Air mixing unit

Abstract

The invention relates to an air mixing unit for providing air for the treatment of crops stored in a closed storage area, wherein the air mixing unit is designed to provide at least a first air flow and a second air flow, with recirculated air inside the first air flow, the storage location is provided, and with the second air flow fresh outside air is provided in the storage location, wherein the air mixing unit comprises a housing that is designed to be placed against a facade of the storage location, the housing comprising: one or more fans for guiding an air flow through the air mixing unit; a first inlet for inlet of return air from the first air flow; a second inlet for inlet of fresh air from the second air flow, wherein the second inlet is arranged in a rear wall of the air mixing unit at the location of an opening in the facade of the storage area; an outlet for blowing out one, or combination, of the first and second air flow, wherein the outlet is arranged on an upper side of the housing; an air mixing unit, which is in communicative connection with the first and second inlet for obtaining the first and second air flow, and with the exhaust; a control unit for adjusting the air mixing unit in dependence on a set mixing ratio for delivering an outgoing air flow over the crops in the storage area, which comprises one or a combination of the first and second air flow.

Description

[0001] Titel: Air mixing unit

[0002] Descri ption

[0003] The invention relates to an air mixing unit for use in a storage area for unites with horticultural and / or arable farming products.

[0004] Products from agriculture, but more specifically from horticulture or arable farming, including but not limited to potatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage, and other tuber and bulb crops, which in the context of the present description are further referred to as crops , are often stored after harvest for a short or long period in large storage areas or, in the context of the present description, also called storage areas. Such storage areas are, for example, large halls or cold rooms.

[0005] There are various types of storage systems that can be roughly divided into three different types: bulk storage, unit storage and bagged storage. With bulk storage, the crops are stored as a large batch in the storage space. This form of storage is extremely suitable for long-term storage of large batches of crops and has the highest efficiency in terms of floor space because there is virtually no loss of space, as is the case with bagged storage or unit storage. With bagged storage, the crops are immediately placed in bags upon harvest and these bags are then transported to their storage area where the bags can be stored for a short or long period of time. For ventilation, storage in a unit is the most interesting because the air flow can best be guided along and over the products, the same also applies to storage in big bags. These can be put in frames and stacked.

[0006] For fruit and vegetables, it is desirable to be able to dry them, cool them, heat them or ripen them. Such crops are usually stored in unites and stored as such in the storage areas.

[0007] With such unit storage, the crops are stored in separate unites and the unites are stacked in the storage area. To improve ventilation, the unites are often stacked in rows, leaving spaces between two rows in the form of channels for effective ventilation of the crops. An air flow can be forced through the channels, either by pul ling / pushi ng air through the unit, depending on the ventilation device or control, an underpressure or overpressure is created.

[0008] The air flow in the storage area is achieved using an Air Mixing Unit (LMK). Such LMKs can provide an air flow for drying, heating, hardening, cooling, humidifying, refreshing the air, expelling unwanted gases such as CO2 or ethylene, or introducing means into the storage area to control the treatment, or a combination of the foregoing. An example of this is treating crops to prevent germination.

[0009] The present description relates to such LMKs that are suitable for use in unit storage and to a lesser extent for bagged storage on, for example, pallets. Although the LMK is suitable for bagged goods, crops stored in this way often have a shorter storage period and the yield or efficiency of the LMK is therefore less important. This is more important for storage in unites, making LMK particularly suitable for such an application.

[0010] Currently known LMKs are often able to generate one or more types of air flows because most crops and storage require this. For example, an LMK for the storage of fruit or potatoes should preferably be able to circulate air in the storage area, but also to supply fresh air and direct it over the products in the storage area.

[0011] A good storage facility is designed in such a way and includes an LMK that is able to supply the crops with air in the most uniform manner possible. However, it has been found that different types of airflows produce different airflow profiles. This means that the combination of an LMK, the storage location and the way in which the unites are stacked can be configured in such a way that they exhibit an optimal degree of uniformity for air treatment. However, in this case this uniformity is optimized for one of the air flows, with the result that for other air flows the degree of uniformity is not optimal.

[0012] The desire is therefore to provide a system, LMK, storage location or method of storing the crops in the unites, whereby the highest possible degree of uniformity is achieved in providing the air flow over and over multiple types of air flows, by the crops.

[0013] In a first aspect of the present description, an air mixing unit is therefore provided for providing air for the treatment of crops stored in a closed storage area, wherein the air mixing unit is designed to provide at least a first air flow and a second air flow, wherein with the first air flow recirculated air is provided within the storage area, and with the second air flow fresh outside air is provided in the storage area, wherein the air mixing unit comprises a housing that is designed to be placed against a facade of the storage area, the housing comprising: one or more fans for guiding an air flow through the air mixing unit; a first inlet for inlet of return air from the first air flow; a second inlet for inlet of fresh air from the second air flow, wherein the second inlet is arranged in a rear wall of the air mixing unit at the location of an opening in the facade of the storage area; an outlet for blowing out one, or combination, of the first and second air flow, wherein the outlet is arranged on an upper side of the housing; an air mixing unit, which is in communicative connection with the first and second inlet for obtaining the first and second air flow, and with the outlet; a control unit for adjusting the air mixing unit in dependence on a set mixing ratio for delivering an outgoing air flow over the crops in the storage area, which comprises one or a combination of the first and second air flow.

[0014] An Air Mixing Unit (LMK), also called an air mix unit, is used in storage areas that are closed and where crops such as potatoes or other arable or horticultural products are stored, often for a longer period of time. In the context of the present description, long term means that they are stored there for at least a few weeks, but more usually for several months to several seasons, but an LMK can of course also be used for short-term storage of crops.

[0015] During this long-term storage it is important that the crops are subjected to an air flow and are provided with sufficient (fresh) air. To this end, the LMK is designed to provide a first air flow and a second air flow, or a combination of the two. The first air flow is the air that is recirculated within the closed storage area, and the second air flow is a fresh air flow, where fresh outside air is brought into the closed storage area.

[0016] The air is set in motion in the LMK by one or more fans incorporated in the housing. These fans provide positive pressure downstream of the fan and negative pressure upstream of the fan.

[0017] The LMK includes two separate inlets to provide the two air flows. The first inlet is an inlet for the recirculated air, also called the return air or circulation air, and is therefore connected to the storage location. In an exemplary embodiment, this first inlet is located at the bottom of the housing, and / or at the front (i.e. , the side that faces the unites), and / or on the side wall or side walls of the housing.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the first inlet is arranged in the two side walls of the housing. This has the effect that the return air from the storage area is drawn in more uniformly by the LMK. This first inlet for return air is therefore arranged in at least one side wall, but in a preferred embodiment it is located in two opposite side walls, i.e. the walls transverse to the longitudinal direction of the storage location and therefore transverse to the wall against which the LMK is placed. In an alternative embodiment, the first inlet for the return air is located on the underside of the LMK. In a further embodiment the first inlet is partly arranged at the bottom and / or front and / or side walls.

[0019] The second inlet is an inlet for the fresh air and is therefore connected to the outside air and is preferably an inlet / outlet combination. To this end, the inlet is mounted in a rear wall of the LMK so that when placed in the storage area, it can be placed in such a way that this inlet corresponds to an opening in the wall or facade of the storage area. According to a preferred embodiment, the inlet, more specifically the second inlet for fresh air, is placed above the outlet in the wall or facade of the storage area.

[0020] With the LMK according to the present description, the air flows in the storage area are always the same. That is, the air flows are uniform, so that the path or path that the air flow takes is always the same or at least largely uniform and independent of the type of ventilation; recirculation of air (internal ventilation), or completely or partially (mixed) with fresh air.

[0021] Unlike known LMKs, in the LMK according to an embodiment of the present description the suction (first inlet) of indoor air / return air is via the front but via the side walls. This ensures a better spread between the intake air on the left and the intake air on the right and therefore less concentration of the return air and better air distribution or uniformity.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present description, the LMK therefore comprises a first and second inlet, wherein the second inlet for fresh air is placed above the outlet in the eight-wall of the LMK and is preferably included in the housing of the LMK, which is designed to against or through the rear wall of the storage area. With the help of the valve between the (second) inlet and the outlet, all air flows can always pass through the storage area in the same way. With this design, in which the exhaust is located below the inlet, there could be a risk of short-circuiting the air flows, with the inlet sucking (partly) air from the exhaust and blowing it into the storage area. Although the air flows are uniform according to this design, this does not make such a configuration or design obvious. However, surprisingly enough, this disadvantage appears to be absent or only to a limited extent in practice, and moreover does not outweigh the advantages of the improved and more uniform air flows. Furthermore, according to a further embodiment, the chance of a short circuit can be reduced even further by placing the outlet and inlet further away from each other, or by directing the outlet away from the inlet, for example in an arrangement of 45, 90 or more degrees to relative to each other. According to a further embodiment, the (second) inlet and / or outlet can also be provided with one or more channels or channel network to increase the difference in distance and possibly direction of the inlet and outlet, which further increases the risk of short circuiting of the air. is reduced.

[0023] The air is supplied to the LMK at the top of the housing through an outlet. This exhaust is the main exhaust of the LMK and is therefore referred to as the exhaust. The exhaust pushes the air into the storage area through one or more parallel channels or pipes by providing an air flow of outgoing air over the crops, or more specifically the unites containing the crops, which is preferably based on the air speed and / or the flow extends over the entire length of the crops and therefore to the opposite side of the storage area. In long storage areas, support fans can be mounted on the ceiling or placed on the unites to allow the air to reach even further.

[0024] The LMK further comprises an air mixing unit which is connected to the first inlet, the second inlet and the outlet so that one or more valves or other valves in the air mixing unit can be adjusted using a control unit in such a way that at least the first air flow can be controlled, the second air flow and as such also a combination of the first and second air flow. Preferably, the air mixing unit can thus fully control the first air flow in all positions between fully open and fully closed and simultaneously all positions between fully open and fully closed of the second air flow, so that the outgoing air flow comprises a mixing ratio of the first and second air flows. .

[0025] The LMK is designed to be placed against the facade, which is an outside wall, of the storage area. This facade concerns the rear wall of the enclosed space where the crops are stored in several parallel rows of stacked crates. The LMK contains an air inlet for the intake of the first and second air flow, which relate to the air flow for recirculation within the closed storage area, and the air flow of fresh air that enters from outside the storage area through the opening in the facade, brought. The LMK contains an air mixing unit that mixes the two air flows, with either one of the two air flows being blown into the storage area through an outlet as the outgoing air flow, or the other air flow, or in a certain ratio. This means that all outgoing air is preferably blown out of the outlet and is preferably blown over the crops by means of a pipe system or other channel system. However, there may also be another outlet, which opens into the outside air and is therefore included in the rear wall of the housing, just like the second inlet, and is then connected to the outside air through the opening in the facade. Preferably, the air mixing unit regulates the ratio between the air flow that goes outside through the exhaust and that which passes through the exhaust into the storage location. In one embodiment, this can also mean that all air is led to either the exhaust or discharge through a respective position of the air mixing unit.

[0026] To prevent the exhaust and the second inlet from causing a short circuit, whereby the outgoing air is immediately sucked back in through the inlet, the LMK is preferably equipped with a duct system on the outside that directs air from the exhaust in a direction away from the second inlet, inlet blows, and wherein the second inlet is preferably provided with a duct system to take in air away from the exhaust.

[0027] In currently known LMKs, the second air flow, in which fresh outside air is blown into the storage area, is not equal in uniformity to that of the first air flow, because the outlet for the air from this second air flow often takes place via hatches in the facade of the warehouse. While the air from the first air flow is blown out by the LMK and is also sucked into the LMK, the coverage and path that the air travels in the second air flow is different because the air passes through hatches at one or two top corners, or bottom corners, the facade leaves the storage area.

[0028] The currently known LMKs suck the air during internal recirculation, i.e. during the first air flow, through an inlet at the front of the LMK, through which air is drawn from above the unites, through the unites and through the corridors between the unites to the LMK. sucked. However, the air flow then concentrates in the middle in front of the LMK, so that the unites at the corners of the storage area on the side of the LMK are subjected to a smaller air flow than the unites directly in front of the LMK. So, not only is the air flow between the first and second states of internal recirculation and fresh air supply not uniform, the air flow is also not uniform for all unites during the first air flow of recirculation.

[0029] When the two air flows are mixed in currently known LMKs, the final joint air flow will have a profile that is not uniform across all unites, but is also difficult or impossible to predict and control, and some of the unites may be subject to greater damage, are exposed to fresh air than other unites or at least to air with different properties or conditions. In the LMK according to the present description, the first inlet for the circulation or return air is preferably located in the two side walls of the LMK, so that the air is not sucked away centrally in front of the LMK, but there is a better, more uniform distribution of it. the air flow is created over and through all unites. By sucking in the air through the sides of the LMK, the air is sucked in through two openings with a certain distance between them. This results in a better distribution of the air flow and therefore less concentration of return air at a single point, as is the case with currently known LMKs.

[0030] By stacking and placing the unites in a certain way, or by using certain covers such as cloths that are hung from the ceiling of the storage area, and / or covering rows with, for example, a climbing bag such as is known from the same applicant of the present application, the uniformity of the air flow can be influenced. As such, air can be guided more to obtain a broader air image, whereby the corners of the storage area also receive more air. However, such measures have several disadvantages. They reduce airflow, require additional materials and take time and effort to install. Moreover, the unites often have to be placed and stacked in a certain way, which does not always result in the most efficient and accessible filling of the storage area. It is also known to use certain elements to subject the airflow at the inlet at the front to additional resistance. For example, by placing a mesh, net or grille on the inlet so that the airflow encounters more resistance directly in front of the opening and the airflow on the sides is drawn in more than that. This also does not benefit the performance of the LMK because additional provisions have to be made and the air intake is made more difficult, which means that the air image is not optimal and more and stronger air movement is needed to compensate for the extra resistance. The LMK according to the present description does not have such disadvantages, or has them to a lesser extent.

[0031] In addition, according to the present description, the LMK has a second inlet for fresh air and an outlet that are connected to the outside air through the facade at the location of the housing of the LMK. This results in all air flows coming together in the LMK, so that the setting of the LMK with regard to the ratio of fresh air and recirculated air has no influence on the air pattern and the uniformity of the air flow over and through the unites. In the LMK according to the present description, the air flow profile for indoor air is therefore equal to the air flow profile for outdoor air. Moreover, the air flow profile is the same for all mixing ratios, or in other words, the air flow profile through the storage area is independent of the mixing ratio between fresh outside air and return or circulation air.

[0032] In an example, the housing further includes: an outlet for exhausting the return air of the first air flow, wherein the outlet is arranged in the rear wall of the air mixing unit at the location of the opening in the facade of the storage area.

[0033] The LMK comprises at least two incoming air flows and at least one outgoing air flow

[0034] In a further example, the outlet is located under the second inlet in the rear wall of the air mixing unit at the opening in the facade of the storage area.

[0035] In a further example, the air mixing unit, which is in communicative connection with the first and second inlet for obtaining the first and second air flow, and with the outlet, is also in communication with the outlet for exhausting at least a part of the return air.

[0036] In an example, the housing further includes: an evaporator, which is arranged in the first, second or outgoing air flow, for cooling and / or changing the humidity of the outgoing air flow, wherein the evaporator is preferably accommodated in the housing at an angle.

[0037] In an example, the housing further includes: a heat exchanger, which is arranged in the first, second or outgoing air flow, for changing the temperature of the outgoing air flow, wherein the heat exchanger is preferably accommodated in the housing at an angle. The heat exchanger can be included in the housing at an angle, but also horizontally (lying) or vertically (standing), or in a mainly horizontal or mainly vertical position, or an angle of 10, 20, 30, 45, 50. , 60, 70, 80 or 90 degrees relative to the back wall. The heat exchanger can also be a stove or heater. Moreover, the housing can also be provided with several such heat exchangers, heaters or other heating units, and more specifically, such parts can also be combined in the housing.

[0038] In an example, the housing further includes: one or more air ducts, which are in communication connection with the outlet, for guiding the outgoing air flow in one direction over the crops in the storage area. In one example, the air ducts contain a bend of essentially 90 degrees.

[0039] In an example, the one or more fans are designed to provide the outgoing air flow with a throw length of at least mainly the length of the storage location.

[0040] In an example, the control unit is designed to regulate the speed and / or flow rate of the outgoing air flow of the one or more fans.

[0041] In an example, the one or more fans are designed to provide an air flow with a throw length of part of the length of the storage area up to one or more support fans on the ceiling of the storage place, for providing air flow over the entire length of the storage area.

[0042] In an example, the one or more fans are evaporator fans, humidifiers or heat exchangers.

[0043] In an example, the control unit is designed to adjust the air mixing unit depending on the desired temperature and / or flow of the outgoing air flow.

[0044] In an example, the air mixing unit comprises a multi-position valve.

[0045] In one example, the valve is a three-way mixing valve. In a further example, the valve is a mixing hatch or a mixing valve that has three positions, whereby mixing can take place between two inputs in one or more discrete steps for output of the air flow to an output of the valve. More preferably, the valve, hatch or valve has a large number of positions or is completely freely adjustable, or continuously adjustable for freely adjusting the mixing ratio.

[0046] In an example, the valve rotates about an axis which is included in a plane formed by the opening in the facade of the storage facility.

[0047] In an example, the valve can be adjusted in at least 3, more preferably at least 10, most preferably at least 100 discrete positions.

[0048] In an example, the housing further includes: one or more dosing devices for dosing an agent such as an antigermination agent into the outgoing air flow.

[0049] In an example, the housing has a maximum height of 240, in particular a maximum of 230 cm, more specifically a maximum of 220 cm. The housing is preferably dimensioned in such a way that it can be shipped in a sea container.

[0050] The invention will be further explained with reference to figures. It shows: Figures 1a and 1 b show a side and top view of a storage area with an air mixing unit; Figure 2 shows a side view of a storage area with an air mixing unit according to an embodiment of the present description.

[0051] For a better understanding of the invention, the corresponding parts will be indicated with identical reference numerals in the following figure description.

[0052] Figure 1a shows a side view of a storage area 100 with a single air mixing unit, LMK. Agricultural, arable farming or horticultural products can be stored in a storage area 100. Typical examples are products such as potatoes, onions, carrots, but also fruit such as apples. Such storage areas 100 are generally suitable for storing or preserving crops in the broadest sense of the word. The storage can be for a short period of time, such as a few days, weeks or a few months, or for a long period of time, such as months, seasons, years or years.

[0053] To store the crops in the storage area, unites or crates, but also bags, can be used, or the crops can be stored as bulk goods. As in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b, the crops in this example shown are stored in crates or unites 140. These unites 140 are stacked and arranged in rows and columns. The unites can be placed in a specific preselected arrangement, for example leaving as little space as possible between the columns, as little space as possible between the stacked units, but some space between the rows. Or that the unites are placed at a certain distance to achieve the best air distribution and flow. This makes the LMK also suitable as suction ventilation. It can be noted that there is room ventilation and / or forced ventilation (flow). Suction ventilation is a flow-through system. However, the system can also be configured as another type of ventilation system or a hybrid system in which multiple types of ventilation are active.

[0054] With an LMK as suction ventilation or other type of ventilation, the air flow through the storage area can be (partly) controlled or adjusted. This results in a certain airflow profile. As in Fig. 1a, the air flow profile is such that the air is sucked in from the bottom, in the middle of the LMK 130 as incoming air flow, and leaves the LMK at the top 120 as outgoing air flow. The air is then supplied to the unites 140 via the top. The air then flows through the unites 140 and is then sucked in again 130 by the LMK.

[0055] The crops can preferably undergo a treatment in the storage facility, which may consist of one or more of drying, heating, hardening, cooling, humidifying and subjecting to fresh air, CO2, ethylene or other means to, for example, prevent the crops from sprouting. . The LMK 110 is often placed against a wall in the storage area 150 and from there used to provide one or more of the foregoing processes, whereby the LMK 110 at least ensures circulation of the air in the storage area 150. The LMK 110 at least aims to realize air flow in the storage area. The LMK 110 can also be designed to realize another, second air flow, where no recirculation of the air takes place, but where fresh air is provided. This fresh air is extracted from outside the storage area and blown into the storage area 150.

[0056] The two different air flows, where the LMK either provides fresh air or recirculates the air, produce different air flow profiles because the path the air takes is different and not uniform.

[0057] In Fig. 2 shows an LMK used in a similar arrangement as in Fig. 1a and 1 b, but where the LMK is able to provide a method of storing the crops in the unites, whereby uniformity is maintained, independent of the air flow. The LMK according to the present application is capable of providing a continuous, equal or uniform air flow profile, independent of the air supply. This is regardless of whether this is fresh air, recirculating air from the storage area, or a combination or ratio thereof.

[0058] The LMK 200 according to the present description, and as shown in Fig.

[0059] 2 is also suitable for being set up in a storage area 150. The LMK 200 is also suitable for providing air for the treatment of crops stored in a closed storage area 150. To this end, the LM K 200 is provided with at least a first air flow and a second air flow, whereby the first air flow provides recirculated air within the storage area, and the second air flow provides fresh outside air in the storage area. However, the LMK 200 is equipped with a valve or control device with which these air flows can be controlled. This means that the LMK 200 can either only provide the first air flow type in which the fresh air supply is closed, so that only recirculation of the air takes place, or that the LMK only provides fresh air, where recirculation does not take place, or that the LMK provides a combination of both. In this case, the LMK 200 provides a mixed air flow.

[0060] To provide air movement, the LMK 200 is equipped with one or more fans 260. This fan is as shown in the example of Fig. 2, incorporated into the lower part of the housing of the LMK 200. The fan provides the air flows 231 , 232, 222. The LMK 200 has two outlets and two inlets. The first inlet 236 is designed or configured to suck the return air or the recirculation air 232 into the LMK 200. The second inlet 235 is for inleting the fresh air 231. The inlet for fresh air is preferably placed above the outlet. This inlet 235 is therefore provided at the rear of the housing of the LMK 200 in such a way that it protrudes through the opening in the rear wall of the storage area 150.

[0061] To determine the ratio between the two incoming air flows 231 , 232, the LMK 200 is provided with an air mixing unit 270. This air mixing unit 270 can be designed as a three-way mixing valve. The air mixing unit 270 can be a mixing hatch or a mixing valve that has three positions, whereby mixing can take place between the two inputs in one or more discrete steps for output of the air flow to an output of the valve. More preferably, the valve, hatch or valve has a large number of positions or is completely freely adjustable, or continuously adjustable for freely adjusting the mixing ratio.

[0062] The air mixing unit 270 shown in Fig. 2 consists of two separate valve parts with which the supply of fresh air 231 and that of return air or circulating air 232 can be controlled separately. However, the air mixing unit preferably mixes the fresh air 231 and return air 232 by simultaneously controlling the valve or valves. The outlet of the air mixing unit 270 provides an outgoing air stream 222 which is thrown from the air nozzle 225 over the unites 140. If the air mixing unit 270 is set in such a way that fresh air 231 is drawn in, then at least part of it (depending on the ratio of fresh air / return air) will be led outside through a second outlet 237. The second outlet 237 for removing the sucked air to the outside air is located below the second entrance for sucking in the fresh air. And as in Fig. 2, these two ducts are placed at some distance from each other, or at least they are provided with a shield in such a way that the outgoing air 221 is prevented from being sucked in directly again as fresh air 231 , so that in fact there is no real fresh air. air is provided, but recirculation of the air from the storage area 150 takes place via the outside air.

[0063] The air becomes as shown in Fig. 2 is shown, directed from the first exit 225 to the top of the unites 140 via a tube or channel. The LMK 200 as shown can be configured, by a chosen size and included fan, to provide at least air over, for example, 4, 8, 15 or 16 stacks or rows of unites. If the storage area contains a larger number of rows of unites, the fan can be adjusted accordingly, but additional fans can also be provided on the ceiling of the storage area to further increase the throw of the air.

[0064] The housing of the LMK 200 is preferably shaped in such a way that the depth is limited. This can have the disadvantage that a heat exchanger, evaporator, heater, humidifier or the like with a desired and required capacity due to its size can be accommodated in the housing in the usual manner. According to an example, such a heat exchanger or the like can be accommodated at an angle 270 as can be seen in Fig. 2. This makes it possible to accommodate the heat exchanger or the like in a smaller housing without making concessions with regard to capacity. By mounting this at an angle, the depth of the housing can be limited, so that the LMK 200 requires less floor space and possibly allows more unites to be placed.

[0065] In Fig. 2 it can be seen that the return air 232 is sucked into the housing at the bottom. To this end, the housing is provided with a first inlet. This first inlet can be located at the bottom or at the front, whereby the front is defined as the side that faces the unites 140. However, more preferably this inlet is located on one, or even more preferably on the two opposite sides of the the housing. However, the inlet can also be partly located at the bottom and / or front and / or one or both opposite sides or side walls.

[0066] The position of the inlet is at least below the fan in terms of height, and can be above, below or partly above and partly below the obliquely mounted heat exchanger 270. Preferably the surface of the inlet is adjustable. This means that the opening can be opened further or closed further, whereby the opening and closing can be carried out manually in one embodiment or automatically in another or further embodiment. This has the effect that the air resistance for the return air can be controlled in this way and in particular can be increased or decreased. By making the openings on the two opposite sides adjustable independently of each other, it becomes possible to create an asymmetrical airflow profile. Although this seems undesirable, because the products do not experience a uniform air flow, it can be effective for, for example, unevenly arranged unites 140 because it allows compensation for these uneven unites 140, once again creating an overall symmetrical and uniform air flow profile.

[0067] The LMK 200 further comprises a control unit for adjusting the air mixing unit depending on a set mixing ratio for delivering the outgoing air flow 222 over the crops in the storage area, which comprises one or a combination of the first and second air flow and thus a or a combination (mixing ratio) of fresh air 231 and return air 232.

Claims

CONCLUSIES1. Air mixing unit for providing air for the treatment of crops stored in a closed storage area, wherein the air mixing unit is designed to provide at least a first air flow and a second air flow, whereby recirculated air is provided within the storage area in the first air flow. , and with the second air flow fresh outside air is provided in the storage area, wherein the air mixing unit comprises a housing that is designed to be placed against a facade of the storage area, the housing comprising: one or more fans for guiding an air flow through the air mixing unit; a first inlet for inlet of return air from the first air flow; a second inlet for inlet of fresh air from the second air flow, wherein the second inlet is arranged in a rear wall of the air mixing unit at the location of an opening in the facade of the storage area; an outlet for blowing out one, or combination, of the first and second air flow, wherein the outlet is arranged on an upper side of the housing; an air mixing unit, which is in communicative connection with the first and second inlet for obtaining the first and second air flow, and with the exhaust; a control unit for adjusting the air mixing unit in dependence on a set mixing ratio for delivering an outgoing air flow over the crops in the storage area, which comprises one or a combination of the first and second air flow.

2. Air mixing unit according to claim 1 , wherein the first inlet is arranged in one of two opposite side walls of the housing.

3. Air mixing unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing further comprises: an evaporator, which is arranged in the first, second or outgoing air flow, for cooling and / or changing the humidity of the outgoing air flow, wherein the evaporator is preferably accommodated in the housing at an angle.

4. Air mixing b unit ox according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing further comprises: a heat exchanger, which is arranged in the first, second or outgoing air flow, for changing the temperature of the outgoing air flow, wherein the heat exchanger is preferably accommodated horizontally, vertically or at an angle in the housing.

5. Air mixing unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing further comprises:an outlet for exhausting the return air of the first air flow, wherein the outlet is arranged in the rear wall of the air mixing unit at the location of the opening in the facade of the storage area.

6. Air mixing unit according to claim 5, wherein the outlet is arranged under the second inlet in the rear wall of the air mixing unit at the location of the opening in the facade of the storage location.

7. Air mixing unit according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the air mixing unit, which is in communicative connection with the first and second inlet for obtaining the first and second air flow, and with the outlet, as well as with the outlet for exhausting at least part of the return air.

8. Air mixing unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing further comprises:- one or more air ducts, which are in communication connection with the outlet, for guiding the outgoing air flow in one direction over the crops in the storage area.

9. Air mixing unit according to claim 8, wherein the air ducts contain a bend of essentially 90 degrees.

10. Air mixing unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more fans are designed to provide the outgoing air flow with a throw length of at least mainly the length of the storage location.

11. Air mixing unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is designed to regulate the speed and / or flow rate of the outgoing air flow from the one or more fans.

12. Air mixing unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more fans are designed to provide an air flow with a throw length of part of the length of the storage area up to one or more support fans on the ceiling of the storage area, for providing the air flow there over the entire length of the storage area with the aid of the support fans.

13. Air mixing unit according to any of the preceding claims 2-11 , wherein the one or more fans are fans of the evaporator, humidifier or heat exchanger.

14. Air mixing unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is designed to adjust the air mixing unit depending on the desired temperature and / or flow of the outgoing air flow.

15. Air mixing unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the air mixing unit comprises a multi-position valve.

16. Air mixing unit according to claim 15, wherein the valve is a three-way mixing valve.

17. Air mixing unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the valve rotates about an axis which is included in a plane formed by the opening in the facade of the storage location.

18. Air mixing unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the valve can be adjusted to at least 3, more preferably at least 10, most preferably at least 100 discrete positions.

19. Air mixing unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing further comprises: one or more dosing devices, for dosing air flow blown out of the outlet of an agent such as an anti-germination agent.

20. Air mixing unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing has a maximum height of 240 cm.

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