Drive unit for a damper to control a flow of gas in a duct

Abstract

A drive unit (100) for a damper to control a flow of gas (EG), especially air, in a duct (D), especially a duct of a HVAC system, comprises: a) A rotary mount (110) which is configured for rotatable fastening of a flap (210) to be mounted in the duct (D), such that the flap (210) is pivotable around a rotary axis (111) defined by the rotary mount (110) for controlling the flow of the gas in the duct (D); b) An actuator (120), especially to be mounted outside the duct (D), for pivoting the flap (210) when it is rotatably fastened to the rotary mount (110); c) A measurement unit (130) comprising at least one air parameter sensor for determining at least one air parameter of the gas in the duct (D), especially at least one pressure sensor (131, 131 ') for determining at least one pressure of the gas in the duct (D); d) At least one pick-up device (140) to be inserted into the duct (D), whereby the pick-up device comprises at least one opening (142a), especially several openings, that open(s) into the duct (D) at a fixed position (P1) when the at least one pick-up device (140) being inserted into the duct (D), and whereby the at least one opening (142a) is in fluid communication with the at least one air parameter sensor, especially the at least one pressure sensor (131,131 '), of the measurement unit (130), especially via one or more fluid conduits(s) (143a, 144a); e) Whereby the at least one pick-up device and the rotary mount are configured such that the at least one pick-up device can be installed such that the rotary axis (111) defined by the rotary mount runs (110) essentially along a longitudinal axis (141) of the at least one pick-up device (140).

Description

[0001] Drive unit for a damper to control a flow of gas in a duct

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to a drive unit for a damper to control a flow of gas, especially air, in a duct, especially in a duct of a HVAC system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a damper to control a flow of gas, and a duct comprising the damper, especially a duct of a HVAC system. Another aspect of the invention is related to method comprising the step of measuring a pressure of a gas in a duct.

[0004] Background art

[0005] The utilization of dampers is widespread in various industries, including the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) sector, as well as other fields that involve the movement of air or gases for their processes. Dampers play a crucial role in regulating and directing the airflow within a duct system, ensuring the targeted distribution of air or gas into different locations.

[0006] Specifically, variable air volume (VAV) systems deliver air at variable temperature and airflow rates from an air handling unit (AHU). These systems are commonly found in many public buildings, such as schools, shops, industrial buildings, in office buildings as well as in private homes due to their ability to satisfy diverse heating and cooling requirements of different zones or rooms within a building. Unlike many conventional air distribution systems, VAV systems employ controllable dampers to effectively condition each individual building zone while ensuring the necessary minimum airflow rates are maintained. Pressure sensors, in particular differential pressure sensors, are essential components in the operation of VAV systems. These sensors play a crucial role by measuring the air pressure at a specific location in the system or the air volume can be calculated from differential pressure and providing feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the control system adjusts the opening or closing of dampers to maintain the desired conditions in each zone or room of the building.

[0007] In this regard, EP 3 531 037 B1 (Trox) describes for example a ventilation device for use in an air conditioning system with a duct having a flap blade mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis and having two flap surfaces. The device furthermore has at least one measuring unit for determining the pressure of a gaseous medium flowing in the duct, whereby the flap blade has at least one extraction port, which is connected to the measuring unit.

[0008] However, such systems require special flap blades with a rather complex structure capable of guiding air from the flap surface to the measuring unit.

[0009] Another approach is described in WO 2022 / 233472 A1 (Gruner). This document describes a volumetric-flow controller for adjusting a control flap which is movably mounted within a flow channel comprising: a measurement channel, which has a channel inlet and a channel outlet for connecting to the flow channel in order to form a separate bypass channel branched from the flow channel; a differential pressure sensor, which is disposed in the measurement channel and is provided for measuring a differential pressure present in the flow channel and for outputting a corresponding electrical measurement signal. In the same channel is a CO2 Sensor. The pressure sensor normally has a low flowrate to avoid dust inside and the CO2 Sensor needs higher flowrate to react fast.

[0010] In this case, the design is rather bulky and suboptimal and requires several separate ports into the air duct. Thus, there is still a need to develop improved solutions, which at least partly overcome the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] It is the object of the invention to provide improved solutions to control a flow of gas, especially air, in a duct, especially a duct of a HVAC system. In particular, the system should be as robust as possible, allow for the most precise control of the gas or air flow in the duct, be as compact in design as possible, as easy as possible to install and retrofit in existing systems and / or flexibly adaptable to different installation situations.

[0013] A solution of the invention is specified by the features of claim 1. According to this solution, a drive unit for a damper to control a flow of gas, especially air, in a duct, especially a duct of a HVAC system, the drive unit comprising: a) A rotary mount which is configured for rotatable fastening of a flap to be mounted in the duct, such that the flap is pivotable around a rotary axis defined by the rotary mount for controlling the flow of the gas in the duct; b) An actuator, especially to be mounted outside the duct, for pivoting the flap which is rotatably fastened to the mount; c) A measurement unit comprising at least one air parameter sensor for determining at least one air parameter of the gas in the duct (D), especially at least one pressure sensor for determining at least one pressure of the gas in the duct; d) At least one pick-up device to be inserted into the duct, whereby the pick-up device comprises at least one opening, especially several openings, that open(s) into the duct at a fixed position when the at least one pick-up device being inserted into the duct, and whereby the at least one first opening is in fluid communication with the at least one air parameter sensor, especially the at least one pressure sensor in the measurement unit, especially via one or more fluid conduit(s); e) Whereby the at least one pick-up device and the rotary mount are configured such that the at least one pick-up device can be installed such that the rotary axis defined by the rotary mount runs essentially along a longitudinal axis of the at least one pick-up device, especially when the at least one pick-up device being inserted into the duct.

[0014] The inventive drive unit allows driving a damper to control a flow of gas, especially air, in a duct, especially a duct of a HVAC system, in a highly precise manner. If at least one pressure sensor is present, the pressure can be measured close to or directly at the rotary axis defined by the rotary mount, a pressure drop over the damper can be measured with high accuracy. Also, the pressure measurement can be measured in a reliable manner essentially independently of the flow conditions.

[0015] Likewise, if other air parameter sensors are present, specific air parameters such as humidity, temperature, dew point, enthalpy, air quality and the like, may be measured directly at the damper in central areas of a duct without need for further installations and / or cross-section constricting. Since the pick-up device comprises at least one opening that open(s) into the duct at a fixed position, the at least one opening and the measurement unit can be arranged fixed to each other without having to rotate relative to each other when the flap rotates. Therefore, there is no need to have flexible air guiding elements such as e.g. hoses, which are susceptible to wear upon repeated rotation. Overall, this improves the robustness of the device.

[0016] Furthermore, the whole drive unit including the actuator and measurement unit can be designed in a very compact manner. This inter alia is due to the fact that the rotary axis defined by the mount runs along a longitudinal axis of the at least one pick-up device.

[0017] Apart from a connecting interface or a coupling element to fasten the flap to the rotary mount, the flap as such does not need to have any special characteristics, such as e.g. air guiding elements. Therefore, flaps adapted to different duct cross-sections, duct sizes and / or installation situations can easily be used with the drive unit according to the invention, without need to modify the latter. Consequently, the drive unit can be used as a modular component for very different applications.

[0018] Furthermore, the drive unit according to the invention is easy to install and retrofit in existing systems as well as flexibly adaptable to different installation situations. In particular, the drive unit can be configured such that only one single port or opening into the duct is required for installation. Inter alia, this is due to the rotary axis defined by the mount running along a longitudinal axis of the at least one pick-up device. Also, the drive unit according to the invention has the bypass lines integrated in the pickup device.

[0019] Also, the inventive drive unit can be designed in such a way that the at least one pick-up device is a separate unit that can be inserted into the rotary mount and / or the flap, e.g. from an outside of the duct. Thus, existing systems having an actuator with integrated rotary mount, which usually are arranged from the outside of the duct, can easily be extended to obtain a drive unit with the at least one pick-up device having the rotary axis defined by the rotary mount running essentially along the longitudinal axis of the at least one pick-up device.

[0020] Furthermore, if the at least one pick-up device is configured as a separate unit, it can be installed in a location distant from the rotary mount and / or the flap. This can be an option for special applications or installation situations.

[0021] Further aspects of the invention are the subject matter of other independent claims. Especially preferred embodiments of the invention are outlined throughout the description or the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0022] According to the invention, the measurement unit comprises at least one air parameter sensor for determining at least one air parameter of the gas in the duct. An air parameter may, for example be, a pressure, humidity, temperature, dew point, enthalpy and / or air quality of the gas in the duct. Especially, the at least one air parameter sensor comprises or consists of at least one pressure sensor.

[0023] According to another preferred embodiment, the at least one air parameter sensor comprises a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a dew point sensor, an enthalpy sensor and / or an air quality sensor, the air quality sensor in particular being selected from a carbon monoxide sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a nitrogen oxide (NO, NO2) sensor, a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor and / or a particulate matter sensor.

[0024] According to the invention, the at least one pick-up device and the rotary mount are configured such that the at least one pick-up device can be installed such that the rotary axis defined by the mount runs essentially along a longitudinal axis of the at least one pick-up device. Especially, the at least one pick-up device and the rotary mount are installed such that the rotary axis defined by the mount runs essentially along a longitudinal axis of the at least one pick-up device. In particular this means that the rotary axis defined by the rotary mount is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the at least one pick-up device and runs inside the at least one pick-up device. Especially, the rotary axis defined by the rotary mount and the longitudinal axis of the at least one pick-up device are coaxial.

[0025] In particular, the pick-up device is configured for collecting a partial gas flow at the fixed position and guiding the partial gas flow to the measurement unit, especially via one or more fluid conduit(s). Especially when the at least one pick-up device is inserted into the duct, it protrudes into the duct. This allows do directly measure the air parameter, especially the pressure, at the fixed position in the duct.

[0026] Especially, the at least one pick-up device forms a fixed mechanical axis around which the flap can rotate and / or on which the flap can be rotatably mounted. With such an embodiment, a highly compact and robust drive unit is provided. However, such a configuration is not a requirement. The rotary mount can be designed as an element, which does require an additional mechanical axis. In this case, the rotary axis defined by the mount running along the longitudinal axis of the at least one pick-up device in particular is meant to be a geometrical axis around which the flap can be rotated.

[0027] Thus, in general, the rotary axis defined by the rotary mount can be a physical axis and / or a geometrical axis.

[0028] Especially, the at least one opening is facing in or against the intended direction of flow of the gas in the duct. In particular, this is meant to be the case when the pick-up device is mounted in the duct. With such a configuration, the air parameter, especially the pressure, in the gas flow at an upstream region of the pickup-device can directly be measured in a reliable manner.

[0029] However, the at least one opening can be arranged in a different location, if desired.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one pick-up device comprises an elongate body, especially a cylindrical element and / or tubular element, with the at least one opening being arranged in a surface area of the elongate body. Thereby, preferably, the one or more fluid conduit(s) run(s) inside the pick-up device, especially inside the elongate body, for connecting the at least one opening with the measurement unit. This configuration results in a highly compact and robust drive unit.

[0031] It is also possible, however, that the fluid conduit(s) run outside the pick-up device, especially outside the duct. In this case, for example, the fluid conduit(s) can be provided as flexible hoses. Such a setup is especially beneficial for retrofit existing dampers.

[0032] In a particular embodiment the flexible hoses can be connected to the pick-up device being mounted in the channel on a side of the pick-up device opposite to the rotary mount. In this case, in particular, the measurement unit comprising the at least one air parameter sensor, especially the at least one pressure sensor, is located outside the at least one pick-up device.

[0033] Especially, the at least one pick-up device comprises exactly one elongate body, which, when being installed in the duct protrudes into the duct.

[0034] For example, the at least one pick-up device in particular comprises a cylindrical element with the at least one opening being arranged in a surface area, especially a curved surface area, of the cylindrical element and, preferably, the one or more fluid conduit(s) run(s) inside the pick-up device, especially inside the cylindrical element.

[0035] According to a special embodiment, the cylindrical element is an essentially circular cylindrical element. Such a configuration allows using of the pick-up device as a mechanical rotary axis around which the flap can be rotated.

[0036] However, in other embodiments, the cylindrical element can have a base with any other shape, e.g. elliptical, rectangular, regular polygonal or irregular polygonal.

[0037] Especially, the rotary mount and / or a housing of the drive unit comprises a guide element, especially a vertical guide element, which is configured such that the at least one pick-up device can be fixed in a twist-proof manner in the rotary mount and / or at least partly introduced into the duct and / or a central section of the flap, e.g. a shaft of the flap, from an outside of the duct.

[0038] Especially, there is a stop element arranged on the at least one pick-up device, the guide element, the rotary mount and / or the drive housing that is configured for limiting an insertion depth of the at least one pick-up device. This simplifies a defined arrangement of the at least one pick-up device in the duct. A stop element can e.g. be a flange and / or a projection, e.g. at an end section of the at least one pick-up device. In a further preferred embodiment, the drive unit may comprise a reference element, e.g. a magnet, that is mechanically coupled and / or fixed to the rotary mount and / or the flap. Preferably the drive unit, in particular a control unit of the drive unit, further is configured for detecting a rotary position of the reference element, in particular with a position sensor, e.g. a magnetic position sensor. Such a configuration allows for detecting the rotary position of the flap in the duct. Thereby, a given opening position of the flap represents a certain flow-through cross-sectional area in the duct. Thus, from the rotary position of the flap and the pressure measurement, in particular differential pressure measurements, gas flow rates can be derived, in particular in the control unit of the drive unit.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the position sensor is part of and / or arranged in the at least one pick-up device. This allows for using conventional actuators and / or rotary mounts without having to adapt these components. This makes retrofitting easier in particular.

[0040] According to a highly preferred embodiment, if the air parameter sensor comprises at least one pressure sensor, the measurement unit comprises at least one further pressure sensor or the at least one pressure sensor is configured as a differential pressure sensor, such that a differential pressure between the fixed position and a further fixed position, which is different form the fixed position, in the duct can be measured.

[0041] With respect to an intended direction of flow of the gas in the duct, the further fixed position in particular is located upstream or downstream the fixed position. Put differently, the fixed position and the further fixed position preferably are separated with respect to the intended direction of the flow of gas in the duct. Such a configuration allows for measuring a differential pressure between the two locations.

[0042] Pressure data, especially differential pressures, can e.g. be used to derive flow rates of the gas in the duct. Especially, the rotary axis defined by the mount and / or the longitudinal axis of the at least one pick-up device is / are located in between the fixed position and the further fixed position. Thereby, the differential pressure at an upstream section and a downstream section of the rotary axis defined by the mount and / or the longitudinal axis of the at least one pick-up device can be measured.

[0043] Especially, the at least one pick-up device comprises at least one further opening, especially several further openings, that open(s) into the duct at the further fixed position when the at least one pick-up device being inserted into the duct, and whereby the further fixed position is different from the fixed position.

[0044] The at least one further opening preferably is in fluid communication with the at least one further pressure sensor or the at least one differential pressure sensor in the measurement unit, especially via one or more further fluid conduit(s).

[0045] However, the at least one further opening may also be in fluid communication with another further air parameter sensor.

[0046] Especially, the rotary axis defined by the mount and / or the longitudinal axis longitudinal axis of the at least one pick-up device is located between at least one opening(s) and the at least one further opening(s).

[0047] Likewise, the at least one opening(s) and the at least one further opening(s) are separated with respect to the intended direction of the flow of gas in the duct, especially such that a differential pressure between an upstream section of the pick-up device and a downstream section of the pick-up device can be measured.

[0048] Also, it is possible to measure a pressure in an upstream section of the pick-up device and another air parameter in a downstream section of the pick-up device or vice versa. Furthermore, two other air parameters, which need not include a pressure, can be measured in the same manner at the different locations. In particular, the at least one further opening is arranged in a surface area, especially a curved surface area, of the elongate element(s), especially the cylindrical element, whereby, in particular, the at least one opening and the at least on further opening are located on opposite sides of the surface of the elongate element(s), especially the curved cylindrical surface.

[0049] This allows measuring air parameters, especially a differential pressure, between an upstream surface of the pick-up device and a downstream surface of the pick-up device.

[0050] According to another preferred embodiment, the drive unit comprises at least one second pick-up device to be inserted into the duct at a different position than the at least one pick-up device, whereby the at least one second pick-up device comprises the at least one further opening, especially several further openings, that open(s) into the duct at the further fixed position.

[0051] Thereby, especially, the at least one further opening is in fluid communication with a further air parameter sensor, in particular with the at least one further pressure sensor or the at least one differential pressure sensor, especially via a further fluid conduit, whereby, preferably, the further fluid conduit runs inside the second fluid pick-up device.

[0052] The second pick-up device can be a separate unit, which is separate from the other parts of the drive unit, especially such that it can flexibly be placed at a desired position in the duct. A connection between the separate unit and the other parts of the drive unit can be established by fluid conduits, e.g. hoses, electrical lines and / or wireless communication interfaces.

[0053] The further air parameter sensor, especially the further pressure sensor or the differential pressure sensor, can for example be arranged in the second pick-up device or in a sensor housing attached to the second pick-up device. Measurement data obtained with the further air parameter sensor, especially the further pressure sensor and / or the further differential pressure sensor, in this case can for example be transmitted to the measurement unit of the drive unit via a communication interface, e.g. via a wired connection and / or via a wireless connection.

[0054] However, in another preferred embodiment, the further air parameter sensor, especially the further pressure sensor or the differential pressure sensor, can be arranged in the first-mentioned pick-up device or in a sensor housing attached to the second pick-up device. A fluid communication between the sensor(s) and the at least one openings in this case can be established by the further fluid conduit.

[0055] Likewise, it is possible to arrange the further air parameter sensor, especially the further pressure sensor or the differential pressure sensor, at any other place in the duct or in a boundary wall of the duct.

[0056] Furthermore, it is possible to arrange the further air parameter sensor, especially the further pressure sensor or the differential pressure sensor, in the first pick-up, the second pick-up or at any other place, and pick up the gas at another position in the duct, which is in fluid communication with the further air parameter sensor, e.g. via a fluid conduit, for example a hose. Thereby, at the other position, an opening in the duct may be present that is connected via a fluid conduit with the further air parameter sensor.

[0057] Also, it is possible to arrange the at least one air parameter sensor, the further air parameter sensor and / or the additional sensor so that the respective sensor comes into direct contact with the gas in the duct or at least close to it. In this case, no fluid conduits are required or the length of the fluid conduits can be minimized. The sensor signal then can be transmitted from the sensor to the control unit via an electrical cable and / or a wireless connection.

[0058] Similar to the first-mentioned pick-up device, the second pick-up device may comprise a second elongate element, especially a cylindrical element and / or tubular element, with the at least one further opening being arranged in a surface area of the elongate body and, preferably, a further fluid conduit runs inside the second pick-up device, especially inside the second elongate body.

[0059] Likewise, the second pick-up device preferably comprises a cylindrical element with the at least one further opening being arranged in a surface area, especially a curved surface area, of the cylindrical element and, preferably, the further fluid conduit runs inside the further pick-up device, especially inside the cylindrical element.

[0060] In particular, the second pick-up device is located downstream or upstream the pick-up device with respect to an intended direction of flow of the gas in the duct.

[0061] With such a configuration, it is for example possible to measure air parameters, especially differential pressures, over longer distances in the gas flow. Thus, these embodiments offer additional flexibility when it comes to special installation situations or specific applications.

[0062] In particular, the measurement unit is configured to be received at least partly, especially fully, inside the at least one pick-up device, especially inside the elongate element, particularly in a section of the pick-up device located inside the duct. This means that the drive unit can be built even more compactly and / or the measurement unit can be encapsulated inside the at least one pick-up device for better protecting it.

[0063] Especially, the measurement unit and / or the at least one air parameter sensor, especially the at least one pressure sensor, can be located in an end of the pick-up device facing the actuator.

[0064] In another possible embodiment, the measurement unit and / or the at least one air parameter sensor, especially the at least one pressure sensor, can be located in a section of a free end of the pick-up device. The section of the free end of the pick-up device is in particular a section at the end facing away from the actuator. Such configuration(s) may help to obtain a higher air exchange since the measurement unit and / or the at least one air parameter sensor, especially the at least one pressure sensor, can be located close to the at least one opening without need of long fluid conduits.

[0065] However, in other embodiments the measurement unit can be arranged outside the at least one pick-up device, e.g. in a part of a housing of the drive unit and / or in a separate housing. Components of the sensor unit can also be distributed over different locations.

[0066] In a special embodiment, the at least one further air parameter sensor, especially the at least one further pressure sensor, is configured to be received at least partly, especially fully, inside the second pick-up device, especially inside the elongate element, particularly in a section of the second pick-up device located inside the duct.

[0067] Especially, the measurement unit comprises at least one additional sensor selected from a rotation angle sensor for detecting the rotational position of the flap and a sensor for the determination of gas parameters.

[0068] The sensor for the determination of gas parameters in particular is selected from a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a dew point sensor, an enthalpy sensor and / or an air quality sensor. An air quality sensor in particular is a carbon monoxide sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a nitrogen oxide (NO, NO2) sensor, a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor and / or a particulate matter sensor.

[0069] Especially, the at least one pick-up device comprises at least one additional opening, especially several additional openings, that open(s) into the duct at an additional position, and whereby the at least one additional opening is in fluid communication with the at least one additional sensor, in the measurement unit, especially via an additional fluid conduit, whereby the additional fluid conduit is gas-tight isolated from the fluid conduit and / or the further fluid conduit. This allows to operate the air parameter sensor, especially the pressure sensor, and the additional sensor in parallel, i.e. measurement parameters can determined purely independently of each other.

[0070] A rotation angle sensor in particular is selected from a potentiometer, an inductive sensor, an inductive gearwheel sensor, a magnetic sensor and / or a magnetostrictive sensor.

[0071] In particular, the rotation angle sensor comprises an active reading and / or evaluation subunit that preferably is connected to and / or integrated in the control unit of the drive unit. Additionally the rotation angle sensor preferably further comprises a passive reference element, that preferably is mechanically coupled and / or fixed to the rotary mount and / or the flap, and whereby the active reading and evaluation subunit is configured for reading and evaluating a position of the passive reference element and thus determining the rotational position of the flap.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the rotation angle sensor, especially the active reading and / or evaluation subunit, is part of and / or arranged in the at least one pick-up device. This allows for using conventional actuators and / or rotary mounts without having to adapt these components. This makes retrofitting easier in particular. In this case, the active reading and / or evaluation subunit can be connected to a control unit of the drive unit via a data line.

[0073] When using such kind of direct position determination, backlash or hysteresis hardly is an issue. This is for example beneficial for an exact evaluation of the flow rate.

[0074] However, in another embodiment, a potentiometer, especially a potentiometer integrated in the control unit and used for controlling rotation of the rotary mount and / or the flap can be used as the rotation angle sensor.

[0075] Also, it is possible to determine the rotational position of the flap indirectly and / or without a separate position sensor, e.g. via the position of the motor, a position of a gearwheel, a position of a drive shaft and / or a position of any other element that is (indirectly) involved in the rotation of the flap. For example, the position of the motor can be derived from a motor inductance, which motor inductance may for example be viewed as a component of an equivalent circuit of the motor, an internal counter counting the motor revolutions and / or via a Hall sensor.

[0076] In a special embodiment, the measurement unit comprises both, at least a sensor for the determination of gas parameters, in particular a carbon dioxide sensor, and a rotation angle sensor.

[0077] The at least one additional sensor, especially a sensor for the determination of gas parameters, preferably is configured to be received at least partly, especially fully, inside the pick-up device and / or inside the second pick-up device, especially inside the elongate element, particularly in a section of the pick-up device and / or the second pickup device located inside the duct.

[0078] Thus, in general, the sensors of the measurement unit can be present in one common location of the drive unit, e.g. in the at least one pick-up device, in the second pick-up device, in a part of a housing of the drive unit, or in a separate housing; or the sensors of the measurement unit can be distributed over several sections of the drive unit.

[0079] For example, a part of the sensors, especially the rotation angle sensor and / or pressure sensor(s), can be placed in the at least one pick-up device and a further part of the sensors, especially a sensor for the determination of gas parameters, can be placed in the second pick-up device, in a part of a housing of the drive unit, and / or in a separate housing.

[0080] In particular, the at least one pick-up device is configured such that a part of the pick-up device comprising the at least one opening, especially a free end of the pick-up device projecting away from the actuator, is detachably connected to a rest of the pick-up device or the part of the pick-up device comprising the at least one opening is materially bonded to the rest of the pick-up device.

[0081] The allows for a modular construction, such that the pick-up device can be adjusted to different installation situations. A detachable connection is beneficial for replacing the part of the pick-up device in case of contamination during operation. However, a materially bonded part is advantageous in terms of security of the connection.

[0082] However, in another embodiment, the at least one pick-up device is configured such that a part of the pick-up device comprising the at least one opening, especially the free end of the pick-up device projecting away from the actuator, is integrally formed with the rest of the pick-up device.

[0083] Likewise, the second pick-up device can be embodied similarly, i.e. with a detachably connected or materially bonded part of the pick-up device comprising the at least one further opening, or with an integrally formed pick-up device.

[0084] In particular, the at least one pick-up device and / or the at least one second pick-up device are symmetric with respect to a cross-sectional area comprising the rotary axis and / or with respect to an intended direction of flow of the gaseous medium in the duct.

[0085] This simplifies the installation since installation is independent of the installation direction and / or the flow direction of the gaseous medium.

[0086] In particular, the actuator is configured for rotating the rotary mount and / or the flap, while the at least one pick-up device remains in a fixed position.

[0087] The actuator can e.g. include a motor that is for example coupled to the flap via a gearbox. The motor is for example a brushed DC motor, a stepper motors, a brushless DC motor (BLDC) or a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). Especially preferred is a brushless DC motor (BLDC) or a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). Especially, the actuator comprises a hysteresis compensation, in particular to compensate for changes of the actuator caused by wear, tear, humidity, temperature, dirt, and the like. For example, a hysteresis compensation can be realized with a preloaded spring in the actuator, a preloaded gearbox and / or a software compensation in the control unit. A suitable software compensation is for example described in WO 2017 / 060031 Al .ln particular, the drive unit further comprises a control unit that is configured to control the actuator and thereby to pivot the flap when it is rotatably fastened to the mount. Especially, the control unit is configured to perform the methods according to the invention as described further below.

[0088] In particular, the control unit is configured such that the actuator is controlled taking into consideration the at least one air parameter, especially the at least one pressure, of the gas in the duct determined by the at least one air parameter sensor, especially the at least one pressure sensor. Optionally, for controlling the actuator further parameters, in particular the at least one further pressure, the differential pressure and / or the parameter obtained with the additional sensor is considered.

[0089] Additionally, the control unit preferably comprises an interface for connecting the drive unit with other components, e.g. higher-level control units, additional sensor units, and the like. The interface can be a wired and / or a wireless interface.

[0090] According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one pick-up device comprises a separate control unit, which is especially configured for reading and controlling the at least one air parameter sensor, especially the at least one pressure sensor, and / or the at least one additional sensor, especially a rotation angle sensor and / or a carbon dioxide sensor, and / or for calculating flow rates and / or for deriving control signals, e.g. position set points, for the actuator. Especially, the separate control unit comprises a separate communication interface for providing sensor data and / or flow rates and / or control signals to the control unit of the drive unit.

[0091] The separate communication interface of the separate control unit can be a wired and / or a wireless communication interface. A wired communication interface can e.g. be a communication bus and / or an analog signal interface.

[0092] For example, the separate control unit of the at least one pick-up device can be configured for determining a flow rate from a differential pressure measured by the at least one pressure sensor and a flap position measured by the at least an additional sensor, e.g. a rotation angle sensor; and supplying the flow rate determined by the separate control unit of the at least one pick-up device via the communication interface to the control unit of the drive unit.

[0093] In particular, in a special embodiment, the at least one pick-up device is configured as a flow control device for controlling the actuator of the drive unit. This allows for using conventional actuators and / or rotary mounts without having to adapt these components. This makes retrofitting easier in particular.

[0094] Furthermore, it is possible to provide a placeholder that can be installed in the rotary mount instead of the at least one pick-up device. Especially, the placeholder is configured to be installed in the rotary mount instead of the at least one pick-up device. Thereby, the placeholder preferably is configured to fit the rotary mount, such that the inner area of the rotary mount is sealed in a fluid-tight manner with respect to an outer area of the rotary mount.

[0095] A placeholder can be used to close the rotary mount in case of maintenance, e.g. when the pick-up needs to be removed from the rotary mount for cleaning, and / or as a closing element when first delivering and / or installing the drive unit. The pick-up may then be retrofitted with the pick-up later. In a special embodiment, the rotary mount is configured for rotatable fastening of two or more individual flaps to be mounted in the duct, such that the flaps are pivotable around the rotary axis defined by the rotary mount for controlling the flow of the gas in the duct. In this case, the individual flaps may be pivotable independently of each other and / or in a coordinated manner. Thereby, the rotary axis defined by the rotary mount is a common rotary axis around which the individual flaps are pivotable.

[0096] This allows for more flexibility in controlling the flow of the gas in the duct.

[0097] In particular, the actuator may be configured for pivoting each of the flaps individually and / or in a coordinated manner. A coordinated pivoting may for example be achieved by a common motor and a gearbox synchronizing the pivoting of the individual flaps. An individual pivoting may be realized by an actuator with two separate motors.

[0098] In a further preferred embodiment, the drive unit is configured as a drive unit for a multileaf damper. A multileaf damper usually comprises 2, 3, 4, 5, or more flaps that are pivotable around individual rotary axes, whereby the axes typically are aligned in parallel. In a closed position, the flaps of the multileaf damper may partially overlap with their edges, in particular to achieve a tight closure. For controlling the flow of the gas in a duct, the flaps of a multileaf damper usually are rotated simultaneously. Thereby, neighbouring flaps may be rotated in the same or opposite direction.

[0099] Especially, the drive unit for a multileaf damper comprises at least one rotary mount, which is configured for rotatable fastening of at least one flap of the multileaf damper, an actuator for pivoting the at least one flap, at least one measurement unit and at least one pick-up device, whereby the components are configured according to the invention. In particular, further mounts, which may not need to be configured according to the invention, are present for rotatable fastening of further flaps.

[0100] For example, the actuator is configured for pivoting all of the flaps simultaneously, whereby, preferably, the flaps are driven by a common motor and a gearbox synchronizing the pivoting of the individual flaps. However, in principle, it is possible to have individual actuators for each flap of the multileaf damper.

[0101] It is possible to have only one pick-up device associated with one of the flaps of the multileaf damper or to have several pick-ups associated with several flaps of the multileaf damper, e.g. a pick-up device for each flap. A further aspect of the present invention is directed to a damper to control a flow of gas, especially air, in a duct, especially a duct of a HVAC system, comprising a drive unit as described above and a flap that is rotatably fastened to the rotary mount such that the flap is pivotable around a rotary axis defined by the rotary mount for controlling the flow of the gas in the duct.

[0102] Preferably, the optional features of the drive unit according to the invention described above are also realized with the damper.

[0103] In particular, with the damper, the at least one pick-up device of the drive unit forms a fixed mechanical axis around which the flap can rotate and / or on which the flap is rotatably mounted.

[0104] With respect to an intended direction of flow of the gaseous medium in the duct, the flap preferably is configured such that the flap does not cover the at least one opening when the flap is operated in the control range. In particular, the same holds with respect to the at least one further opening(s) and / or the additional opening(s). The control range means in particular the range of movement that results when the flap is moved from the closed to the fully open position.

[0105] According to a special embodiment, the flap comprises at least one, especially at least two, sleeve-shaped mounting(s) for receiving the mechanical axis formed by the at least one pick-up device. For example, the sleeve-shaped mounting(s) is / are cylindrical tubular elements. Thereby, preferably, the sleeve-shaped mounting(s) comprise(s) one or more cut-outs, which are configured such that the flap does not cover the at least one opening when it is operated in the control range. In particular, the same holds with respect to the at least one further opening(s) and / or the additional opening(s).

[0106] Especially, the flap has a circular and / or rectangular flap surface. However, depending on the installation situation and / or the duct cross-section, other shapes are possible as well.

[0107] Especially, the flap does not comprise any opening that communicates with the pressure sensor, the further pressure sensor, a differential pressure sensor and / or and additional sensor. This simplifies the design and increases the robustness. In addition, such flaps can easily be adapted to special installation situations, e.g. by cutting out edge sections of the flaps without affecting the functionality of the damper.

[0108] In a further highly preferred embodiment, the flap has a first section and a second section, especially a first half and a second half, whereby the first section and the second section are offset against each other, especially such that the first section is located in a first plane and the second section is located in a second plane. Thereby, preferably, the two planes are plane parallel and separated from each other, especially, by a distance of 5 - 300%, especially 10 - 200%, in particular 20 - 100%, of a maximum diameter of a cross-section of the pick-up device, especially the cylindrical element, protruding into the duct.

[0109] Thereby, the first section and the second section preferably protrude from a central section. The central section in particular is a sleeve-shaped mounting as described above.

[0110] Such an embodiments allow for example for an improved inflow of the pick-up. In a special embodiment, the damper comprises two or more individual flaps that are pivotable around a common rotary axis defined by the rotary mount for controlling the flow of the gas in the duct. In particular, the at least one pick-up device forms a common fixed mechanical axis around which the two or more individual flaps can rotate and / or on which the two or more individual flaps are rotatable mounted.

[0111] Thereby, for example, each of the flaps comprises at least one, especially at least two, sleeve-shaped mounting(s) for receiving the mechanical axis formed by the at least one pick-up device. The sleeve-shaped mounting(s) of the individual flaps may be spaced apart in a direction along the rotary axis. For example, the sleeve-shaped mounting(s) is / are cylindrical tubular elements. The two or more individual flaps may be pivotable independently of each other and / or in a coordinated manner. In particular, the actuator may be configured to pivoting each of the flaps.

[0112] In a further preferred embodiment, the damper is configured as a multileaf damper, e.g. as described above. The multileaf damper comprises a drive unit drive unit for a multileaf damper, especially as described above, and 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more flaps that are rotatably fastened, whereby at least one of the flaps is configured according to the invention.

[0113] Especially, the multileaf damper comprises at least one rotary mount, which is configured for rotatable fastening of the at least one flap, an actuator for pivoting the at least one flap, at least one measurement unit and at least one pick-up device, whereby these components are configured according to the invention. In particular, with the multileaf damper, the at least one pick-up device of the multileaf drive unit forms a fixed mechanical axis around which the at least one flap can rotate and / or on which the flap is rotatably mounted.

[0114] For example, the actuator is configured for pivoting all of the flaps simultaneously, whereby, preferably, the flaps are driven by a common motor and a gearbox synchronizing the pivoting of the individual flaps. However, in principle, it is possible to have individual actuators for each flap of the multileaf damper. It is possible to have only one pick-up device associated with one of the flaps in the multileaf damper or to have several pick-ups associated with several flaps of the multileaf damper, e.g. a pick-up for each flap. Thereby, preferably, each pick-up device of the multileaf drive unit may form an individual fixed mechanical axis around which the individual flaps can rotate and / or on which the flaps are rotatably mounted.

[0115] A further aspect of the present invention is directed to a duct comprising a drive unit or a damper as described above.

[0116] Preferably, the optional features of the drive unit and / or the damper according to the invention described above are also realized in the duct.

[0117] Especially, the duct has a circular and / or rectangular cross-section. However, other crosssections are possible as well.

[0118] Especially, the flap(s) has a circumference that is complementary to the inner crosssection of the duct at the place where the damper is installed, in particular such that the flap in a closed position is configured to completely close the duct. Especially the flap has a circular and / or rectangular circumference.

[0119] Preferably, the pick-up device protrudes into the duct in a direction perpendicular to the intended direction of gas flow in the duct. This results in particular in a space saving installation.

[0120] A still further aspect of the present invention is directed to a method comprising the step of measuring an air parameter, especially a pressure, of a gas in duct with a drive unit, a damper, or a duct as described above. Thereby, in particular, the measured air parameter, in particular the pressure , especially a differential pressure, of the gas in the duct is used to control the position of the flap by the actuator.

[0121] Specifically, the actuator for example is controlled by taking into consideration the least one pressure of the gas in the duct determined by the at least one pressure sensor. Optionally, the actuator is controlled by taking into consideration at least one further parameter, in particular the at least one further pressure, the differential pressure and / or the parameter obtained with the additional sensor.

[0122] In another preferred implementation, an air parameter is derived from one or more other air parameters. For example, the enthalpy of air is derived as a function of temperature and humidity. As another example, the energy transfer rate of the gaseous medium respective the heating or cooling power of the HVAC system can be derived from an inlet and the outlet enthalpy value and the flow of the gaseous medium in the duct. Moreover, a consumed energy can be determined by integrating the consumed power flow rate over time. Especially, the measured air parameter, in particular the pressure , especially a differential pressure, of the gas in the duct is used to control a constant air volume (CAV) system. Thereby, in particular, the flow rate in the duct is kept constant while another air parameter, especially the temperature, is varied to meet the thermal loads of a room or area of a building.

[0123] According to another preferred implementation, the measured air parameter, in particular the pressure, especially a differential pressure, of the gas in the duct is used to control a variable air volume (VAV) system. Thereby, in particular, the flow rate in the duct is varied while another air parameter, especially the temperature, is varied or kept constant to meet the thermal loads of a room or area of a building.

[0124] According to a further possible implementation, the measured air parameter, in particular the enthalpy of the gas in the duct, is used to control the power of a HVAC system, e.g. in a defined room or area of a building.

[0125] Furthermore, the measured air parameter, in particular an air quality parameter, especially a particulate parameter and / or a proportion of carbon dioxide, of the gas in the duct is used to control the quality of air, e.g. the quality of air supplied to room or area of a building. Preferably, the optional features of the drive unit, the damper or the duct according to the invention described above are also realized in the method.

[0126] Especially, in a preferred implementation, (i) a differential pressure between the fixed position and the further fixed position is measured, and (ii) the flow rate of the gas in the duct is derived by considering the differential pressure. Thereby, the position if the flap may be considered, e.g. in the form or a set value and / or in the form of a sensor value, for example obtained from a rotation angle sensor.

[0127] In a further preferred implementation, (i) a differential pressure between the fixed position and the further fixed position is measured, and (ii) the rotational position of the flap is determined, and (iii) the flow rate of the gas in the duct is derived from the differential pressure and the rotational position.

[0128] Especially, before deriving the flow rate of the gas, the flap is partly closed to achieve a predefined differential pressure, e.g. at least 1 Pa. This allows for obtaining a certain minimum pressure at the pressure sensor and performing the measurement at rather low flow rates of the gas in the duct, e.g. below < 1 m / s. Overall this improves the measurement precision.

[0129] In general, the flow rate Vp can be derived according to the following relation: Vp = c

[0130] Thereby, c is a predefined function of the rotation angle of the flap, dp is the differential pressure measured and p is the density of the gas.

[0131] The flow rate determined in this way can be used to regulate a flow setpoint by means of the flap.

[0132] In particular, for cleaning the opening(s) of the at least one pick-up device, the flap is rotated such that a section of the flap in contact with the pick-up device, especially the sleeve-shaped mounting(s), is moved over the openings for removing dirt. In this case, especially, the flap is rotated out the control range. Thereby, dirt particles can be mechanically removed from the openings.

[0133] Further preferred, the method further comprises a step of measuring at least one further parameter, especially a gas parameter, such as e.g. humidity, temperature, dew point, enthalpy, carbon dioxide concentration, VOC content, and / or particulate matter in the gas. Especially, the carbon dioxide concentration, of the gas in the duct is measured. This allows inter alia for controlling the air quality of the gas in the duct.

[0134] Thereby, preferably, the at least one further parameter is used to control the actuator and thus the positon of the flap as described above.

[0135] In another preferred implementation, the method further comprises the steps of:

[0136] (i) rotating the flap to a first open position, whereby an angle of rotation with respect to the flap in closed position in step (i) is > 0° and < 90°, especially > 40° and < 80°, and measuring a first differential pressure between the fixed position and the further fixed position;

[0137] (ii) rotating the flap to a second open position, whereby an angle of rotation with respect to the flap in closed position in step (ii) is < 0° and > -90°, especially

[0138] < -40° and >-80°, and measuring a second differential pressure between the fixed position and the further fixed position;

[0139] (iii) deriving a dissimilarity coefficient based on the first differential pressure and the second differential pressure, and, especially, correcting the flow rate of the gas in the duct with the dissimilarity coefficient and / or deriving a direction of curvature of the duct from the dissimilarity coefficient.

[0140] In step (i), the flap for example is turned from the closed position in a first sense of direction to the first open position, whereas in step (ii) the flap is turned in a reverse sense of direction, thereby passing the closed position, towards the second position. However, in step (ii), the flap can also be turned further in the first sense of direction into the second position.

[0141] The dissimilarity coefficient for example is the ratio of the differential pressures of steps (i) and (ii) or the ratio of the upstream pressure obtained in step (i) and the downstream pressure obtained in step (ii).

[0142] As it turned out, in the case of dissimilarities, e.g. when the ratio is 1 , an uneven inflow can be concluded, as in the case of a pipe bend. Then the accuracy can be increased by considering the dissimilarity coefficient and / or the bend of the curvature of the duct can be estimated.

[0143] Further preferred, the method further comprises a step of removing the pick-up from the rotary mount and individually cleaning the pick-up and / or the rotary mount. Especially, this procedure is carried out regularly and / or in the event of increased pollution of the gaseous medium. For example, the control unit may be configured to indicate the necessity of performing the removing and cleaning, e.g. via an optical and / or acoustic indicator, and / or to transmit a corresponding signal to an external device, e.g. a control unit of a HVAC system.

[0144] For determining the pollution, air quality data obtained via the at least one air parameter sensor, e.g. a particulate sensor, may be evaluated, e.g. by integrating the particulate sensor signal over time. However, other algorithms may be suitable as well.

[0145] The methods described above can be controlled by the control unit as described above.

[0146] Another aspect of the present invention, which can be implemented independently of the above described drive unit, damper, duct and method, is related to a sensor unit to be installed in a duct, especially a duct of a HVAC system, the sensor unit comprising: a) A measurement unit comprising at least one air parameter sensor, especially at least one pressure sensor for determining at least one air parameter, especially the pressure, of the gaseous medium in the duct; b) At least one pick-up device to be inserted into the duct, whereby the pick-up device comprises at least one opening, especially several openings, that open(s) into the duct at a fixed position when the at least one pick-up device being inserted into the duct, and whereby the at least one opening is in fluid communication with the at least one pressure sensor in the measurement unit, especially via at least one fluid conduit.

[0147] Such a sensor unit can inter alia be used for retrofit existing dampers and / or as an additional sensor unit for use in any of the above described drive unit, damper, duct and method.

[0148] Especially, the measurements unit, pick-up device, and / or sensors are the same as described above in connection with the drive unit, damper and methods according to the invention.

[0149] In particular, the pick-up device of the sensor unit is configured for collecting a partial gas flow at the fixed position and guiding the partial gas flow to the measurement unit, especially via one or more fluid conduit(s). Especially when the at least one pick-up device is inserted into the duct, it protrudes into the duct. This allows do directly measure air parameter, especially the pressure, at the fixed position in the duct.

[0150] Especially, the at least one opening is facing in or against the intended direction of flow of the gas in the duct. In particular, this is meant to be the case when the pick-up device is mounted in the duct. With such a configuration, the air parameter, especially the pressure, in the gas flow at an upstream region of the pickup-device can directly be measured in a reliable manner.

[0151] However, the at least one opening can be arranged in a different location, if desired. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one pick-up device comprises an elongate element, especially a cylindrical element and / or tubular element, with the at least one opening being arranged in a surface area of the elongate body. Thereby, preferably, the one or more fluid conduit(s) are arranged inside the pick-up device, especially inside the elongate body, for connecting the at least one opening with the measurement unit. This configuration results in a highly compact and robust drive unit.

[0152] For example, the at least one pick-up device in particular comprises a cylindrical element with the at least one opening being arranged in a surface area, especially a curved surface area, of the cylindrical element and, preferably, the one or more fluid conduit(s) run(s) inside the pick-up device, especially inside the cylindrical element.

[0153] According to a special embodiment, the cylindrical element is an essentially circular cylindrical element. However, in other embodiments, the cylindrical element can have a base with any other shape, e.g. elliptical, rectangular, regular polygonal or irregular polygonal.

[0154] According to a highly preferred embodiment, if the air parameter sensor comprises at least one pressure sensor, the measurement unit comprises at least one further pressure sensor or the at least one pressure sensor is configured as a differential pressure sensor, such that a differential pressure between the fixed position and a further fixed position, which is different form the fixed position, in the duct can be measured.

[0155] With respect to an intended direction of flow of the gas in the duct, the further fixed position in particular is located upstream or downstream the fixed position. Put differently, the fixed position and the further fixed position preferably are separated with respect to the intended direction of the flow of gas in the duct. Such a configuration allows for measuring a differential pressure between the two locations.

[0156] Especially, the at least one pick-up device comprises at least one further opening, especially several further openings, that open(s) into the duct at a further fixed position when the at least one pick-up device being inserted into the duct, and whereby the further fixed position is different from the fixed position.

[0157] Thereby, the at least one further opening preferably is in fluid communication with the at least one further pressure sensor or the at least one differential pressure sensor in the measurement unit, especially via one or more fluid conduit(s).

[0158] However, the at least one further opening may also be in fluid communication with another further air parameter sensor.Likewise, the at least one opening(s) and the at least one further opening(s) are separated with respect to the intended direction of the flow of gas in the duct, especially such that a differential pressure between an upstream section of the pick-up device and a downstream section of the pick-up device can be measured.

[0159] Also, it is possible to measure a pressure in an upstream section of the pick-up device and another air parameter in a downstream section of the pick-up device or vice versa. Furthermore, two other air parameters, which need not include a pressure, can be measured in the same manner at the different locations. In particular, the at least one further opening is arranged in a surface area, especially a curved surface area, of the elongate element, especially the cylindrical element, whereby, in particular, the at least one opening and the at least on further opening are located on opposite sides of the surface of the elongate element, especially the curved cylindrical surface.

[0160] This allows measuring air parameters, especially a differential pressure, between an upstream surface of the pick-up device and a downstream surface of the pick-up device.

[0161] In particular, the measurement unit is configured to be received at least partly, especially fully, inside the at least one pick-up device, especially inside the elongate element, particularly in a section of the pick-up device located inside the duct. This means that the drive unit can be built even more compactly and / or the measurement unit can be encapsulated inside the at least one pick-up device for better protecting it. However, in other embodiments the measurement unit can be arranged outside the at least one pick-up device, e.g. in a part of a housing of the drive unit and / or in a separate housing.

[0162] Especially, the measurement unit comprises at least one additional sensor selected from a sensor for the determination of gas parameters.

[0163] The sensor for the determination of gas parameters in particular is selected from a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a dew point sensor, an enthalpy sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor and / or a particulate matter sensor.

[0164] Especially, the at least one pick-up device comprises at least one additional opening, especially several additional openings, that open(s) into the duct at an additional position, and whereby the at least one additional opening is in fluid communication with the at least one additional sensor, in the measurement unit, especially via an additional fluid conduit, whereby the additional fluid conduit is gas-tight isolated from the fluid conduit and / or the further fluid conduit. This allows to operate the air parameter sensors, especially the pressure sensor and the additional sensor, in parallel with different flow rates, i.e. the parameters can be determined purely independently of each other.

[0165] The at least one additional sensor, especially a sensor for the determination of gas parameters, preferably is configured to be received at least partly, especially fully, inside the pick-up device, especially inside the elongate element, particularly in a section of the pick-up device and / or the second pick-up device located inside the duct.

[0166] Thus, in general, the sensors of the measurement unit can be present in one common location of the sensor unit, e.g. in the at least one pick-up device, in a part of a housing of the sensor unit, or in a separate housing; or the sensors of the measurement unit can be distributed over several sections of the sensor unit. For example, a part of the sensors can be placed in the at least one pick-up device and a further part of the sensors can be placed in a part of a housing of the sensor unit, and / or in a separate housing.

[0167] In particular, the at least one pick-up device is configured such that a part of the pick-up device comprising the at least one opening, especially the free end of the pick-up device, is detachably connected to a rest of the pick-up device or the part of the pick-up device comprising the at least one opening is materially bonded to the rest of the pick-up device.

[0168] This allows for a modular construction, such that the pick-up device can be adjusted to different installation situations. A detachable connection is beneficial for replacing the part of the pick-up device in case of contamination during operation. However, a materially bonded part is advantageous in terms of security of the connection.

[0169] However, in another embodiment, the at least one pick-up device is configured such that a part of the pick-up device comprising the at least one opening, especially the free end of the pick-up device, is integrally formed with the rest of the pick-up device.

[0170] In particular, the at least one pick-up device and / or the at least a second pick-up device are symmetric with respect to a cross-sectional area comprising the rotary axis and / or with respect to an intended direction of flow of the gaseous medium in the duct.

[0171] This simplifies the installation since installation is independent of the installation direction and / or the flow direction of the gaseous medium.According to a further preferred embodiment, the sensor unit or the at least one pick-up device comprises a control unit, which is configured for reading and controlling the at least in air parameter sensor, especially the at least one pressure sensor, and / or the at least one additional sensor, especially a rotation angle sensor and / or a carbon dioxide sensor, and / or for calculating flow rates and / or for deriving control signals, e.g. position set points, for the actuator. Especially, the control unit comprises a separate communication interface for providing sensor data and / or flow rates and / or control signals, e.g. to the control unit of a drive unit.

[0172] The separate communication interface of the control unit can be a wired and / or a wireless communication interface. A wired communication interface can e.g. be a communication bus and / or an analog signal interface.

[0173] For example, the control unit can be configured for determining a flow rate from a differential pressure measured by the at least one pressure sensor and a flap position measured by the at least an additional sensor, e.g. a rotation angle sensor; and supplying the flow rate determined by the separate control unit of the at least one pick-up device via the communication interface to the control unit of the drive unit.

[0174] Especially, the control unit is configured to perform the methods according to the invention as described above. Especially, the control unit is configured to measure and / or determine the humidity, temperature, dew point, enthalpy, air quality, in particular as described above.

[0175] In particular, in a special embodiment, the sensor unit or the at least one pick-up device is configured as a flow control device for controlling an actuator of a drive unit.

[0176] Other advantageous embodiments and combinations of features result from the detailed description below and the entirety of the claims.

[0177] Brief description of drawings

[0178] The drawings used to explain the embodiments show:

[0179] Fig. 1 A longitudinal section of a drive unit for a damper to control a flow of gas in a duct; Fig. 2 A longitudinal section of a duct with a damper comprising the drive unit of Fig. 1 and whereby a rectangular flap is mounted on the rotary mount of the drive unit;

[0180] Fig. 3 A cross-section of the arrangement shown in Fig. 2 along line A - A;

[0181] Fig. 4 A cross-section of the arrangement shown in Fig. 3 along line B - B;

[0182] Fig. 5 A cross-section of the arrangement shown in Fig. 3 along line B - B after having rotated the flap to the closed position;

[0183] Fig. 6 A cross-section of the arrangement shown in Fig. 3 along line B - B after having rotated the flap to a cleaning position;

[0184] Fig. 7 A longitudinal section of a further duct system with another drive unit on the left side and a sensor unit on the right side;

[0185] Fig. 8 A cross-section along line B - B of Fig. 7;

[0186] Fig. 9 A cross-section of a further arrangement in a bent duct, illustrating a method of obtaining a dissimilarity coefficient for correcting the flow rate of the gas in the duct with the dissimilarity coefficient and / or for deriving a direction of curvature of the duct from the dissimilarity coefficient;

[0187] Fig. 10 A further arrangement in which the pick-up device of Fig. 2 was removed from the rotary mount and installed at a distance in the duct D;

[0188] Fig. 11 A process of installing the pick-up device in the rotary mount and the sleeve-shaped mounting of the flap to obtain the arrangement shown in Fig- 2; Fig. 12 A longitudinal section of a further drive unit according to the invention, whereby the pick-up device is connected to the sensors located on the control unit in the housing of the drive unit via flexible hoses;

[0189] Fig. 13 A longitudinal section of a further drive unit according to the invention, whereby the pressure downstream the pick-up device is picked up via an opening in the duct that is in fluid communication with the differential pressure sensor via a flexible hose;

[0190] Fig. 14 A longitudinal section of a further drive unit according to the invention, whereby the carbon dioxide sensor is arranged at the free end of the pickup and the sensor signal is transmitted to the control unit via an electrical line;

[0191] Fig. 15 A three-dimensional view of a circular cylindrical duct (cut open in longitudinal direction) with a further damper having a circular flap;

[0192] Fig. 16a A top view on a multileaf damper in a duct with rectangular cross-section along a longitudinal axis of the duct;

[0193] Fig. 16b A cross-section along line A - A of Fig. 16a.

[0194] In the figures, the same components are given the same reference symbols.

[0195] Exemplary embodiments

[0196] Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal section of a drive unit 100 for a damper to control a flow of gas FG, especially air, in a duct D, e.g. a duct of a HVAC system. Specifically, the drive unit 100 comprises a rotary mount 110 in the form of a drive sleeve, which is configured for rotatable fastening of a flap to be mounted in the duct D, such that the flap is pivotable around a rotary axis 111 defined by the rotary mount 110 (cf. Fig. 2, which shows the drive unit installed in the duct D with a flap 210). The rotary mount 110 can be driven by an actuator 120 comprising a motor and a gearbox.

[0197] Furthermore, the drive unit 100 comprises a measurement unit 130 with a differential pressure sensor 131 and a carbon dioxide sensor 132.

[0198] Also, the drive unit 100 has a pick-up device 140 to be inserted into a duct D. The pickup device 140 consists of a hollow cylindrical body with an upper part 140.1 and a lower part 140.2, which are detachably connected with each other.

[0199] A longitudinal axis 141 of the pick-up device 140 runs coaxially to the rotary axis 111 of the rotary mount 110.

[0200] The pick-up device 140 is arranged in a mechanically fixed manner with respect to the housing, i.e. the pick-up device 140 cannot rotate around the longitudinal axis 11 1 when it is installed as intended in a duct. Put differently, whereas the rotary mount 110 is pivotable around the rotary axis 111, the pick-up device 140 neither is rotatable around the rotary axis 111 nor the longitudinal axis 141.

[0201] In the lower part 140.2, there are three openings 142a arranged in an upstream surface area of the hollow cylindrical body. The three openings 142a communicate with a first port of the differential pressure sensor 131 via a fluid conduit 143a formed in the lower part 140.2 and a hose 144a in the upper part 140.1 of the hollow cylindrical body. Thus, a pressure at the fixed position P1 at the upstream side of pick-up device 140 can be measured with the differential pressure sensor 131. Likewise, in the lower part 140.2, in a downstream surface area of the hollow cylindrical body, three further openings 142b are present. The three further openings 142b communicate with a second port of the differential pressure sensor 131 via a further and separate fluid conduit 143b formed in the lower part 140.2 and a hose 144b in the upper part 140.1 of the hollow cylindrical body. Thus, a further pressure at the further fixed position P2 at the downstream side of pick-up device 140 can be measured with the differential pressure sensor 131. This allows for determining a differential pressure between the two fixed positions P1 and P2.

[0202] Additionally, in the upper part 140.1, in a downstream surface area of the hollow cylindrical body, there is an additional opening 142c in the downstream surface area of the hollow cylindrical body. The additional opening 142c communicates with a port of the carbon dioxide sensor 132 via an additional and separate fluid conduit 143c formed in the upper part 140.1.

[0203] The measurement unit 130 with the differential pressure sensor 131 and the carbon dioxide sensor 132 is arranged in the upper part 140.1 of the hollow cylindrical body inside the pick-up device 140.

[0204] Additionally, in the upper part 140.1 of the pick-up device 140 a stop element in the form of a protrusion 145 in mechanical contact with the upper edge of the rotary mount 110 is arranged in order to define a specific installation position of the pick-up device in the rotary mount 110.

[0205] The drive unit 100 furthermore comprises a rotation angle sensor 133, e.g. a magnetic sensor, for detecting the rotational position of the rotary mount 110 or a flap that is mounted thereon (cf. Fig. 2). The rotation angle sensor 133 comprises for example a permanent magnet 133.2 fixed at the rotary mount 1 10 and a reading and evaluation subunit 133.1 that is connected to the control unit 150.

[0206] A control unit 150 of the drive unit is configured to control the actuator 120 and thereby to pivot a flap when it is rotatably fastened to the rotary mount 110. Thereby, the control unit 150 is for example configured such that the actuator 120 is controlled taking into consideration the differential pressure determined with the sensor 131 and / or the carbon dioxide content determined with the sensor 132. The drive unit 100 comprises a housing 160 to be arranged outside the duct D. Apart from the rotary mount 110 and the pick-up device 140, which protrude out of the housing 160 for further protruding into a duct D through a single opening in the duct D, all of the other components are comprised with the housing 160.

[0207] Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal section of a duct D with a damper 200 comprising the drive unit 100 of Fig. 1 whereby a rectangular flap 210 is mounted on the rotary mount 110. The flap 210 can be pivoted between an open positions and a fully closed position, in which the duct D is completely closed by the flap 210. Fig. 3 shows a cross-section of the arrangement shown in Fig. 2 along line A - A. Fig. 4, 5 and 6 show cross-sections of the arrangement shown in Fig. 3 along line B - B, whereby the flap is shown in different rotation positions. The positions shown in Fig. 2 - 5 are within the control range of the flap 210, whereas the position shown in Fig. 6 is a special position outside the control range.

[0208] The flap 210 comprises a first section 211a and a second section 211 b, which are arranged at a sleeve-shaped mounting 212 in the form of a cylindrical tubular element. Section 211a and section 211 b are offset against each other, such that the first section 211a is located in a first plane and the second section 211 b is located in a second plane. The two planes are plane parallel and separated from each other by a distance of for example 80% of a diameter of the pick-up device 140.

[0209] The sleeve-shaped mounting 212 is configured for receiving the pick-up device 140, i.e. the section of the upper part 140.1 and the lower part 140.2. Thereby, the pick-up device 140 forms a mechanical axis for the flap 210, such that the flap can be pivoted around the pick-up device 140.

[0210] The sleeve-shaped mounting 212 comprises a first cut-out 213a, which is configured such that the flap 210 does not cover the openings 142a, whereas a second cut-out 213b is configured such that the flap 210 does not cover the openings 142b, when the flap 210 is operated in the control range. Likewise, a third cut-out 213c, is configured such that the flap 210 does not cover the opening 142c when the flap is operated in the control range.

[0211] The position of the flap 210 shown in Fig. 4 is a partly open position, whereas the position shown in Fig. 5 is a fully closed position. Thereby, in these positions within the operation range of the flap 210, the flap 210 does not cover the openings 142a, 142b (and 142c, not shown in these Figs.). Thus, the sensors of the sensor unit 130 are in direct fluid communication with the flow of gas FG in the duct.

[0212] However, the situation shown in Fig. 6 is a special cleaning position, in which the sleeve shaped mounting 212 is moved over the openings 142a, 142b (and 142c, not shown in these Figs.) for mechanically removing dirt. The cleaning position in Fig. 6 can be reached form the closed position as shown in Fig. 5 or from an open position.

[0213] Fig. 7 shows a longitudinal section of a further duct system according to the invention. On the left side of Fig. 7, a drive unit 100' is shown. The drive unit 100' comprises a rotary mount 110' in the form of a hollow sleeve, which is configured for rotatable fastening of flap 210', such that the flap 210' is pivotable around a rotary axis 111 ' defined by the rotary mount 110'. The rotary mount 110' and therefore the flap 210' too can be driven by an actuator 120' comprising a motor and a gearbox.

[0214] Furthermore, the drive unit 100' comprises a measurement unit 130' with a pressure sensor 131 '.

[0215] Furthermore, the drive unit 100' comprises a pick-up device 140', which is inserted into the duct D'. The pick-up device 140' consists of an integrally formed hollow cylindrical body.

[0216] A longitudinal axis 1411of the pick-up device 140' runs coaxially to the rotary axis 111 ' of the rotary mount 1 10'. The pick-up device 140' is arranged in a mechanically fixed manner with respect to the housing 160', i.e. the pick-up device 140' cannot rotate around the longitudinal axis 111 '. Put differently, whereas the rotary mount 110' is pivotable around the rotary axis 1 11 ', the pick-up device 140' neither is rotatable around the rotary axis 111 ' nor the longitudinal axis 141 '.

[0217] In the lower part of the pick-up device 140', there are three openings 142a' arranged in an upstream surface area of the hollow cylindrical body. The three openings 142a' communicate with a port of the pressure sensor 131 ' via a fluid conduit 143a' formed in the lower part of pick-up-device 140' and a hose 144a' in the upper part of the hollow cylindrical body of the pick-up-device 140'. Thus, a pressure at the fixed position P1 at the upstream side of pick-up device 140' can be measured with the pressure sensor 131 '.

[0218] The measurement unit 130' with the pressure sensor 131 ' is arranged in the upper part of the hollow cylindrical body inside the pick-up device 140'.

[0219] The drive unit 100' furthermore comprises a rotation angle sensor 133', e.g. an inductive gearwheel sensor, for detecting the rotational position of the rotary mount 110' or a flap 210' that is mounted thereon.

[0220] On the right side of Fig. 7, a sensor unit 300 comprising a second pick-up 340 is arranged.

[0221] Furthermore, the sensor unit 300 comprises a second measurement unit 330 with a second pressure sensor 331 and a carbon dioxide sensor 332.

[0222] The second pick-up 340 is arranged in a mechanically fixed manner with respect to a housing 360 of the sensor unit 300. The second pick-up device 340, which is inserted into the duct D' consists of a second integrally formed hollow cylindrical body.

[0223] In the lower part 340.2 of the second pick-up device 340, there are three further openings 342a arranged in an upstream surface area of the hollow cylindrical body. The three further openings 342a communicate with a port of a further pressure sensor 331 via a further fluid conduit 343a formed in the lower part 340.2 of pick-up-device 340 and a hose 344a in the upper part 340.1 of the hollow cylindrical body of the second pick-up device 340. Thus, a pressure at the fixed position P2 at the upstream side of the second pick-up device 340 can be measured with the pressure sensor 331. In connection with the pressure sensor 131 ' in the pick-up device 140', a differential pressure between the first and the second fixed position P1 and P2 can be measured.

[0224] Additionally, in the upper part 340.1 of the second pick-up device 340, in a downstream surface area of the hollow cylindrical body, there is an additional opening 342c. The additional opening 342c communicates with a port of the carbon dioxide sensor 332 via an additional fluid conduit 343c formed inside the upper part of the second pick-up 340.

[0225] The measurement unit 330 with the pressure sensor 331 and the carbon dioxide sensor 332 is arranged in the upper part of the hollow cylindrical body inside the second pickup device 340 and is connected to the control unit 150', e.g. via signal lines (dashed lines).

[0226] The control unit 150' of the drive unit 100' is configured to control the actuator 120' and thereby to pivot the rotary mount 110' or the flap 210', respectively. Thereby, the control unit 150' is for example configured such that the actuator 120' is controlled taking into consideration the pressures determined with sensors 131, 331 and / or the carbon dioxide content determined with the sensor 332.

[0227] As shown in Fig. 8, which shows a cross-section along line B - B of Fig. 7, the flap 210' is similar to the flap 210 but the two sections 211a', 211 b' are arranged in a common plane without any offset.

[0228] Fig. 9 shows a cross-section of a further arrangement according to the invention in a bent duct D". Thereby, the drive unit 100 of Fig. 1 is installed in the bent duct D" similar to the situation shown in Fig. 2 and 3. However, instead of flap 210, flap 210' shown in Fig. 7 and 8 is arranged on the pick-up 140 of the drive unit 100. With the situation illustrated in solid lines, the flap 210' was rotated from the fully closed position to the left side by an angle of for example 40° to a first partly open position. Thereby, a first differential pressure between the upstream side (first fixed position P1 ') and the downstream side of the pick-up 140 (second fixed position P2') can be measured via the openings 142a, 142b.

[0229] Subsequently, the flap 210' was rotated to the right side (i.e. in a reverse direction) by an angle of for example -40° (with respect to the fully closed position) to a second partly open position, which is illustrated in Fig. 9 by the dashed sections 211a", 211 b" of the flap. Thereby, a second differential pressure between the upstream side (first fixed position PT) and the downstream side of the pick-up 140 (second fixed position P2') can be measured via the openings 142a, 142b.

[0230] A dissimilarity coefficient can then be derived from the first differential pressure and the second differential pressure, e.g. by calculation the ratio of the differential pressures.

[0231] Fig. 11 shows a process of installing the pick-up device 140 in the rotary mount 110 and the sleeve-shaped mounting 212 of the flap 210 to obtain the arrangement shown in Fig. 2. Thereby, the pick-up device 140 is introduced into the rotary mount 110 along the rotary axis of the flap 210 from an outside of the duct D.

[0232] Fig. 12 shows a longitudinal section of a further drive unit 100* according to the invention. The drive unit 100* in large part is similar in design to the drive unit 100 of Fig. 1. However, with drive unit 100*, the differential pressure sensor 131* and the carbon dioxide sensor 132* are integrated in the control unit 150* in the housing 160*.

[0233] Thereby, with pick-up device 140* of drive unit 100*, the three openings 142a in the lower part 140.2 of the hollow cylindrical body communicate with a first port of the differential pressure sensor 131 * in the control unit 150* via the fluid conduit 143a formed in the lower part 140.2 and a flexible hose 144a*. Likewise the three further openings 142b in the in the lower part 140.2 of the hollow cylindrical body communicate with a second port of the differential pressure sensor 131* in the control unit 150* via the fluid conduit 143b formed in the lower part 140.2 and a further flexible hose 144b*.

[0234] Additionally, in the upper part 140.1, in a downstream surface area of the hollow cylindrical body, there is an additional opening 142c.1 in the upstream surface area of the hollow cylindrical body. The opening 142c.1 communicates with a first port of the carbon dioxide sensor 132* via a flexible hose 144c.1. Additionally, in the upper part 140.1, in a downstream surface area of the hollow cylindrical body, there is a second opening 142c.2. The opening 142c.2 communicates with a second port of the carbon dioxide sensor 132* via an additional and separate fluid conduit 143c* formed in the upper part 140.1 and a flexible hose 144c.2. When compared to the embodiment of Fig. 1, this allows for better flushing the gas to be measured through the longer hoses and the carbon dioxide sensor 132*.

[0235] Fig. 13 shows a longitudinal section of a further drive unit 100** according to the invention. The drive unit 100** in large part is similar in design to the drive unit 100* of Fig. 12.

[0236] However, the pick-up device 140** of drive unit 100**, does not comprise the three openings 142b in the lower part 140.2 of the hollow cylindrical body and there is only a fluid conduit 143a that communicates with a first port of the differential pressure sensor 131* in the control unit 150* via the flexible hose 144a**. Additionally, an opening 142b** in the duct D at position P2 downstream the pick-up device 140** is in fluid communication with a second port of the differential pressure sensor 131* in the control unit 150* via a flexible hose 144b**. Thus, in this embodiment, no second pick-up is used to pick up the pressure at the second position P2.

[0237] Fig. 14 shows a longitudinal section of a further drive unit 100*** according to the invention. The drive unit 100*** in large part is similar in design to the drive unit 100* of Fig. 12. However, with the pick-up device 140*** of drive unit 100*** the carbon dioxide sensor 132*** is arranged at the bottom of the pick-up device 140*** such that the sensor 132***, via opening 142c.1 ***, is in direct contact with the gas in the duct D. Therefore, no separate fluid conduit 143c*, second opening 142c.2 and conduits 144c.1 are required. Instead, the sensor signal from the carbon dioxide sensor 132*** is transmitted via an electrical line (indicated by a dashed line) to the control unit 150***.

[0238] Fig. 15 shows a three-dimensional view of a circular cylindrical duct D" (cut open in longitudinal direction) with a damper 1200. The damper 1200 comprises a drive unit 1100, which is similar in design to drive unit 100 of Fig. 1. Specifically, the drive unit 1100 comprises a rotary mount 1110 in the form of a drive sleeve, which is configured for rotatable fastening of a flap 1210 such that the flap is pivotable around a rotary axis 1111. Furthermore, the drive unit 1 100 for example comprises a rotation angle sensor, a differential pressure sensor, a carbon dixoxide sensor, an actuator and a gearbox in the housing 1160 of the drive unit. The actuator may comprise a hysteresis compensation, e.g. in the form of a preloaded spring in the actuator, a preloaded gearbox and / or a software compensation, to compensate for changes of the actuator caused by wear, tear, humidity, temperature, dirt, and the like.

[0239] On the rotary mount 1 110, a circular flap 1210 is mounted, which can be pivoted between an open position and a fully closed position, in which the duct D" is completely closed by the flap 1210.

[0240] Also, the drive unit 1100 has a pick-up device 1140 that is inserted in the duct D". The pick-up device 1140 consists of a hollow cylindrical body with an upper part 1140.1 and a lower part 1140.2, which are detachably connected with each other.

[0241] The rotary mount 1110 may for example be interconnected via a dovetail connection with the 1160 housing of the drive unit. In this manner the pick-up device 1140 can be fixed in a twist-proof manner in the rotary mount 1 110. In the lower part 1 140.2, there are several openings 1142a arranged in an upstream surface area of the hollow cylindrical body. The openings 1142a communicate with a first port of the differential pressure sensor inside the housing of the drive unit 1100. Likewise, in the lower part 1140.2, in a downstream surface area of the hollow cylindrical body (not visible in Fig. 15), further openings are present, which communicate with a second port of the differential pressure sensor. This allows for determining a differential pressure between the upstream and the downstream side of the flap 1210.

[0242] Additionally, in the upper part 1140.1, in an upstream surface area of the hollow cylindrical body, there is an additional opening 1142c. The additional opening 1142c communicates with the carbon dioxide sensor inside the housing of the drive unit 1100.

[0243] Specifically, the flap comprises three sleeve-shaped mountings 1212 in the form of cylindrical tubular elements for receiving the mechanical axis formed by pick-up device 1140. In between the sleeve-shaped mountings 1212, there are two cut-outs 1213, which are configured such that the flap 1210 does not cover the openings 1142a, 1142c on the upstream side and the openings on the downstream side, when the flap 1210 is operated in the control range, i.e. similar as described above in connection with Fig. 3ff.

[0244] Fig. 16a shows a top view on a multileaf damper 2200 in a duct D'" with a rectangular cross-section in a view along a longitudinal axis of the duct. In Fig, 16b, a cross-section along line A - A of Fig. 16a is shown. The multileaf damper 2200 comprises four flaps 221O.a, 221O.b that are pivotable around individual rotary axes 2111a, 2111 b (indicated by circular arrows in Fig. 16b) and that are similar with respect to their shape. The axes 2111a, 2111 b are aligned in parallel. In a closed position, the flaps 2210a, 2210b of the multileaf damper partially overlap with their edges to achieve a tight closure. For controlling the flow of the gas in the duct D'", the flaps 2210a, 2210b of the multileaf damper 2200 are rotated simultaneously, whereby, e.g., neighboring flaps are rotated in opposite directions. Specifically, the topmost leaf (comprising flap 221O.a) of the multileaf clamper 2200 is designed similarly to the damper shown Fig. 2. Thus, the topmost leaf of the multileaf damper 2200 comprises a rotary mount, which is configured for rotatable fastening the topmost flap 221O.a of the multileaf damper, an actuator for pivoting the flap 221O.a, a measurement unit and a pick-up device, whereby the components are configured as described above in connection with Fig. 2 (these components are not shown in Fig. 16a, 16b).

[0245] The further leafs (comprising flaps 2210.b) of the multileaf damper 2200 only comprise the flaps 2210.b that are mounted on a rotary axis. Thereby, the actuator associated with the first flap 221O.a is configured for pivoting all of the flaps 221O.a, 2210. b simultaneously, whereby the flaps are driven by a gearbox (not shown in Fig. 16a, 16b) synchronizing the pivoting of the individual flaps.A control unit (not shown) of the multileaf damper 2200 is for example configured to control the actuator and thereby to pivot the flaps 221O.a, 2210. b taking into consideration the data obtained with the measurement unit, especially a pressure difference between the upstream and the downstream side of the multileaf damper and / or the carbon dioxide content.

[0246] Thus, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restricted.

[0247] For example, measurement unit 130 in Fig. 1 can be arranged in a lower position within the hollow body of the pick-up 140, e.g. such that all of the sensors 131, 132 are located inside the duct D when the drive unit 100 is installed on the duct D as shown in Fig. 2 and 3. Alternatively, one or more of the sensors 131, 132 or the complete measurement unit can be placed outside the pick-up 140, e.g. in a separate part of the housing 160. The same is true for the measurement units 130', 330 of the arrangement shown in Fig. 7. Also, depending on the cross-section of the ducts D, D', D", the flaps 210, 210' can have other shapes, e.g. circular or elliptical.

[0248] In Fig. 7, the second pick-up 340 can for example be integrated in drive unit 100' or its housing 160' to provide a single drive unit.

[0249] Additionally, the control units 150, 150' may comprise an interface for connecting the drive unit with other components, e.g. higher-level control units, additional sensor units, and the like. The interface can be a wired and / or a wireless interface.

[0250] In Fig. 10, the pick-up device 140 can have an additional control unit, which is configured for reading and controlling the sensors and / or calculating flow rates. Thereby, data can be provided to the control unit of the drive unit 200', e.g. via additional data lines, especially via a communication bus.

[0251] Furthermore, the pick-up device 140 of Fig. 10 can have a separate control unit that may be configured for reading and controlling the pressure sensor, the carbon dioxide sensor and the rotation angle sensor, and calculating flow rates and / or deriving control signals, e.g. position set points, for the actuator in drive unit 100.

[0252] Especially, the separate control unit comprises a separate communication interface, e.g. a communication bus and / or an analog signal interface, for providing sensor data and / or flow rates and / or control signals to the control unit of the drive unit.

[0253] Also, in Fig. 12, for example, the flexible hoses 144a*, 144b* can be arranged differently, e.g. such that they leave the pick-up device 140 at the lower end and protrude through additional feedthroughs in the duct. In this case, the flexible hoses can be guided around the duct.

[0254] In summary, it is to be noted that the invention provides highly beneficial drive units, dampers, sensor units and duct arrangements that are in particular suitable for use in HVAC systems.

Claims

Claims1. Drive unit (100) for a damper to control a flow of gas (FG), especially air, in a duct (D), especially a duct of a HVAC system, the drive unit comprising: a) A rotary mount (110) which is configured for rotatable fastening of a flap (210) to be mounted in the duct (D), such that the flap (210) is pivotable around a rotary axis (111) defined by the rotary mount (110) for controlling the flow of the gas in the duct (D); b) An actuator (120), especially to be mounted outside the duct (D), for pivoting the flap (210) when it is rotatably fastened to the rotary mount (110); c) A measurement unit (130) comprising at least one air parameter sensor for determining at least one air parameter of the gas in the duct (D), especially at least one pressure sensor (131, 131 ') for determining at least one pressure of the gas in the duct (D); d) At least one pick-up device (140) to be inserted into the duct (D), whereby the pick-up device comprises at least one opening (142a), especially several openings, that open(s) into the duct (D) at a fixed position (P1) when the at least one pick-up device (140) being inserted into the duct (D), and whereby the at least one opening (142a) is in fluid communication with the at least one air parameter sensor, especially the at least one pressure sensor (131,131 '), of the measurement unit (130), especially via one or more fluid conduit(s) (143a, 144a); e) Whereby the at least one pick-up device and the rotary mount are configured such that the at least one pick-up device can be installed such that the rotary axis (111) defined by the rotary mount runs (110) essentially along a longitudinal axis (141) of the at least one pick-up device (140).

2. Drive unit according to claim 1, whereby the at least one air parameter sensor comprises the at least one pressure sensor (131,131 ').

3. Drive unit according to any of preceding claims, whereby the at least one air parameter sensor comprises a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a dew point senor, an enthalpy sensor and / or an air quality sensor, the air quality sensor in particular being selected from a carbon monoxide sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a nitrogen oxide (NO, NO2) sensor, a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor and / or a particulate matter sensor.

4. Drive unit according to claim to any of preceding claims, whereby the at least one pick-up device (140) forms a fixed mechanical axis around which the flap (210) can rotate and / or on which the flap (210) can be rotatably mounted.

5. Drive unit according to any of preceding claims, whereby the at least one pick-up device (140) comprises an elongate element, especially a cylindrical element and / or tubular element, with the at least one opening (142a) being arranged in a surface area of the elongate body and, preferably, a fluid conduit (143a, 144a) runs inside the pickup device (140), especially inside the elongate body.

6. Drive unit according to claim 2 or according to any of claims 3 - 5 when dependent on claim 2, whereby the measurement unit (130) comprises at least one further pressure sensor (331), or the at least one pressure sensor (131) is configured as a differential pressure sensor, such that a differential pressure between the fixed position (P1) and a further fixed position (P2), which is different from the fixed position, in the duct (D) can be measured, when the drive unit being installed in the duct.

7. Drive unit according to claim 6, whereby, with respect to an intended direction of flow of the gas in the duct, the further fixed position (P2) is located upstream or downstream from the fixed position (P1).

8. Drive unit according to any of claims 6 - 7, whereby the at least one pick-up device (140) comprises at least one further opening (142b), especially several further openings, that open(s) into the duct (D) at the further fixed position (P2) when the at least one pick-up device (140) being inserted into the duct (D), and whereby the further fixed position (P2) is different from the fixed position (P1), and whereby the at least one further opening (142b) is in fluid communication with the at least one further pressure sensor or the at least one differential pressure sensor (131) in the measurement unit (130), especially via a further fluid conduit (143b, 144b).

9. Drive unit according to any of claims 6 - 8, whereby the drive unit (100) comprises at least a second pick-up device (340) to be inserted into the duct (D) at a different position than the at least one pick-up device (140), whereby the second pick-up device (340) comprises the at least one further opening (342a), especially the several further openings, that open(s) into the duct (D) at the further fixed position (P2), and whereby the at least one further opening (342a) is in fluid communication with the at least one further pressure sensor (331) or the at least one differential pressure sensor (131).

10. Drive unit according to any of preceding claims, whereby the measurement unit (130) is configured to be received at least partly, especially fully, inside the at least one pickup device (140), especially inside the elongate element, particularly in a section of the pick-up device (140) located inside the duct (D).

11. Drive unit according to any of preceding claims, whereby the measurement unit (130) further comprises at least one additional sensor (132, 133) selected from a rotation angle sensor for detecting the rotational position of the flap, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a dew point sensor, an enthalpy sensor and / or an air quality sensor, the air quality sensor in particular being selected from a carbon monoxide sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a nitrogen oxide (NO, NO2) sensor, a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor and / or a particulate matter sensor.

12. Drive unit according to claim 1 1, whereby the measurement unit (130) comprises at least the rotation angle sensor (133) for detecting the rotational position and the carbon dioxide sensor (132).

13. Drive unit according to any of preceding claims, whereby the at least one pick-up device (140) comprises at least one additional opening (142c), especially several additional openings, that open(s) into the duct (D) at an additional position, and whereby the at least one additional opening (142c) is in fluid communication with the at least one additional sensor (132) in the measurement unit (130), especially via an additional fluid conduit (143c), whereby the additional fluid conduit (143c) is gastight isolated from the fluid conduit (143a, 144a) and / or the further fluid conduit (143b, 144b).

14. Drive unit according to any of the preceding claims, whereby the at least one pick-up device (140) is configured such that a part (140.2) of the pick-up device (140) comprising the at least one opening (142a), especially a free end of the pick-up device projecting away from the actuator (120), is detachably connected to a rest (140.1) of the pick-up device (140) or the part (140.2) of the pick-up device (140) comprising the at least one opening (142a) is materially bonded to the rest (140.1) of the pickup device (140).

15. Drive unit according to any of preceding claims, whereby the actuator (120) is configured for rotating the rotary mount (110) or a part of it, while the at least one pick-up device (140) remains in a fixed position, especially such that the flap (210) is rotated when the flap is being installed on the rotary mount (110).

16. Drive unit according to any of preceding claims, whereby the at least one pick-up device and / or the at least one second pick-up device is / are symmetric with respect to a cross-sectional area comprising the rotary axis and / or with respect to an intended direction of flow of the gaseous medium in the duct (D).

17. Drive unit according to any of preceding claims, whereby the actuator comprises a hysteresis compensation, in particular in the form of a preloaded spring in the actuator, a preloaded gearbox and / or a software compensation in the control unit.

18. Drive unit according to any of preceding claims, whereby the rotary mount is configured for rotatable fastening of two or more individual flaps to be mounted in the duct, such that the flaps are pivotable around the rotary axis defined by the rotary mount for controlling the flow of the gas in the duct, especially such that the individual flaps are pivotable independently of each other and / or in a coordinated manner.

19. Drive unit according to any of preceding claims, whereby the drive unit is configured as a drive unit for a multileaf damper.

20. Damper (200) to control a flow of gas (FG), especially air, in a duct (D), especially a duct of a HVAC system, comprising a drive unit (100) according to any of preceding claims and a flap (210) is rotatably fastened to the rotary mount (110) such that the flap (210) is pivotable around the rotary axis (11 1) defined by the rotary mount (110) for controlling the flow of the gas (FG) in the duct (D), when the damper (D) is being installed in the duct (D).

21. Damper according to claim 20, whereby the at least one pick-up device (140) forms a fixed mechanical axis around which the flap (210) can rotate and / or on which the flap (210) is rotatably mounted.

22. Damper according to any of claims 20 - 21, whereby, with respect to an intended direction of flow of the gaseous medium in the duct (D), the flap (210) is configured such that the flap (210) does not cover the at least one opening (142a) when the flap (210) is operated in a control range.

23. Damper according to any of claims 21 - 22, whereby the flap (210) comprises at least one, especially at least two, sleeve-shaped mounting(s) (212) for receiving the mechanical axis formed by the at least one pick-up device (140).

24. Damper according to claim 23, whereby the sleeve-shaped mounting(s) (212) comprise(s) one or more cut-outs (213a), which are configured such that the flap (210) does not cover the opening (142a) when it is operated in the control range.

25. Damper according to any of claims 22 - 24, whereby the flap (210) has a first section (211a) and a second section (211 b), especially a first half and a second half, whereby the first section (211a) and the second section (211 b) are offset against each other, especially such that the first section (211a) is located in a first plane and the second section (211 b) is located in a second plane, whereby the two planes are plane parallel and separated from each other, especially, by a distance of 5 - 300%, especially 10 - 200%, in particular 20 - 100%, of a maximum diameter of a cross-section of the pick-up device (140), especially the cylindrical element, protruding into the duct (D).

26. Damper according to any of claims 22 - 25, whereby two or more individual flaps are mounted in the duct, such that the flaps are pivotable around the rotary axis defined by the rotary mount for controlling the flow of the gas in the duct, especially such that the individual flaps are pivotable independently of each other and / or in a coordinated manner.

27. Damper according to any of claims 22 - 26, whereby the damper is configured as a multileaf damper, whereby, preferably, the actuator is configured for pivoting all of the flaps simultaneously.

28. Duct (D, D', D'"), especially a duct of a HVAC system, comprising a drive unit (100) according to any of claims 1 - 19 or a damper (200) according to any of claims 20 - 27.

29. Duct according to claim 28, whereby the pick-up device (140) protrudes into the duct in a direction perpendicular to the intended direction of gas flow (FG) in the duct (D).

30. Method comprising the step of measuring an air parameter, especially a pressure, of a gas in duct (D) with a drive unit according to any of claims 1 - 19 or with a damper according to any of claims 20 - 27 or with a duct according to any of claims 28 - 29.

31. Method according to claim 30, whereby a pressure of a gas in duct (D) is measured.

32. Method according to any of claims 30 - 31, whereby humidity, temperature, dew point, enthalpy, carbon dioxide concentration, VOC content, and / or particulate matter, of the gas in the duct (D1) is measured.

33. Method according to any of claims 30 - 32, whereby (i) a differential pressure between the fixed position (P1) and the further fixed position (P2) is measured, and (ii) the flow rate of the gas in the duct is derived by considering the differential pressure.

34. Method according to claim 33 whereby (i) a differential pressure between the fixed position (P1) and the further fixed position (P2) is measured, and (ii) the rotational position of the flap (210) is determined, and (iii) the flow rate of the gas in the duct is derived from the differential pressure and the rotational position.

35. Method according to any of claims 30 - 34, whereby before measuring the pressure and / or deriving the flow rate of the gas, the flap is partly closed to achieve a predefined differential pressure, e.g. at least 1 Pa.

36. Method according to any of claims 30 - 35, whereby for cleaning the opening(s) (142a) of the at least one pick-up device (140), the flap (210) is rotated such that a section of the flap in contact with the pick-up device, especially the sleeve-shaped mounting(s) (212), is moved over the openings (142a) for removing dirt.

37. Method according to claim 31 or according to any of claims 32 - 36 when dependent on claim 31, further comprising the step of measuring at least one further parameter, especially humidity, temperature, dew point, enthalpy, carbon dioxide concentration, VOC content, and / or particulate matter, of the gas in the duct (D1).

38. Method according to any of claims 30 - 37 further comprises a step of removing the pick-up from the rotary mount and individually cleaning the pick-up and / or the rotary mount, whereby, especially, this procedure is carried out regularly and / or in the event of increased pollution of the gaseous medium.

39. Method according to claim 31 or according to any of claims 32 - 38 when dependent on claim 31, further comprising the steps of:(i) rotating the flap (210') to a first open position, whereby an angle of rotation with respect to the flap in closed position in step (i) is > 0° and < 90°, especially > 40° and < 80°, and measuring a first differential pressure between the fixed position (P11) and the further fixed position (P21);(ii) rotating the flap (210') to a second open position, whereby an angle of rotation with respect to the flap in closed position in step (ii) is < 0° and > -90°, especially < -40° and > -80°, and measuring a second differential pressure between the fixed position (PT) and the further fixed position (P21);(iii) deriving a dissimilarity coefficient based on the first differential pressure and the second differential pressure, and, especially, correcting the flow rate of the gas in the duct with the dissimilarity coefficient and / or deriving a direction of curvature of the duct from the dissimilarity coefficient.

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