Control device for a thermo-hygrometric air conditioning system for rooms, related process and apparatus

Abstract

A control device (10) for controlling an apparatus (100, 200) for dehumidifying and / or cooling an internal environment (20, 120) comprises: a temperature sensor (11) for detecting a temperature of the air inside the environment (20, 120), a relative humidity sensor (12) configured to detect a relative humidity of the air in the environment (20), a surface temperature sensor (13) configured to detect a surface temperature on an internal surface of a wall (21, 22) of the environment (20, 120), and a control unit (14) operationally connected to said sensors (11, 12, 13) and to said apparatus (100).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention concerns a control device for efficiently and effectively controlling an apparatus for the hygrothermal conditioning of an environment, for example a domestic, industrial, commercial or sports environment, such as for example swimming pools, spas and suchlike. The invention also concerns a hygrothermal conditioning apparatus comprising this control device and a method for the hygrothermal conditioning of an environment.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Hygrothermal conditioning apparatuses are known, used to modify the temperature and humidity inside an environment in order to bring them to defined values that are comfortable for users.

[0003] It is also known that high humidity levels in an environment can on the one hand create uncomfortable conditions for a user, particularly if the temperature is high, and on the other hand create favorable conditions for the generation of molds.

[0004] This disadvantage is particularly evident in environments where there is an internal latent load. For example, in the case of a home, this load is usually produced in the kitchen during the cooking of food and in the bathroom during the use of the shower or bathtub, that is, where steam is generated.

[0005] The humidity produced tends to migrate to the coldest zones of the house, resulting in formations of surface condensation that over time can lead to mold formation or even damage to the plaster or, in the most severe cases, to the supporting structure.

[0006] Similar problems are also found, for example, in professional kitchens, in dairies, in the changing rooms of sports buildings or facilities, and in swimming pools or spas.

[0007] To try to solve these problems, depending on the type of environments to be dehumidified, in addition to the air currents that can be obtained by opening doors and / or windows, portable dehumidifying apparatuses, ventilation apparatuses or air recirculation systems, for example of the controlled mechanical ventilation type, are generally used.

[0008] These apparatuses are normally activated manually, when a user feels the need to dehumidify an environment, or in an automated manner, on the basis of hygrothermal characteristics of the environment detected by means of temperature or relative humidity sensors.

[0009] However, these activation modes do not allow to efficiently control the humidity inside the environments while optimizing energy consumption.

[0010] This is more evident in environments such as swimming pools or similar premises where there is always a certain level of humidity and excessive dehumidification could result in, as well as high energy consumption, also excessive evaporation of the water in the pool itself, requiring frequent topping-ups and therefore an unwanted waste of water.

[0011] CN117419429A discloses a dehumidification control system for internal environments, in particular for indoor swimming pools, which uses an anti-condensation sensor installed on the internal surface of a cold wall. When the sensor detects that the temperature of the wall is approaching the dew point temperature of the air in the environment to be treated, the control device automatically lowers a set air humidity value, thereby reducing the dew point temperature of the air and preventing any condensation from forming on the cold surfaces. The system disclosed in CN117419429A is of the static type and requires a change of the value set for the relative humidity.

[0012] DE102008044439A1 discloses a control device and a method for the automatic ventilation of underground premises.

[0013] CN111697439A discloses an air-conditioned anti-condensation electrical cabinet, comprising a body inside which a relay protection device is disposed.

[0014] There is therefore the need to perfect a control device for controlling a hygrothermal conditioning apparatus and a hygrothermal conditioning method which can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0015] To do this, it is necessary to solve the technical problem of effectively controlling the activation and operation of a hygrothermal conditioning apparatus.

[0016] One purpose of the present invention is to provide a control device and perfect a hygrothermal conditioning method which allow to maintain a desired level of humidity in an environment while simultaneously reducing consumption to a minimum, in particular energy consumption and, in the case of swimming pools or generally other environments in which pools are present, also water consumption.

[0017] Another purpose of the invention is to provide a control device and perfect a hygrothermal conditioning method that provide a targeted activation of a hygrothermal conditioning apparatus in order to balance user comfort and energy consumption.

[0018] A further purpose of the invention is to provide a control device and perfect a hygrothermal conditioning method that safely and effectively prevent the formation of mold in an environment.

[0019] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a control device that can be applied both to newly produced hygrothermal conditioning or dehumidifying apparatuses and also to already existing hygrothermal conditioning or dehumidifying apparatuses with minimal modifications and adaptations.

[0020] Another purpose of the invention is to perfect a control device and a corresponding method that are highly automated, dynamic, and capable of adapting to different situations and hygrothermal conditions.

[0021] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0023] In accordance with the above purposes and to solve the technical problem described above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, a control device for controlling an apparatus for the hygrothermal conditioning of environments according to the present invention comprises: a sensor configured to detect a temperature of the air inside an environment to be controlled; a sensor configured to detect a relative humidity of the air in the environment to be controlled; a sensor configured to detect a surface temperature of a wall delimiting the environment; and a control unit operationally connected to the sensors and to the apparatus, and configured to process the data in order to determine a dew point temperature correlated to the temperatures and relative humidities of the environment, compare it with the surface temperature and, on the basis of the outcome of the comparison, evaluate whether to activate the apparatus in order to modify the hygrothermal conditions of the environment so as to obtain a value of the dew point temperature lower than the surface temperature.

[0024] This solution allows to obtain an optimal relative humidity level inside a certain environment in a new way compared to known solutions, since it does not depend on the measurements made by a hygrostat but is based directly on the information detected in a zone at risk of condensation, namely, a wall of the environment.

[0025] The control device according to the invention comprises a water temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the water inside a tub provided in the environment and the control unit is configured to determine, on the basis of the data detected by the water temperature sensor, a saturation pressure value of the air over the free surface of the water, referred to the temperature of the water and, on the basis of the data detected by the air temperature and humidity sensors and the surface temperature sensor, a maximum relative humidity value to be kept inside the environment such that the saturation pressure of the air over the free surface of the water in the tub, referred to the temperature of the water, and a vapor pressure of the air over the free surface of the water are equivalent, and consequently command the apparatus to keep the air's relative humidity within the range of the maximum relative humidity.

[0026] The concept behind the control device according to the invention can be defined as "pressure balance temperature". As is known, in an evaporation system, the difference in vapor pressure between the liquid and the surrounding atmosphere pushes the liquid to evaporate and transfer into the gaseous phase (air / atmosphere); this process continues until the vapor pressure of the liquid, exerted on the free surface of the water, and the partial pressure of the vapor in the surrounding environment reach a condition of balance.

[0027] To limit the amount of water evaporated from a tub in an internal environment, the control unit according to the invention is configured to transform a thermal type signal, detected by the water temperature sensor, into a pressure signal, which is processed together with the value of the vapor pressure of the internal air of the pool environment, allowing to command the hygrothermal conditioning apparatus in order to reach the condition of balance between the pressure of the liquid exerted on the free surface of the water and the pressure of the surrounding environment.

[0028] The sensor that detects the temperature of the water in fact helps to determine the maximum relative humidity reachable inside the environment to prevent any evaporation phenomena of the water present in the tub, while the sensor that detects the surface temperature - and, therefore, the dew point temperature - helps to determine the minimum relative humidity in the environment such as to prevent any condensation phenomena on the internal surfaces.

[0029] In this way, by means of a control panel, it is possible simply to set the required temperature, without the need to set a set point for the relative humidity.

[0030] In this way, according to the invention, in a summer season, when the temperature of the internal surfaces is higher than the dew point, the temperature of the water in the tub will determine the relative humidity that is required in the environment and, in a winter season, as the temperature of the surfaces decreases, it will be the latter to determine the value of the relative humidity of the environment.

[0031] The relative humidity value considered, on each occasion, to command the hygrothermal conditioning apparatus is therefore dynamic, and the control device consequently self-regulates on two different reference values, namely, the minimum relative humidity and the maximum relative humidity, and therefore does not depend only on the dew point temperature but also on the temperature of the water in the tub. The conditioning apparatus is therefore automatically commanded and adjusted to guarantee a pressure balance between the liquid and the surrounding atmosphere, so as to limit the water consumption instant by instant, limiting the amount of water evaporated from the tub.

[0032] Considering the dew point temperature alone, as in known solutions, it would not be possible to correctly adjust the maximum relative humidity, since the relative humidity of the environment would have exceeded the optimal value necessary to prevent the evaporation of the tub's water, reaching the dew point temperature. In practice, the hygrothermal conditioning apparatus would have to have performed a humidifying action first and then, once the dew point temperature was reached, a dehumidifying action, thus leading to higher management costs and energy consumption.

[0033] The term "hygrothermal conditioning apparatus" is generally understood as apparatuses for heating / cooling and / or humidifying / dehumidifying environments, able to regulate the temperature and / or humidity of the air in an environment in order to bring them to desired values.

[0034] Preferably, during use, the surface temperature sensor is disposed in the proximity of a wall that has an increased risk of potential condensation and consequently mold, that is, an external wall mainly facing north or north-east in the northern hemisphere, or the opposite side in the southern hemisphere.

[0035] The optimization achieved thanks to the solution of the control device according to the invention is constant and does not depend on the ambient temperature or the external temperature, nor on the insulation level of the building and the external walls, but mainly on the dew point temperature.

[0036] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the surface temperature sensor of a wall can be a contact type sensor, or an infrared type sensor, that is, able to detect the point temperature of the wall without contact.

[0037] The use of infrared sensors to detect the surface temperature of the wall allows to make precise and reliable measurements even in positions not reachable by traditional sensors. The use of infrared sensors makes the control device according to the invention suitable to be applied to a plurality of different solutions and environments, allowing to correctly detect the temperature of even surfaces that, under certain hygrothermal conditions, may present condensation phenomena that make contact-type sensors unreliable.

[0038] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, one or more of the sensors can be connected to the control unit by means of wiring or through wireless communication devices, able to transmit the detected data to the control unit.

[0039] The term "dew point temperature" is understood as the temperature at which, at constant pressure, the air becomes saturated with water vapor, that is, at which temperature of the air there is a condensation of the water vapor present in it in dew, without any change in pressure.

[0040] The dew point temperature is actually dependent on the combination of relative temperature and relative humidity present in an environment. In particular, the dew point temperature, at the same ambient temperature, tends to rise as relative humidity increases. A high relative humidity value indicates that the temperature is close to the dew point. If the relative humidity is 100%, the dew point coincides with the ambient temperature. Given a constant dew point, an increase in temperature will lead to a decrease in relative humidity.

[0041] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the control unit comprises or is connected to a memory unit in which mathematical algorithms, formulas, psychometric charts and / or tables are stored, on the basis of which the dew point temperature is calculated. According to another aspect of the invention, the sensor detection and the processing of the control unit are done in real time and continuously.

[0042] Thanks to the dynamic control of the dew point temperature, it is not necessary to set a specific value for the operating temperature and / or humidity of the apparatus, since the operation thereof is adjusted on the basis of the real data and in such a way as to return the environment to a relative humidity level such as not to lead to the formation of condensation.

[0043] The control unit is in particular configured to activate the apparatus so as to reduce the humidity when the calculated dew point temperature is higher than or equal to the surface temperature detected. The deactivation of the apparatus can occur automatically after a certain time interval, or the control unit can stop the apparatus when, on the basis of the detected data, it is verified that the dew point temperature is lower than the surface temperature.

[0044] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, at least two surface temperature sensors can be provided, positioned, during use, on different points of the walls of the environment to be monitored. In this case, the control unit can process each detected datum to calculate the difference between the dew point temperature and the respective surface temperature for each of them, and control the apparatus on the basis of the most unfavorable condition detected, namely, the condition whereby the dew point temperature is higher than the surface temperature with the greatest difference value.

[0045] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the control device also comprises a detection sensor which, during use, is disposed outside the environment to be monitored and in particular outside the building, able to detect at least the external temperature and preferably also the relative humidity, wherein the sensor is connected to the control unit. The control device is particularly effective when applied to hygrothermal conditioning apparatuses able to dehumidify through mechanized ventilation systems. In particular, in the case of a prolonged use of a mechanized ventilation system, when the external vapor content is very high this leads to an increase in the dew point temperature, which can therefore exceed the surface temperature, resulting in the formation of condensation. Thanks to the presence of the external sensor, the control unit can shut down the mechanized ventilation system when the external humidity introduced into the internal environment produces an increase in the internal relative humidity such as to reach the dew point temperature.

[0046] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a hygrothermal conditioning apparatus comprising a dehumidifying device, for example chosen from direct expansion dehumidifiers, adsorption dehumidifiers, air treatment units provided with dehumidifier batteries, or air recirculation systems with mechanized ventilation and a control device according to the invention.

[0047] In accordance with some embodiments, if the control device is applied to existing hygrothermal conditioning apparatuses, the control and command unit of the control device and of the apparatus can be put in communication with one another, for example by means of wiring or with wireless communication modules.

[0048] In accordance with other embodiments, in particular in the case of newly produced hygrothermal conditioning apparatuses, a single control unit can be provided that integrates the functions of data processing, control and regulation of the operation of the apparatus.

[0049] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a hygrothermal conditioning apparatus for cooling environments, in particular of the radiant type, comprising a heat exchanger having a circuit in which a heat transfer fluid flows and a control device according to the invention.

[0050] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling an apparatus for the hygrothermal conditioning of environments, to regulate the hygrothermal conditions inside an environment to be monitored in which a tub containing water is provided, comprises: detecting a temperature of the air inside an environment to be monitored; detecting a relative humidity of the air inside the environment; detecting a surface temperature on an internal wall of the environment, preferably an internal wall of the environment opposite an external wall and preferably facing north or east in the northern hemisphere or the opposite side in the southern hemisphere; calculating, by means of a control unit, a dew point temperature on the basis of the data relating to the relative temperatures and humidity of the environment; comparing the dew point temperature with the surface temperature and, on the basis of the outcome of the comparison, evaluating whether and how to activate the apparatus in order to adjust at least one of either the internal temperature or relative humidity of the air so as to lower the dew point temperature and bring it to a value lower than that of the surface temperature.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, the method provides to detect a temperature of the water in the tub and determine, on the basis of the water temperature detected, a saturation pressure value of the air over the free surface of the water, referred to the water temperature, and, on the basis of the detected data of the relative temperature and relative humidity of the air and the surface temperature, a maximum relative humidity value to be kept inside the environment such that the value of the saturation pressure and a value of a vapor pressure of the air over the free surface of the water, corresponding to the vapor pressure at which there is a phase change from liquid to vapor, are equivalent and therefore there is no evaporation of the water, and command the operation of the apparatus so as to keep the relative humidity of the air within the range of the maximum relative humidity.

[0052] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the hygrothermal conditioning apparatus comprises a mechanized ventilation system and the method also provides to detect a temperature and a humidity of an external environment and to stop the operation of the apparatus when the humidity introduced into the internal environment produces an increase in the internal relative humidity such that the surface temperature reaches the dew point temperature.

[0053] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the hygrothermal conditioning apparatus is an apparatus for cooling environments provided with a heat exchanger having a circuit in which a heat transfer fluid flows, and the method provides to regulate the temperature of the fluid entering the heat exchanger on the basis of the dew point temperature value.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein: fig. 1 shows a control device according to the invention applied to a hygrothermal conditioning apparatus, in particular a dehumidifying apparatus, inside a room of a home; fig. 2 shows an external lateral wall of a building to which some components of the control device according to the invention are connected; fig. 3 schematically shows some components of the control device according to the invention applied to a hygrothermal conditioning apparatus, in particular a radiant cooling apparatus for cooling environments integrated into a ceiling; fig. 4 shows a control device according to the invention applied to a hygrothermal conditioning apparatus inside a swimming pool; fig. 5 is a graph showing the corresponding amount of evaporated water for different values of dew point temperature and relative humidity.

[0055] We must clarify that the phraseology and terminology used in the present description, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also in relation as to how described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their purpose being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0056] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0057] Figs. 1-4 show a control device 10 for controlling a hygrothermal conditioning apparatus 100, that is, an apparatus for humidifying / dehumidifying and / or heating / cooling environments according to the present invention, applied to an internal environment 20 delimited by a plurality of lateral walls 21, 22 and respective lower 23 and upper 24 walls, which separate it from adjacent internal environments or from an external environment 25.

[0058] The control device 10 can be operationally connected to an already existing apparatus 100, possibly already installed in the environment to be regulated, or be made in combination with newly constructed apparatuses 100.

[0059] In accordance with the present invention, the control device 10 comprises, as main elements: a temperature sensor 11 configured to detect a temperature Tint existing in the internal environment 20; a relative humidity sensor 12 configured to detect a relative humidity URint existing in the internal environment 20; a surface temperature sensor 13 configured to detect a surface temperature Ts of a wall 21 that delimits the internal environment 20, on the internally facing surface; a control unit 14 operationally connected to the sensors 11, 12, 13 and configured to receive the data detected thereby and process them in order to determine a dew point temperature Td on the basis of the values of the internal temperature Tint and internal relative humidity URint, compare the dew point temperature Td determined with the surface temperature Ts detected and, on the basis of the outcome of the comparison, evaluate whether to activate the apparatus 100 in order to adjust at least one of either the internal temperature or the internal relative humidity so as to reduce the dew point temperature Td to a value lower than the surface temperature Ts.

[0060] The control device 10 can in particular be associated with an apparatus 100 for the hygrothermal conditioning of an environment 20 such as a bathroom or a spa room provided with a tub 121 as in fig. 1, or with a swimming pool 120, as for example shown in fig. 4, and be configured to keep suitable hygrometric conditions inside the environment 20, 120 in order to prevent the occurrence of any condensation on the surfaces of the internal walls 21, 22 and, at the same time, reduce the evaporation of the water from the tub 121 to a minimum.

[0061] According to another aspect of the invention, the control device 10 comprises at least one water temperature sensor 19 configured to detect the temperature of the water inside the tub 121 (figs. 1, 4).

[0062] The control unit 14 can be configured to determine, on the basis of the data detected by the water temperature sensor 19, a saturation pressure value of the air over the free surface of the water, referred to the temperature of the water and, on the basis of the data detected by the air temperature 11 and humidity 12 sensors and by the surface temperature sensor 13, the maximum relative humidity value to be kept inside the pool 120 such that the saturation pressure of the air over the free surface of the water of the tub 121 referred to the temperature of the water, and the vapor pressure of the air over the free surface of the water, corresponding to the vapor pressure at which there is a phase change from liquid to vapor, are equivalent and therefore there is no evaporation of the water.

[0063] On the basis of the data detected, the control unit 14 can then / therefore determine the optimal value of relative humidity inside the pool 120 to prevent, on the one hand, the occurrence of any condensation on the walls and, on the other hand, to reduce to a minimum any water dispersion caused by the evaporation, and consequently command the ventilation apparatus 100 by activating a humidifier 103 in order to keep the relative humidity around this value. For example, the control unit 14 can be configured to turn off or deactivate the apparatus 100 when the measured relative humidity approximates the maximum relative humidity determined, for example when the difference between the measured relative humidity and the maximum humidity is about 5%. This prevents the need to have to operate the apparatus 100 alternately in order to humidify the environment 20 when excessive evaporation occurs and then dehumidify it to prevent condensation, and it is therefore possible to keep consumption to a minimum, or reduce it.

[0064] The temperature sensor 11, the relative humidity sensor 12 and the surface temperature sensor 13 can be separate and distinct from each other, or two or more of them can be integrated in a same probe 15, 15' (as for example shown in figs. 2 and 3), or one single detection device can be provided able to detect the parameters of temperature, relative humidity and surface temperature.

[0065] The surface temperature sensor 13 is suitable to be installed, during use, on a lateral wall 21 of the internal environment 20, and preferably on a lateral wall 21 facing the coldest zone, in particular north or northeast in northern hemisphere areas, or south or southwest in southern hemisphere areas. The lateral wall 21 can also be the wall for which, due to the characteristics of the internal environment 20 itself, or its function, a greater risk of potential condensation is expected.

[0066] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the surface temperature sensor 13 can be a contact-type sensor, suitable to be positioned in direct contact with a surface of the wall for which the temperature detection is required, or of the infrared type, that is, suitable to determine a temperature of the wall on the basis of the detection of an infrared radiation radiated therefrom.

[0067] The temperature 11, relative humidity 12 and surface temperature 13 sensors can be connected to the control unit 14 by cable, or be connected by means of wireless transmission means, so as to communicate with each other and exchange data and any command signals, thus simplifying their installation.

[0068] The control unit 14 of the control device 10 is configured to connect, during use, to the apparatus 100, and in particular to a control and command unit 101 thereof, in order to command the operation of the apparatus 100 so as to modify the temperature and / or humidity inside the environment 20, 120. Also in this case, the connection can be made by cable or by means of wireless transmission means.

[0069] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the control unit 14 comprises or is connected to a memory unit 16 in which mathematical algorithms, formulas, psychometric charts and / or tables are stored, on the basis of which the dew point temperature Td is calculated, and it is provided with data processing means 17. By way of example, the control unit 14 can be or comprise a processor such as a CPU, a microprocessor, an appropriately programmed electronic board, or suchlike, able to act as processing means 17.

[0070] According to another aspect of the invention, mathematical algorithms, formulas, psychrometric charts and / or tables and processing means 17 configured to calculate the saturation pressure of the air over the free surface of the water on the basis of the water temperature and - on the basis of this pressure value and the data detected by the sensors 11, 12 - the relative humidity corresponding to a vapor pressure equal to the saturation pressure, are also stored in the memory unit.

[0071] According to another aspect of the invention, the detection of the temperature Tint and humidity URint of the environment and of the surface temperature Ts by the sensors 11, 12, 13, and the processing by the control unit 14 are performed in real time and continuously.

[0072] In this way, it is possible to both start the apparatus 100 when the hygrothermal conditions are such as to cause condensation to form on the wall 21, 22, and also to stop its operation when the conditions have been brought to values such as to prevent this condensation.

[0073] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the control unit 14 can be configured to calculate an approximate value of the dew point temperature Td, for example on the basis of the following formulas, although other formulas are possible: Td = bα Tint URint a − α Tint URint wherein α Tint URint = αTint b + T + ln URint, wherein Tint is the temperature expressed in degrees centigrade, URint is the relative humidity expressed in a value comprised between 0.01 and 1.00; a = 17.27 and b = 237.7 °C; or Td = HRint 100 ⋅ 112 + 0 , 9 ⋅ Tint 8 + 0.1 ⋅ Tint − 112 wherein Tint is the temperature of the environment expressed in degrees centigrade and URint is the relative humidity expressed as a percentage.

[0074] The control unit 14 can also be configured to obtain an accurate value of the dew point temperature Td.

[0075] According to another aspect of the invention, the control unit 14 is configured to calculate, on the basis of the data stored in the memory unit 16, optimized values of internal temperature and / or internal relative humidity necessary to obtain a dew point temperature value lower than the surface temperature detected, for example by a given value that can be comprised between 0.1 and 1 °C, in particular 0.4-0.6 °C.

[0076] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the control device 10 can comprise two or more surface temperature sensors 13A, 13B, which can be positioned at different points of a same lateral wall 21 or on different lateral walls 21, 22 having a different orientation. This conformation of the control device 10 with a plurality of sensors 11, 12, 13 could be advantageous in the case of applications to large sized environments, such as for example sports facilities such as ice rinks or swimming pools 120, or in the case of apparatuses 10 having dehumidifying 102 and / or humidifying 103 and / or cooling devices located in different rooms or environments and having a centralized control.

[0077] If there are multiple surface temperature sensors 13, 13A, 13B, the control unit 14 can be configured and programmed to process the data detected by each one of them, calculate a difference between the dew point temperature Td determined and the respective surface temperature Ts for each one of them, and control the apparatus 100 so as to raise the temperature and / or lower the humidity on the basis of the most unfavorable condition detected, that is, when the dew point temperature Td is higher than the surface temperature Ts and the difference calculated has the greatest value of all.

[0078] The control unit 14 can also be configured to stop the operation of the apparatus 100 when the surface temperature Ts detected by the surface temperature sensor 13, 13A, 13B corresponding to the most unfavorable condition exceeds the dew point temperature Td.

[0079] Similarly, two or more temperature 11, 11A, 11B and internal relative humidity 12, 12A, 12B sensors can also be provided. In this case, the control unit 14 can be configured to calculate the dew point temperature for each of the pairs of values of internal temperature and humidity detected, for example by dividing them on the basis of the position of the respective sensors 11, 11A, 11B, 12, 12A, 12B, or on the basis of an average value of temperature and relative humidity calculated on the basis of the data set detected.

[0080] According to another aspect of the invention, the control device 10 also comprises an external detection sensor 18 which, during use, is disposed outside the internal environment 20 to be monitored and in particular in an environment 25 that is external with respect to a building 30 in which such internal environment 20 is enclosed, and operationally connected to the control unit 14 via cable or by means of wireless transmission means (figs. 1 and 2).

[0081] The external detection sensor 18 is configured to detect at least the external temperature Text, and preferably also the external relative humidity URext.

[0082] Thanks to the presence of the external detection sensor 18, the control device 10 is particularly effective when applied to hygrothermal conditioning apparatuses 10 that use mechanized ventilation systems.

[0083] By way of example, when the external temperature is high, around 36 °C, and the external relative humidity is 50%, and a temperature of 22 °C is required in the internal environment 20, the continuous introduction of external air, with a high vapor content of around 18.81 g / kg a.s., causes the relative humidity in the internal environment 20 to reach saturation. This is related to the fact that the vapor pressure of the external air (around 2.973 Pa) exceeds the saturation pressure of the internal air (around 2.645 Pa), even causing uncomfortable conditions and discomfort for people. Consequently, with a surface temperature of 23 °C the dew point temperature is about 24 °C, that is, higher, thus resulting in the formation of condensation.

[0084] By also providing the external sensor 18 and continuously processing the data detected by it together with that of the sensors 11, 12, 13 disposed inside the environment 20, the control unit 14 can determine the shutdown of the mechanized ventilation system before the internal relative humidity reaches values such as to increase the dew point temperature beyond the surface temperature detected on the wall 21, 22.

[0085] Below is a table showing example values of some parameters, including dew point temperature Td and surface temperature Ts, which can be achieved in the case of a wall with a good level of insulation (Example 1) and with a low level of insulation (Example 2) at the same external temperature Text: -5 °C, external relative humidity URext: 100.00%, internal air temperature Tint: 27 °C. Example 3 lists the parameters in the case of Example 2 after the activation of a dehumidifying apparatus 100 by means of the control device 10 according to the invention. The last line shows the outcome of the verification carried out by the control device 10 for each example. Example 1Example 2Example 3Internal relative humidity [%]80.9780.9755.93Saturation pressure [Pa]3,567.313,567.313,567.31Vapor pressure [Pa]2,888.402,888.401,995.33Vapor content [gr / kg a.s.]18.2518.2512.50Internal surface temperature [°C]24.0018.0018.00Dew point temperature [°C]23.5023.5017.50ACTIVATE APPARATUSNOYESNO

[0086] As can be seen, even if the dew point temperature has the same value in examples 1 and 2, only in example 2 is it greater than the surface temperature and the control device 10 provides the activation of the apparatus 100 to modify the hygrothermal conditions, in this specific case to reduce the relative humidity (see example 3 where the reduction of the relative humidity also leads to a reduction in the dew point temperature, which becomes lower than the surface temperature, allowing to proceed with stopping the dehumidifying action performed by the apparatus 100).

[0087] The graph shown in fig. 5 highlights the relationship between dew point temperature Td, relative humidity URint and the amount of water evaporated from the tub 121 in the case of a dehumidifying and / or cooling apparatus 100 activated by means of the control device 10 according to the invention.

[0088] The graph shown considers a tub 121 with a long side of about 42.50 m, a short side of about 10.00 m, water temperature of 25 °C and about 50 people present.

[0089] In particular, it can be noted that with a traditional type control, based on a relative humidity set at a medium-low level, for example 50% (point 2), there is a quantity of evaporated water of about 75.36 kg / h. This is because the traditional system does not verify and does not consider the dew point temperature as a control parameter.

[0090] The control device 10 according to the invention, on the contrary, even starting from a situation with high internal relative humidity, even around 90-100%, tends to reduce it only until the difference between the surface temperature and the dew point temperature gives a positive outcome; for example, assuming an internal surface temperature of 24.50 °C, when the dew point temperature is around 24 °C and the difference is + 0.5 °C.

[0091] This dew point temperature value (24 °C) corresponds to an internal relative humidity URint equal to 83.44%, therefore the apparatus 100 can be activated for a shorter time, drastically reducing the evaporation of water from the tub 121. As can be seen in the graph (point 10), the amount of water evaporated is about 13.23 kg / h.

[0092] Below are two tables, which show an example of regulating the hygrothermal conditions in a summer season and in a winter season.Summer season:

[0093] SUMMER SEASONOutdoor Temperature30 °CInternal surface temperature30 °CWater temperature26 °CHygrothermal conditions of the air over the free surface of the waterTemperature26.00 °CSaturation pressure3,363.13 PaVapor content21.36 g / Kg a.sDensity1.16 kg / mcRelative humidity100.00 %Vapor pressure3,363 PaEnthalpy80.66 KJ / KgDew point temperature26.00 °CHygrothermal conditions of the air inside a swimming pool suitable to avoid the evaporation of water achievable with the present inventionTemperature 28.00 °C Saturation pressure3,782.21 PaVapor content21.36 g / Kg a.sDensity1.16 kg / mcRelative humidity 88.92 % Vapor pressure3,363 PaEnthalpy82.76 KJ / KgDew point temperature26.00 °CHygrothermal conditions of the air inside the swimming pool if only the dew point temperature control were presentTemperature28.00 °C Saturation pressure3,782.21 PaVapor content 27.14 g / Kg a.sDensity1.16 kg / mcRelative humidity 100 % Vapor pressure3,363 PaEnthalpy97.54 KJ / KgDew point temperature30.00 °C Winter season:

[0094] WINTER SEASONOutdoor Temperature0 °CInternal surface temperature18 °C Water temperature26 °CHygrothermal conditions of the air over the free surface of the waterTemperature26.00 °CSaturation pressure3,363.13 PaVapor content21.36 g / Kg a.sDensity1.16 kg / mcRelative humidity100,00 %Vapor pressure3,363.13 PaEnthalpy80.66 KJ / KgDew point temperature26.05 °CHygrothermal conditions of the air inside a swimming pool suitable to prevent surface condensationTemperature28.00 °CSaturation pressure3,782.21 PaVapor content12.89 g / Kg a.sDensity1.16 kg / mcRelative humidity 54.40 % Vapor pressure2,057.52 PaEnthalpy61.14 KJ / KgDew point temperature 17.99 °C

[0095] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a ventilation apparatus 100 comprising a dehumidifying device 102, for example chosen from direct expansion dehumidifiers, adsorption dehumidifiers, air treatment units provided with dehumidifier batteries, or air recirculation systems with mechanized ventilation and a control device 10 according to the invention.

[0096] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus 200 for cooling environments, in particular of the radiant type, comprising a heat exchanger 201 having a circuit in which a heat transfer fluid flows between an inlet 202 and an outlet 203, and a control device 10 according to the invention.

[0097] An apparatus 100, 200 for dehumidifying and / or cooling environments can also be provided, comprising both a dehumidifying device 102 and also a heat exchanger 201.

[0098] In this case, it can be provided that the surface temperature sensor 13 is positioned at a distance D comprised between 200 mm and 500 mm with respect to the ceiling 24 or floor 23 where the circuit of the heat exchanger 201 is installed. Because the temperature of the internal surface of the wall 23, 24 in a zone in the proximity of the heat exchanger 201 depends on the temperature of the fluid flowing therein, the control device 10 according to the invention advantageously also allows to control the temperature of the fluid at inlet.

[0099] In particular, the control device 10, on the basis of the dew point temperature, can control the temperature of the fluid at inlet so that it is, on each occasion, higher than a respective threshold value of the dew point temperature, for example calculated for an internal average temperature of 24 °C over three different levels of humidity, indicatively 40%, 50% and 60%.

[0100] Furthermore, the control unit 14 can be configured to recognize, on the basis of the data detected and processed, for example as a function of their growth or reduction trend, if the surface temperature is approximating a current value of the dew point temperature. In this case, the control unit 14 can activate a dehumidifying device 100 in order to lower the dew point temperature.

[0101] By way of example, it can be provided that the dehumidifying apparatus 100 is activated when the relative humidity reaches a percentage value of about 5% lower than the corresponding value for which a threshold value of the dew point temperature has been defined (for example, 26 °C with 40%, when it is at 35% for a dew point temperature of 9.39 °C).

[0102] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling an apparatus for dehumidifying or cooling environments comprises: detecting a temperature Tint of the air inside an environment 20 to be monitored; detecting a relative humidity URint of the air in the environment 20; detecting a surface temperature Ts of an internal wall 21, 22 of the environment 20; by means of a control unit 14, calculating a dew point temperature Td on the basis of the data relating to the internal temperature Tint and internal relative humidity URint of the environment 20; comparing the dew point temperature Td with the surface temperature Ts and, on the basis of the outcome of the comparison, assessing whether and how to activate the apparatus 100, 200 in order to regulate at least one of either the internal temperature Tint and internal relative humidity URint so as to lower the dew point temperature Td and bring it to a value lower than that of the surface temperature Ts.

[0103] According to another aspect of the invention, the method can also provide to detect the temperature of the water or liquid by means of the sensor 19, and process the data in order to determine, on the basis of the air temperature value, its vapor pressure and calculate, on the basis of the saturation pressure of the air over the free surface of the water referred to the temperature of the water, an optimal maximum humidity value to be kept in the environment 20 and consequently command the ventilation apparatus 100 to keep the relative humidity within the range of the maximum relative humidity. It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the control device 10, to the apparatus 100, 200 for the hygrothermal conditioning of environments and to the method for controlling an apparatus 100, 200 as described heretofore, without thereby departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

[0104] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art will be able to achieve other equivalent forms of a control device 10, an apparatus 100, 200 for the hygrothermal conditioning of environments and a method for controlling an apparatus 100, 200, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0105] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. Control device (10) for controlling an apparatus (100, 200) for the hygrothermal conditioning of an internal environment (20, 120), provided with a temperature sensor (11) and a relative humidity sensor (12) which are configured to detect a temperature and a humidity, respectively, of the air inside said environment (20, 120), wherein said control device (10) comprises: - a surface temperature sensor (13) configured to detect a surface temperature on an internal surface of a wall (21, 22) of said environment (20, 120), preferably opposite a corresponding external surface facing an external environment (25); and - a control unit (14) connected to said sensors (11, 12, 13) and to said apparatus (100, 200), configured to process the data received in order to determine a dew point temperature correlated to said temperature and relative humidity of the air of said environment (20, 120), compare it with said surface temperature and, based on the outcome of the comparison, evaluate whether and how to activate said apparatus (100, 200) to modify the temperature and / or humidity of the air of said environment (20, 120) in order to obtain a dew point temperature lower than the surface temperature, and consequently control the operation of said apparatus (100, 200), characterized in that said control device (10) comprises a water temperature sensor (19) configured to detect the temperature of the water inside a tub (121) provided in said environment (22) and said control unit (14) is configured to determine, on the basis of the data detected by the water temperature sensor (19), a saturation pressure value of the air over the free surface of the water referred to the water temperature, and, on the basis of the data detected by the air temperature (11) and humidity (12) sensors and by the surface temperature sensor (13), a maximum relative humidity value to be kept inside said environment (20, 120), such that the saturation pressure of the air over the free surface of the water in the tub (121), referred to the water temperature, and a vapor pressure of the air over the free surface of the water are equivalent, and consequently command said apparatus (100, 200) to keep the air's relative humidity within the range of said maximum relative humidity.

2. Control device (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that said surface temperature sensor (13) is an infrared type sensor.

3. Control device (10) as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said control unit (14) comprises, or is connected to, a memory unit (16) in which mathematical algorithms, formulas, psychrometric charts and / or tables are stored, and processing means (17) configured to calculate the dew point temperature on the basis of the air's temperature and humidity data received from said sensors (11, 12) and the data stored in said memory unit (16).

4. Control device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises an external detection sensor (18) able to be disposed, during use, in the external environment (25), configured to detect at least a temperature and humidity of the external air and operationally connected to the control unit (14), and said control unit (14) is configured to evaluate whether and how to activate said apparatus (100, 200) in order to modify the temperature and / or relative humidity of the air of said environment (20) also as a function of said external air temperature and humidity.

5. Control device (10) as in claim 3, characterized in that in said memory unit (16) there are stored mathematical algorithms, formulas, psychrometric charts and / or tables, and processing means (17) are configured to calculate said saturation pressure of the air over the free surface of the water on the basis of the temperature of said water detected by the sensor (19) and on the basis of said pressure value and of the data detected by said sensors (11, 12), the relative humidity corresponding to a vapor pressure equal to said saturation pressure.

6. Apparatus (100, 200) for the hygrothermal conditioning of environments, comprising at least one dehumidifying device (102) selected from direct expansion dehumidifiers, adsorption dehumidifiers, air treatment units provided with dehumidification batteries, or air recirculation systems with mechanized ventilation, and a control device (10) as in any claim from 1 to 5.

7. Apparatus (100, 200) for the hygrothermal conditioning of environments, comprising at least one heat exchanger (201) having a circuit in which a heat transfer fluid flows between an inlet (202) and an outlet (203), and a control device (10) as in any claim from 1 to 8, wherein said control unit (14) is also configured to control an inlet temperature of said heat transfer fluid as a function of said dew point temperature.

8. Apparatus (100, 200) for the hygrothermal conditioning of environments as in claim 6 or 7, comprising at least one humidifier device (103).

9. Method for controlling an apparatus (100, 200) for the hygrothermal conditioning of environments inside an environment (20, 120) to be monitored in which there is provided a tub (121) containing water, comprising: - detecting a temperature and a relative humidity of the air inside said environment (20, 120); - detecting a surface temperature on an internal surface of a wall (21, 22) of said environment (20, 120) preferably opposite a corresponding surface facing toward an external environment (25); - processing the data received by means of a control unit (14) to determine a dew point temperature correlated to said temperature and relative humidity of the air of said environment (20, 120), - comparing said dew point temperature with said surface temperature detected and, on the basis of the outcome of the comparison, evaluating whether and how to activate said apparatus (100, 200) in order to modify the temperature and / or humidity of the air of said environment (20, 120) so that the dew point temperature is lower than the surface temperature, and consequently control the operation of said apparatus, characterized in that it provides to detect a temperature of the water in said tub (121) and determine, on the basis of said detected temperature of the water, a saturation pressure value of the air over the free surface of the water, referred to said temperature of the water and, on the basis of the detected data of said relative temperature and relative humidity of the air and said surface temperature, a maximum relative humidity value to be kept inside said environment (20, 120), such that the value of said saturation pressure and a value of a vapor pressure of the air over the free surface of the water, corresponding to the vapor pressure at which there is a phase change from liquid to vapor, are equivalent, and there is therefore no evaporation of the water, and command the operation of said apparatus (100, 200) so as to keep the relative humidity of the air within the range of said maximum relative humidity.

10. Method as in claim 9, characterized in that it provides to detect at least a temperature and humidity of the air of the external environment (25) by means of at least one sensor (18) disposed, during use, outside a building (30, 130) in which said environment (20) is located, and to process the data received by means of said control unit (14) in order to determine the start or stop of said apparatus (100, 200) also on the basis of said external air temperature and humidity.

11. Method as in claim 9 or 10, wherein said apparatus (100, 200) comprises a heat exchanger (201) having a circuit with an inlet (202) and an outlet (203) in which a heat transfer fluid flows, characterized in that said method provides to control a temperature of said heat transfer fluid at inlet (202) in such a way that, on each occasion, it is higher than a respective threshold value of the dew point temperature calculated for a defined average temperature and on two or more different levels of relative humidity.

12. Method as in any claim from 9 to 11, characterized in that by means of said control unit (14) it provides to recognize, as a function of a growth or reduction trend in the data of said relative temperature and relative humidity of the air and said surface temperature detected by respective sensors (11, 12, 13, 18) and subsequently processed, whether the surface temperature detected is approaching a certain current value of the dew point temperature determined and, if so, to activate a dehumidifying device (102) of said apparatus (100, 200) in order to lower the air's relative humidity and consequently said dew point temperature.

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