the gaseous medium at the outflow may be used in combination with the detected parameter of the granulate material from the at least one sensor to regulate the flow of gaseous medium in the channel system. For instance, if a low humidity is detected in the outflow of gaseous medium, it may be desired to increase the temperature and / or lower the flow rate of the gaseous medium in the channel system. Alternatively, the at least one sensor in any of the embodiments above may be a sensor configured to detect a humidity level of the outflow of gaseous medium from the channel system.

[0023] The system may further comprise a drainage device. The drainage device may comprise a drain arranged at a bottom of the granulate material, and a drainpipe attached to the drain and configured to transport a fluid entering through the drain. For instance, water reaching the granulate material, such as rain or snow, or as a consequence of a leakage or a flooding, may be drained away from the granulate material through the drainage device.

[0024] The drainage device may be controllable. Especially, the drain may be controlled between a closed state and an open state, in which closed state no fluid can pass through the drain to the drainpipe, and in which open state a fluid is enabled to pass through to the drainpipe. The controllable drain may be controlled by a control unit. The controllable drain may be controlled based on the measurement of the at least one sensor as discussed in any of the embodiments above. The measurement of the at least one sensor may thereby be used for controlling both the at least one parameter of the flow of gaseous medium in the channel system and the state of the drain. The draining may thereby further be used for the drying process of the granulate material and / or the floor structure, by removing a fluid present in the granulate material.

[0025] In a second aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided a method for removing moisture from a floor structure arranged on an insulating and / or draining granulate material, the granulate material comprising a channel system arranged within the granulate material. The method comprises the steps of detecting, using at least one sensor within the granulate material, a parameter of the granulate material, and regulating a characteristic of a flow of a gaseous medium in the channel system, based on the detected parameter of the granulate material.

[0026] The method may provide an effective drying process for the floor structure and / or the granulate material when moisture is detected in the granulate material. Moisture detected in the granulate material may indicate moisture being present also in the floor structure. A regulation of flow gaseous medium through the channel system may then be provided to improve the drying process. The method may provide an efficient drying both when detecting e.g. moisture in the granulate material during a forming process of the floor structure of e.g. concrete on the granulate material, and following e.g. a leakage at the floor structure.

[0027] The parameter of the granulate material may comprise at least one of a parameter indicative of humidity and a parameter indicative of temperature. The at least one sensor may be humidity sensor and / or a temperature sensor, configured to detect humidity and / or temperature. The parameter indicative of humidity may be a parameter indicative of the relative humidity and / or the humidity ratio.

[0028] The characteristic of the flow of gaseous medium may comprise at least one of a temperature of the gaseous medium, a pressure of the gaseous medium, and a flow rate of the gaseous medium.

[0029] The insulating and / or draining granulate material may be foam glass, lightweight-expanded aggregate, pumice or the like.

[0030] The channel system may comprise a first section that may extract moisture from the granulate material and a second section that may supply dry air to the granulate material.

[0031] The channel system may have an inflow and an outflow, and the at least one of the at least one sensor may detect the humidity of the gaseous medium at the outflow. The humidity of the outflow may provide a further characteristic that may be used to regulate the flow of gaseous medium in the channel system.

[0032] The method may comprise a step of controlling a drain of a drainage device arranged at a bottom of the granulate material, wherein the controlling of the drain is performed based on the measurement by the at least one sensor device. The drainage device may be a drainage device as described in any of the embodiments herein, which may be controlled accordingly.

[0033] Further objectives of, features of, and advantages with the present invention will become apparent when studying the following detailed disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. Those skilled in the art realize that different features of the present invention, even if recited in different claims, can be combined in embodiments other than those described in the following.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention. Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a system according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a top view of a system according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3 shows a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a side view of a system according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a system 10 according to a first aspect of the present disclosure. An insulating and / or draining granulate material 14 is shown. The granulate material 14 comprises a channel system 12 extending through the granulate material 14. In fig. 1 the channel system 12 is visualized in cross section, intended to be understood as extending in a patten through the granulate material, as to cover as much area as possible, for example as seen in fig. 2. However, it should be appreciated that the channel system 12 may extend through the granulate material 14 in different patterns.

[0036] On top of the granulate material 14, there is arranged a floor structure 11. The floor structure 11 may be a concrete floor structure.

[0037] A sensor 16 is located in the granulate material 14, and is configured to detect a parameter indictive of the current state of the granulate material 14. The current state may for example be a humidity level of the granulate material 14 or a temperature level of the granulate material. The sensor 16 may be any type of humidity or temperature sensor suitable to detect humidity and / or temperature in the granulate material 14.

[0038] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a top view of the system 10. A regulating unit 18 is located in connection to the channel system 12. The regulating unit 18 is configured to regulate the flow of a gaseous medium within the channel system 12. The regulating unit 18 may regulate the pressure, temperature, humidity and / or other adjustable parameters and characteristics of the gaseous medium. The regulation of the gaseous medium provides an efficient drying of the granulate material 14 and / or the floor structure 11.

[0039] The placement pattern of the channel system 12 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are only exemplary and simplified for the readers understanding of the system. The placement pattern of the channel system may differ depending on e.g. the area.

[0040] Fig. 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method 100 of removing moisture in the floor structure 11 and / or the granulate material 14 according to an embodiment of the invention. The method 100 comprises a step of detecting 102, using the sensor 16, a parameter of the granulate material 14, such as humidity of the granulate material 14, and a step of regulating 104, by means of the regulating unit 18, a flow of the gaseous medium in the channel system 12 based on the detected parameter of the granulate material 14.

[0041] Fig. 4 illustrates the system 10 as illustrated in fig. 1 with an additional feature of a drainage device 20. The drainage device 20 comprises a drain 22 through which water or another fluid may enter to a drainpipe 24. The drainage device 20 is arranged at a bottom of the granulate material 14, i.e. at a bottom level or bottom portion of the granulate material 14. The drain 22 may be controllable in the way that it may be switched between an open state and a closed state, thereby either allow or prevent a fluid, such as water, to pass through the drain 22 to the drainpipe 24. The drain 22 may be communicatively connected to a control unit (not shown) which controls the state of the drain 22. The control unit may control the state of the drain 22 based a measurement signal from the sensor 16 which the control unit may receive. Alternatively, another sensor may be arranged in the granulate material 14, for instance at a bottom level of the granulate material 14, and configured to detect a fluid level in the granulate material 14. The humidity level or fluid level detected by either sensor may be used as a basis to control the state of the drain 22.

[0042] Additionally, variations to the disclosed examples can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0043] A feature described in relation to one aspect may also be incorporated in other aspects, and the advantage of the feature is applicable to all aspects in which it is incorporated. Other objectives, features, and advantages of the present inventive concept will appear from the detailed disclosure, from the attached claims as well as from the drawings.

[0044] Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. Further, the use of terms "first", "second", and "third", and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. All references to "a / an / the [element, device, component, means, step, etc.]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0035]Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a system 10 according to a first aspect of the present disclosure. An insulating and / or draining granulate material 14 is shown. The granulate material 14 comprises a channel system 12 extending through the granulate material 14. In fig. 1 the channel system 12 is visualized in cross section, intended to be understood as extending in a patten through the granulate material, as to cover as much area as possible, for example as seen in fig. 2. However, it should be appreciated that the channel system 12 may extend through the granulate material 14 in different patterns.

[0036]On top of the granulate material 14, there is arranged a floor structure 11. The floor structure 11 may be a concrete floor structure.

[0037]A sensor 16 is located in the granulate material 14, and is configured to detect a parameter indictive of the current state of the granulate material 14. The current state may for example be a humidity level of the granulate material 14 o...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system and a method for removing moisture in a floor structure.BACKGROUND

[0002] Foundations for construction of buildings are traditionally formed by a concrete ground plate arranged on a layer of insulating material, such as cellular plastic, in an excavation. The layer of cellular plastic may sometimes need to be as thick as 400 mm to provide necessary insulating properties. The concrete ground plate, casted on site on the insulating material, may in such cases have difficulties to dry and cure. The drying can only be performed upwards due to the presence of cellular plastic below, and the drying and curing may take long time.

[0003] A prefabricated concrete ground plate would solve problems concerning drying and curing on site, but would be difficult to arrange to provide a leveled foundation.

[0004] A prefabricated slab would furthermore not solve problems regarding external moist from the ground or air affecting the slab.

[0005] Consequently, there is a need for a facilitated way of forming a building foundation regarding time and effectiveness when it comes to drying, curing and construction.SUMMARY

[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved solution that alleviates the mentioned drawbacks with present devices. Furthermore, it is an object to provide a method for removing moisture in a floor structure.

[0007] The invention is defined by the appended independent claims, with embodiments being set forth in the appended dependent claims, in the following description and in the drawings.

[0008] In a first aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided a system for removing moisture from a floor structure. The system comprises an insulating and / or draining granulate material, provided below the floor structure, at least one sensor, configured to detect at least one parameter of the granulate material, and wherein the granulate material comprises at least one channel system and wherein the channel system is provided with an airing function for ventilating the floor structure, and wherein at least one parameter of a flow of a gaseous medium within the channel system is configured to be regulated based on the at least one parameter of the granulate material.

[0009] The granulate material may be provided on top of a slab or an excavating bottom. Such insulating and / or draining granulate material may be foam glass, lightweight-expanded aggregate, pumice, macadam, sand or the like. Such materials may both provide an insulating function and a draining function to the house foundation, or at least one of the functions. Such material may further be nonorganic, thereby providing a house foundation system free from organic material.

[0010] The at least one channel system is configured for drying the foundation when arranged in an excavation or on a slab. The drying may be achieved by providing a controlled pressure flow of a gaseous medium, for instance air, in the channel system, which may be achieved by using any or a mixture of the following: under pressure, overpressure, balanced pressure, varying pressure. The channel system may comprise a channel formed in the granulate material, a perforated tube or hose arranged in the granulate material. The channel system may be connected to a dehydrator arrangement configured to provide an under pressure in the channel system and thereby enable extraction of humidity in the foundation. Humidity in the foundation may thereby be drawn towards the channel system and extracted through the channel system.

[0011] The system may provide an effective way of drying the floor structure and / or the granulate material when moisture is detected in the granulate material. Moisture detected in the granulate material may indicate moisture being present also in the floor structure. A regulation of flow of gaseous medium through the channel system may then be provided to improve the drying process.

[0012] Advantageously, the system may be used both in the drying process of a newly formed floor structure, and to remove moisture in already formed floor structures, e.g., to prevent damage following a leakage.

[0013] The channel system may comprise a single channel extending in a pattern through the granulate material for covering as large area of the granulate material as possible, such as a zigzag like pattern. Alternatively, the channel system may comprise two or more channels together arranged to cover as large area of the granulate material as possible. The two or more channels may outside or inside the granulate material join such that they are connected to the same source of the flow of gaseous medium.

[0014] The system may comprise a regulating unit configured to regulate the at least one parameter of the flow of the gaseous medium within the channel system based on the detected at least one parameter of the granulate material. The combination of the channel system, the sensor and the regulating unit may provide an adaptive system, continuously adjusting the properties of the gaseous medium in the channel system in a drying process. The drying process may thereby be more time and energy effective. In other words, by utilizing the detection of a parameter indictive of e,g. humidity and / or temperature of the granulate material a drying process may be adapted to the needs at that moment. External properties, such as the outside temperature, humidity and the like may further affect the drying process, and having a continuously adaptive system may improve the drying process.

[0015] The regulating unit may be communicatively connected, by wire or wirelessly, to the at least one sensor. Information of e.g. humidity and / or temperature detected by the at least one sensor may be communicated to the regulating unit. The system may further comprise a control unit configured to receive the detected information from the at least one sensor and to control the regulating unit to regulate the flow of gaseous medium in the channel system.

[0016] The properties of the gaseous medium in the channel system may be at least one of the flow rate, relative humidity, pressure, temperature, or the like. The relative humidity of the gaseous medium entering the channel system may be between 0-50%, preferably between 0-40%, or between 0-30%. The temperature of the gaseous medium entering the channel system may be between 0-45 degrees Celsius, preferably between 15-40 degrees Celsius. The flow rate of the gaseous medium entering the channel system may be between 1-5 m / s.

[0017] The gaseous medium may preferably be air. However any other gaseous medium exhibiting similar characteristics may be used.

[0018] The at least one sensor may be a humidity sensor and the at least one parameter of the granulate material may be a parameter indictive of humidity. The detected humidity of in the granulate material may thereby be used to regulate the flow of gaseous medium within the channel system. Said flow may thereby facilitate the process of drying the granulate material and / or the floor structure. The parameter indicative of humidity in the granulate material may be a parameter indicative of relative humidity and / or humidity ratio within the granulate material.

[0019] The at least one sensor may be a temperature sensor and the at least one parameter of the granulate material may be a parameter indictive of a temperature. A detection of temperature in the granulate material may be used alone or in combination with a detected humidity in the granulate material. The at least one sensor may in such embodiment comprise both a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor.

[0020] The system may further comprise a regulating unit configured regulate one or more parameters, or characteristics, of the flow of gaseous medium in the channel system. The regulating unit may receive the detected parameters from the at least one sensor, and thus regulate the flow of the gaseous medium based on the detected parameters. The regulating unit may adjust the temperature and / or flow rate of the gaseous medium in the channel system.

[0021] A first section of the channel system may be configured to provide a flow of dry air into the foundation, and a second section of the channel system may be configured to extract air from the foundation, thereby extracting humidity in the foundation. The channel system may as well, or alternatively be arranged to provide dry air to the foundation in order to achieve a more quick and efficient drying procedure.

[0022] The channel system may have an inflow and an outflow, and the at least one of the at least one sensor may detect the humidity of the gaseous medium at the outflow. The humidity of the outflow may provide a further characteristic that may be used to regulate the flow of gaseous medium in the channel system. The humidity of the gaseous medium at the outflow may be used in combination with the detected parameter of the granulate material from the at least one sensor to regulate the flow of gaseous medium in the channel system. For instance, if a low humidity is detected in the outflow of gaseous medium, it may be desired to increase the temperature and / or lower the flow rate of the gaseous medium in the channel system. Alternatively, the at least one sensor in any of the embodiments above may be a sensor configured to detect a humidity level of the outflow of gaseous medium from the channel system.

[0023] The system may further comprise a drainage device. The drainage device may comprise a drain arranged at a bottom of the granulate material, and a drainpipe attached to the drain and configured to transport a fluid entering through the drain. For instance, water reaching the granulate material, such as rain or snow, or as a consequence of a leakage or a flooding, may be drained away from the granulate material through the drainage device.

[0024] The drainage device may be controllable. Especially, the drain may be controlled between a closed state and an open state, in which closed state no fluid can pass through the drain to the drainpipe, and in which open state a fluid is enabled to pass through to the drainpipe. The controllable drain may be controlled by a control unit. The controllable drain may be controlled based on the measurement of the at least one sensor as discussed in any of the embodiments above. The measurement of the at least one sensor may thereby be used for controlling both the at least one parameter of the flow of gaseous medium in the channel system and the state of the drain. The draining may thereby further be used for the drying process of the granulate material and / or the floor structure, by removing a fluid present in the granulate material.

[0025] In a second aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided a method for removing moisture from a floor structure arranged on an insulating and / or draining granulate material, the granulate material comprising a channel system arranged within the granulate material. The method comprises the steps of detecting, using at least one sensor within the granulate material, a parameter of the granulate material, and regulating a characteristic of a flow of a gaseous medium in the channel system, based on the detected parameter of the granulate material.

[0026] The method may provide an effective drying process for the floor structure and / or the granulate material when moisture is detected in the granulate material. Moisture detected in the granulate material may indicate moisture being present also in the floor structure. A regulation of flow gaseous medium through the channel system may then be provided to improve the drying process. The method may provide an efficient drying both when detecting e.g. moisture in the granulate material during a forming process of the floor structure of e.g. concrete on the granulate material, and following e.g. a leakage at the floor structure.

[0027] The parameter of the granulate material may comprise at least one of a parameter indicative of humidity and a parameter indicative of temperature. The at least one sensor may be humidity sensor and / or a temperature sensor, configured to detect humidity and / or temperature. The parameter indicative of humidity may be a parameter indicative of the relative humidity and / or the humidity ratio.

[0028] The characteristic of the flow of gaseous medium may comprise at least one of a temperature of the gaseous medium, a pressure of the gaseous medium, and a flow rate of the gaseous medium.

[0029] The insulating and / or draining granulate material may be foam glass, lightweight-expanded aggregate, pumice or the like.

[0030] The channel system may comprise a first section that may extract moisture from the granulate material and a second section that may supply dry air to the granulate material.

[0031] The channel system may have an inflow and an outflow, and the at least one of the at least one sensor may detect the humidity of the gaseous medium at the outflow. The humidity of the outflow may provide a further characteristic that may be used to regulate the flow of gaseous medium in the channel system.

[0032] The method may comprise a step of controlling a drain of a drainage device arranged at a bottom of the granulate material, wherein the controlling of the drain is performed based on the measurement by the at least one sensor device. The drainage device may be a drainage device as described in any of the embodiments herein, which may be controlled accordingly.

[0033] Further objectives of, features of, and advantages with the present invention will become apparent when studying the following detailed disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. Those skilled in the art realize that different features of the present invention, even if recited in different claims, can be combined in embodiments other than those described in the following.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention. Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a system according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a top view of a system according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3 shows a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a side view of a system according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a system 10 according to a first aspect of the present disclosure. An insulating and / or draining granulate material 14 is shown. The granulate material 14 comprises a channel system 12 extending through the granulate material 14. In fig. 1 the channel system 12 is visualized in cross section, intended to be understood as extending in a patten through the granulate material, as to cover as much area as possible, for example as seen in fig. 2. However, it should be appreciated that the channel system 12 may extend through the granulate material 14 in different patterns.

[0036] On top of the granulate material 14, there is arranged a floor structure 11. The floor structure 11 may be a concrete floor structure.

[0037] A sensor 16 is located in the granulate material 14, and is configured to detect a parameter indictive of the current state of the granulate material 14. The current state may for example be a humidity level of the granulate material 14 or a temperature level of the granulate material. The sensor 16 may be any type of humidity or temperature sensor suitable to detect humidity and / or temperature in the granulate material 14.

[0038] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a top view of the system 10. A regulating unit 18 is located in connection to the channel system 12. The regulating unit 18 is configured to regulate the flow of a gaseous medium within the channel system 12. The regulating unit 18 may regulate the pressure, temperature, humidity and / or other adjustable parameters and characteristics of the gaseous medium. The regulation of the gaseous medium provides an efficient drying of the granulate material 14 and / or the floor structure 11.

[0039] The placement pattern of the channel system 12 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are only exemplary and simplified for the readers understanding of the system. The placement pattern of the channel system may differ depending on e.g. the area.

[0040] Fig. 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method 100 of removing moisture in the floor structure 11 and / or the granulate material 14 according to an embodiment of the invention. The method 100 comprises a step of detecting 102, using the sensor 16, a parameter of the granulate material 14, such as humidity of the granulate material 14, and a step of regulating 104, by means of the regulating unit 18, a flow of the gaseous medium in the channel system 12 based on the detected parameter of the granulate material 14.

[0041] Fig. 4 illustrates the system 10 as illustrated in fig. 1 with an additional feature of a drainage device 20. The drainage device 20 comprises a drain 22 through which water or another fluid may enter to a drainpipe 24. The drainage device 20 is arranged at a bottom of the granulate material 14, i.e. at a bottom level or bottom portion of the granulate material 14. The drain 22 may be controllable in the way that it may be switched between an open state and a closed state, thereby either allow or prevent a fluid, such as water, to pass through the drain 22 to the drainpipe 24. The drain 22 may be communicatively connected to a control unit (not shown) which controls the state of the drain 22. The control unit may control the state of the drain 22 based a measurement signal from the sensor 16 which the control unit may receive. Alternatively, another sensor may be arranged in the granulate material 14, for instance at a bottom level of the granulate material 14, and configured to detect a fluid level in the granulate material 14. The humidity level or fluid level detected by either sensor may be used as a basis to control the state of the drain 22.

[0042] Additionally, variations to the disclosed examples can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0043] A feature described in relation to one aspect may also be incorporated in other aspects, and the advantage of the feature is applicable to all aspects in which it is incorporated. Other objectives, features, and advantages of the present inventive concept will appear from the detailed disclosure, from the attached claims as well as from the drawings.

[0044] Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. Further, the use of terms "first", "second", and "third", and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. All references to "a / an / the [element, device, component, means, step, etc.]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0035]Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a system 10 according to a first aspect of the present disclosure. An insulating and / or draining granulate material 14 is shown. The granulate material 14 comprises a channel system 12 extending through the granulate material 14. In fig. 1 the channel system 12 is visualized in cross section, intended to be understood as extending in a patten through the granulate material, as to cover as much area as possible, for example as seen in fig. 2. However, it should be appreciated that the channel system 12 may extend through the granulate material 14 in different patterns.

[0036]On top of the granulate material 14, there is arranged a floor structure 11. The floor structure 11 may be a concrete floor structure.

[0037]A sensor 16 is located in the granulate material 14, and is configured to detect a parameter indictive of the current state of the granulate material 14. The current state may for example be a humidity level of the granulate material 14 o...

Claims

1. System (10) for removing moisture in a floor structure (11), the system comprising an insulating and / or draining granulate material (14), provided below the floor structure (11), at least one sensor (16), configured to detect at least one parameter of the granulate material (14), and wherein the granulate material (14) comprises at least one channel system (12) and wherein the channel system (12) is provided with an airing function for ventilating the floor structure (11) and / or the granulate material (14), and wherein at least one parameter of a flow of a gaseous medium within the channel system (12) is configured to be regulated based on the at least one parameter of the granulate material (14).

2. System (10) according to claim 1, the system further comprising a regulating unit (18) configured to regulate the at least one parameter of the flow of the gaseous medium within the channel system (12) based on the detected at least one parameter of the granulate material (14).

3. System (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one parameter of the granulate material (14) comprises at least one of: a parameter indictive of humidity, and a parameter indictive of temperature.

4. System (10) according to claim 1, wherein the parameter indictive of humidity comprises information corresponding to at least one of the relative humidity, and the humidity ratio.

5. System (10) according to any previous claim, wherein the at least one sensor (16) is located within the granulate material (14).

6. System (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel system (12) comprises a first section that configured to extract moisture from the granulate material (14), and a second section configured to supply dry air to the granulate material (14).

7. System (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel system (12) has an inflow and an outflow, and wherein at least one of the at least one sensor (16) is further configured to detect humidity of the gaseous medium at the outflow.

8. System (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a drainage device (20) comprising a drain (22) and a drainpipe (24), wherein the drain (22) is configured to be controlled between an open state and a closed state based on the at least one parameter of the granulate material (14) detected by the at least one sensor (16).

9. A method (100) for removing moisture in a floor structure (11) arranged on an insulating and / or draining granulate material (14), the granulate material (14) comprising a channel system (12) arranged within the granulate material (14), the method comprising the steps of detecting (102), using at least one sensor (16) within the granulate material (14), a parameter of the granulate material (14), regulating (104) a characteristic of a flow of a gaseous medium in the channel system (12), based on the detected parameter of the granulate material (14).

10. Method (100) according to claim 9, wherein the parameter of the granulate material (14) comprises at least one of: a parameter indictive of humidity, and a parameter indictive of temperature.

11. Method (100) according to claim 10, wherein the parameter indictive of humidity is a parameter indicative of at least one of the relative humidity, and the humidity ratio.

12. Method (100) according to any of claims 9-11, wherein the characteristic of the flow of gaseous medium comprises at least one of a temperature of the gaseous medium, a pressure of the gaseous medium, and a flow rate of the gaseous medium.

13. Method (100) according to any of claims 9-12, wherein the insulating and / or draining granulate material (14) is foam glass, lightweight-expanded aggregate, pumice or the like.

14. Method (100) according to any of claims 9-13, wherein the channel system (12) comprises a first section that extracts moisture from the granulate material (14), and a second section that supplies dry air to the granulate material (14).

15. Method (100) according to any of claims 9-14, wherein the channel system (12) has an inflow and an outflow, and wherein at least one of the at least one sensor (16) detects the humidity of the gaseous medium at the outflow.

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