Radiant panel arrangement with integrated air diffuser

Abstract

A radiant panel arrangement (1) comprising an air diffuser (2) and a radiant panel (3), wherein the radiant panel comprises - a first end (31) and a second end (32), - a panel sheet (33) comprising an upper surface (35), wherein a heat transfer circuit (34) is arranged on top of the upper surface, and a bottom surface (36), and the air diffuser comprises - an air chamber (21), - air inlet (22) for introducing air into the air chamber, - a perforated bottom panel (23) for diffusing air out of the air chamber, wherein the air diffuser is arranged on top of the upper surface of the panel sheet so that a gap (4) is formed between the air diffuser (2) and the upper surface (35) of the panel sheet (33) for diffusing air along the upper surface of the panel sheet.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to radiant panels and especially radiant panels comprising an integrated air diffuser.BACKGROUND

[0002] Radiant panels are cooling and heating units for controlling indoor climate conditions. A typical radiant panel comprises a piping in which heat transfer medium is circulating. The heat is transferred from the fluid through the panel's piping to the panel sheet, which works as a radiant surface to the space. In addition to the radiant heat transfer, the panels use also natural convection to heat or cool the space.

[0003] As the heat transfer is based on radiation and natural convection, the heat transfer may not be sufficient in all scenarios.OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The objective of the arrangement is to alleviate the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0005] In particular, it is an objective of the present arrangement to provide more efficient radiant panel arrangement.SUMMARY

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a radiant panel arrangement comprising an air diffuser and a radiant panel. The radiant panel comprises a first end and a second end, and a panel sheet comprising an upper surface, wherein a heat transfer circuit is arranged on top of the upper surface, and a bottom surface. The air diffuser comprises an air chamber, air inlet for introducing air into the air chamber, and a perforated bottom panel for diffusing air out of the air chamber.

[0007] The air diffuser is arranged on top of the upper surface of the panel sheet so that a gap is formed between the air diffuser and the upper surface of the panel sheet for diffusing air along the upper surface of the panel sheet.

[0008] The advantage of the arrangement is that room climate conditions may be achieved more efficiently.

[0009] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the air diffuser is arranged at first end of the radiant panel for diffusing air towards the second end of the radiant panel.

[0010] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the air diffuser is arranged between the first end and the second end of the radiant panel for diffusing air towards the first end and the second end of the radiant panel.

[0011] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the air diffuser is arranged at a distance from the perimeter of the radiant panel for diffusing air along the upper surface of the panel sheet around the air diffuser.

[0012] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the bottom panel comprises at least one nozzle for directing the air flow along the upper surface of the panel sheet.

[0013] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the bottom panel comprises plurality of adjustable nozzles for directing the air flow along the upper surface of the panel sheet.

[0014] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the panel sheet is perforated at least below the air diffuser.

[0015] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the height of the gap is between 10 to 40 mm.

[0016] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the size of the gap is adjustable.

[0017] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the arrangement is provided with an adjusting means for adjusting the size of the gap.

[0018] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the adjusting means comprises a movable plate for limiting the size of the gap.

[0019] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the height of the gap is configured to be automatically adjusted based on a signal received from a controller, which is configured to control the temperature in a room.

[0020] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the invention described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description help to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: Fig. 1 shows a top view of the radiant panel arrangement, Fig. 2 shows a side view of the radiant panel arrangement, Figs. 3a to 3d show optional positions of the air diffuser providing different sizes of gap, Fig. 4 shows an optional position for the air diffuser between the first end and the second end of the radiant panel, Fig. 5 shows optional more positions for the air diffuser, Figs. 6a and 6b show optional perforations for the sheet panel of the radiant panel, Figs. 7a and 7b show details of optional adjusting means for the gap, and Fig. 8 shows the radiant panel arrangement with controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Figure 1 shows a top view and figure 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of a radiant panel arrangement 1 comprising an air diffuser 2 and a radiant panel 3. The radiant panel 3 comprises a first end 31 and a second end 32, which are in opposite ends of the radiant panel. The air diffuser 2 is fastened to the radiant panel and it is arranged between the first end and the second end. The radiant panel 3 comprises a panel sheet 33, i.e. the bottom sheet of the radiant panel, comprising an upper surface 35 and a bottom surface 36, which is exposed to the environment, e.g. to the room. A heat transfer circuit 34 is arranged on top of the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet 33. The heat transfer circuit may be for example a piping or tubing arranged to cover at least partially the upper surface area of the panel sheet. Heat transfer medium, e.g. water or other fluid medium, is circulating inside the heat transfer circuit for removing heat, i.e. cooling, or bringing heat, i.e. heating, the panel sheet and the environment. The heat transfer circuit may be fastened to the panel sheet with thermally conductive means.

[0023] In figures 1 and 2, the air diffuser is arranged close to the first end 31 of the radiant panel 3. The air diffuser 2 comprises an air chamber 21 and an air inlet 22 for introducing air into the air chamber 21. The air inlet 22 may be connected to a ducting for introducing fresh air into the air chamber 22. Optionally, the air inlet 22 is arranged to introduce circulated room air into the air chamber 21, i.e. the air inlet may be an opening for introducing room air into the air chamber 21 or it may be connected to ducting that is arranged to receive room air and circulate it back into the room via the air diffuser 2. Optionally, the air inlet 22 may be connected to a ducting of a central air conditioning system. The air diffuser 2 comprises a perforated bottom panel 23 for diffusing air out of the air chamber, i.e. outside of the air diffuser.

[0024] The air diffuser length may be full or partial width of the radiant panel, i.e. the air diffuser may extend from one side edge to the opposite side edge of the radiant panel, or the air diffuser may be arranged in the middle of the radiant panel in width direction.

[0025] The air diffuser may comprise an openable hatch or window, or a separate opening for allowing inspection and cleaning of the inner part, e.g. the air chamber, of the air diffuser.

[0026] The air diffuser may comprise an adjusting device, such as a damper, for adjusting or continuously controlling the air flow rate.

[0027] The panel sheet 33 may be perforated at least on the area below the air diffuser for diffusing air from the air diffuser through the perforations on the panel sheet 33. Optionally, the whole panel sheet 33 is perforated allowing air flow through the panel sheet 33.

[0028] The air diffuser 2 is arranged on top of the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet 33 so that a gap 4 is formed between the air diffuser 2 and the panel sheet 33 for diffusing the air along the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet 33. The height of the gap, i.e. the distance between air diffuser 2 and the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet 33, may be fixed. Optionally, the height of the gap is 10 to 40 mm. Optionally, the height of the gap is less than 70 mm. Optionally, the height of the gap is less than 100 mm. Optionally, the size of the gap, e.g. the height of the gap, may be adjusted. The adjustment may be done manually, or it may be motorized (e.g. a linear motor). The size of the gap may be adjusted for example by a. adjusting the position of the air diffuser in relation to the panel sheet of the radian panel, i.e. lowering or raising the air diffuser, b. adjusting the position of the perforated bottom panel when the bottom panel defines the minimum height between the air diffuser and the upper surface of the panel sheet, or c. having adjusting means for limiting the size of the gap, e.g. adjusting plate which may be moved for covering the gap partially or completely. The adjusting plate may be sliding plate, i.e. linearly moving plate, or it may be hinged plate, i.e. rotatable around an axis, for limiting the size of the gap. The adjusting plate may be fastened to the radiant panel or to the air diffuser.

[0029] Optionally, the size of the gap may be adjusted automatically based on the mode of the radiant panel arrangement (will be discussed later).

[0030] The combination of the gap 4 and the perforated area on panel sheet below the air diffuser, the air from the air diffuser may be diffused partially through the perforated panel sheet 33 and partially along the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet. The ratio depends on the size of the gap 4, e.g. the height of the gap. By having smaller gap, more air is diffused through the panel sheet into the room and less air is diffused along the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet. By increasing the size of the gap, e.g. increasing the height of the gap, less air is diffused through the panel sheet and more air is diffused along the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet.

[0031] Optionally, the perforated bottom panel 23 comprises at least one nozzle for directing the air in desired direction. The nozzle or nozzles may be an air gap, air slit or other kind of nozzle comprising directing means for directing the air in desired direction. The directing means may comprise for example plates or sheets directing the air. Optionally, the nozzle or nozzles are adjustable. The nozzle or nozzles may be rotatable, i.e. rotated around an axis perpendicular to the perforated bottom panel and / or rotated around an axis parallel to the perforated bottom panel.

[0032] Figures 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d show embodiments of the radiant panel arrangement. In figure 3a, the air diffuser is arranged on top of the panel sheet so that the gap 4 between the air diffuser 2 and the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet 33 is small, e.g. 10 to 15 mm. Figure 3b shows similar embodiment as in figure 3a, but the air diffuser 2 comprises nozzles on the perforated bottom panel 23 for directing the air flow along the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet 33. By having smaller gap 4, more air is diffused directly into the room through the panel sheet perforations below the air diffuser.

[0033] Figure 3c shows an embodiment, wherein the air diffuser is arranged on top of the panel sheet so that the gap 4 between the air diffuser 2 and the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet 33 is bigger than in figures 3a and 3b, e.g. 25 to 40 mm. Figure 3d shows similar embodiment as in figure 3c, but the air diffuser 2 comprises nozzles on the perforated bottom panel 23 for directing the air flow along the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet 33. By having bigger gap 4, less air is diffused directly into the room through the panel sheet perforations below the air diffuser.

[0034] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of positioning the air diffuser 2. The air diffuser 2 is arranged in the middle of the radiant panel, i.e. the distance to the first end 31 and the second end 32 of the radiant panel is essentially the same. By arranging the air diffuser in the middle, the air may be diffused along the upper surface of the panel sheet towards both ends of the radiant panel.

[0035] Figure 5 shows more optional positions for the air diffuser 2 in relation to the radiant panel. The figure should be understood so that the arrangement does not comprise 5 different air diffusers 2 but each one shows one optional position for the air diffuser 2 between the first end 31 and the second end 32. Figure 5 also shows different vertical positions of the air diffuser, but is should be understood so that any vertical position shown could be enabled in any position between the first end 31 and the second end 32. The air diffuser may be arranged at a distance from the perimeter of the radiant panel, i.e. the air diffuser is in the middle of the radiant panel and air may be diffused along the upper surface of the panel sheet in all directions.

[0036] Figures 6a and 6b show a bottom view of the arrangement and especially the bottom surface of the panel sheet 33. In figure 6a, the panel sheet 33 is partially perforated, e.g. the panel sheet is perforated below the air diffuser for diffusing air from the air diffuser directly to the room through the perforated area of the panel sheet. In figure, 6b, the whole area of the panel sheet is perforated.

[0037] The radiant panel arrangement may comprise a controller or it may be connected to the controller of the building indoor climate control system (controlling for example the temperature) for dynamic operation of the arrangement. For example, in a boosted cooling mode, the size of the gap, e.g. the height of the gap, may be decreased for providing more vertical flow through the perforated area on the panel sheet below the air diffuser. Optionally, the presence of people in the room is recognized and the size of the gap, e.g. height of the gap, may be increased for limiting the vertical flow through the perforated area of the panel sheet below the air diffuser to avoid possible draft in the room. Similar operation mode may be enabled as boosted heating mode. Optionally, the operation of the radiant panel arrangement is scheduled, e.g. the size of the gap, e.g. height of the gap, is smaller during non-office hours for providing more vertical flow through the perforated area on the sheet panel below the air diffuser. And during the office hours, when people are present in the room, the size of the gap, e.g. height of the gap, is increased for providing less vertical flow and more horizontal flow along the upper surface of the panel sheet to avoid draft in the room.

[0038] Figures 7a and 7b show embodiments of the adjusting means for adjusting the size of the gap 4. In figure 7a, the adjusting means 41 comprises linearly moving plate in fully open position and in closed position (dashed line). Figure 7b, the adjusting means 41 comprises hinged plate in partially open position and in closed position (dashed line). The adjusting means may be motorized, or their position may be adjusted manually.

[0039] Figure 8 shows an embodiment, wherein the radiant panel arrangement comprises a controller 5 for controlling the operation of the radiant panel arrangement, e.g. adjusting the size of the gap, e.g. the height of the gap, in different scenarios. Optionally, the controller 5 is part of the building indoor climate control system.

[0040] Although the invention has been the described in conjunction with a certain type of device, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any certain type of device. While the present inventions have been described in connection with a number of exemplary embodiments, and implementations, the present inventions are not so limited, but rather cover various modifications, and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the purview of prospective claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0022]Figure 1 shows a top view and figure 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of a radiant panel arrangement 1 comprising an air diffuser 2 and a radiant panel 3. The radiant panel 3 comprises a first end 31 and a second end 32, which are in opposite ends of the radiant panel. The air diffuser 2 is fastened to the radiant panel and it is arranged between the first end and the second end. The radiant panel 3 comprises a panel sheet 33, i.e. the bottom sheet of the radiant panel, comprising an upper surface 35 and a bottom surface 36, which is exposed to the environment, e.g. to the room. A heat transfer circuit 34 is arranged on top of the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet 33. The heat transfer circuit may be for example a piping or tubing arranged to cover at least partially the upper surface area of the panel sheet. Heat transfer medium, e.g. water or other fluid medium, is circulating inside the heat transfer circuit for removing heat, i.e. cooling, or bringing heat, i.e. heat...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to radiant panels and especially radiant panels comprising an integrated air diffuser.BACKGROUND

[0002] Radiant panels are cooling and heating units for controlling indoor climate conditions. A typical radiant panel comprises a piping in which heat transfer medium is circulating. The heat is transferred from the fluid through the panel's piping to the panel sheet, which works as a radiant surface to the space. In addition to the radiant heat transfer, the panels use also natural convection to heat or cool the space.

[0003] As the heat transfer is based on radiation and natural convection, the heat transfer may not be sufficient in all scenarios.OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The objective of the arrangement is to alleviate the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0005] In particular, it is an objective of the present arrangement to provide more efficient radiant panel arrangement.SUMMARY

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a radiant panel arrangement comprising an air diffuser and a radiant panel. The radiant panel comprises a first end and a second end, and a panel sheet comprising an upper surface, wherein a heat transfer circuit is arranged on top of the upper surface, and a bottom surface. The air diffuser comprises an air chamber, air inlet for introducing air into the air chamber, and a perforated bottom panel for diffusing air out of the air chamber.

[0007] The air diffuser is arranged on top of the upper surface of the panel sheet so that a gap is formed between the air diffuser and the upper surface of the panel sheet for diffusing air along the upper surface of the panel sheet.

[0008] The advantage of the arrangement is that room climate conditions may be achieved more efficiently.

[0009] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the air diffuser is arranged at first end of the radiant panel for diffusing air towards the second end of the radiant panel.

[0010] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the air diffuser is arranged between the first end and the second end of the radiant panel for diffusing air towards the first end and the second end of the radiant panel.

[0011] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the air diffuser is arranged at a distance from the perimeter of the radiant panel for diffusing air along the upper surface of the panel sheet around the air diffuser.

[0012] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the bottom panel comprises at least one nozzle for directing the air flow along the upper surface of the panel sheet.

[0013] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the bottom panel comprises plurality of adjustable nozzles for directing the air flow along the upper surface of the panel sheet.

[0014] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the panel sheet is perforated at least below the air diffuser.

[0015] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the height of the gap is between 10 to 40 mm.

[0016] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the size of the gap is adjustable.

[0017] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the arrangement is provided with an adjusting means for adjusting the size of the gap.

[0018] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the adjusting means comprises a movable plate for limiting the size of the gap.

[0019] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the height of the gap is configured to be automatically adjusted based on a signal received from a controller, which is configured to control the temperature in a room.

[0020] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the invention described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description help to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: Fig. 1 shows a top view of the radiant panel arrangement, Fig. 2 shows a side view of the radiant panel arrangement, Figs. 3a to 3d show optional positions of the air diffuser providing different sizes of gap, Fig. 4 shows an optional position for the air diffuser between the first end and the second end of the radiant panel, Fig. 5 shows optional more positions for the air diffuser, Figs. 6a and 6b show optional perforations for the sheet panel of the radiant panel, Figs. 7a and 7b show details of optional adjusting means for the gap, and Fig. 8 shows the radiant panel arrangement with controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Figure 1 shows a top view and figure 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of a radiant panel arrangement 1 comprising an air diffuser 2 and a radiant panel 3. The radiant panel 3 comprises a first end 31 and a second end 32, which are in opposite ends of the radiant panel. The air diffuser 2 is fastened to the radiant panel and it is arranged between the first end and the second end. The radiant panel 3 comprises a panel sheet 33, i.e. the bottom sheet of the radiant panel, comprising an upper surface 35 and a bottom surface 36, which is exposed to the environment, e.g. to the room. A heat transfer circuit 34 is arranged on top of the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet 33. The heat transfer circuit may be for example a piping or tubing arranged to cover at least partially the upper surface area of the panel sheet. Heat transfer medium, e.g. water or other fluid medium, is circulating inside the heat transfer circuit for removing heat, i.e. cooling, or bringing heat, i.e. heating, the panel sheet and the environment. The heat transfer circuit may be fastened to the panel sheet with thermally conductive means.

[0023] In figures 1 and 2, the air diffuser is arranged close to the first end 31 of the radiant panel 3. The air diffuser 2 comprises an air chamber 21 and an air inlet 22 for introducing air into the air chamber 21. The air inlet 22 may be connected to a ducting for introducing fresh air into the air chamber 22. Optionally, the air inlet 22 is arranged to introduce circulated room air into the air chamber 21, i.e. the air inlet may be an opening for introducing room air into the air chamber 21 or it may be connected to ducting that is arranged to receive room air and circulate it back into the room via the air diffuser 2. Optionally, the air inlet 22 may be connected to a ducting of a central air conditioning system. The air diffuser 2 comprises a perforated bottom panel 23 for diffusing air out of the air chamber, i.e. outside of the air diffuser.

[0024] The air diffuser length may be full or partial width of the radiant panel, i.e. the air diffuser may extend from one side edge to the opposite side edge of the radiant panel, or the air diffuser may be arranged in the middle of the radiant panel in width direction.

[0025] The air diffuser may comprise an openable hatch or window, or a separate opening for allowing inspection and cleaning of the inner part, e.g. the air chamber, of the air diffuser.

[0026] The air diffuser may comprise an adjusting device, such as a damper, for adjusting or continuously controlling the air flow rate.

[0027] The panel sheet 33 may be perforated at least on the area below the air diffuser for diffusing air from the air diffuser through the perforations on the panel sheet 33. Optionally, the whole panel sheet 33 is perforated allowing air flow through the panel sheet 33.

[0028] The air diffuser 2 is arranged on top of the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet 33 so that a gap 4 is formed between the air diffuser 2 and the panel sheet 33 for diffusing the air along the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet 33. The height of the gap, i.e. the distance between air diffuser 2 and the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet 33, may be fixed. Optionally, the height of the gap is 10 to 40 mm. Optionally, the height of the gap is less than 70 mm. Optionally, the height of the gap is less than 100 mm. Optionally, the size of the gap, e.g. the height of the gap, may be adjusted. The adjustment may be done manually, or it may be motorized (e.g. a linear motor). The size of the gap may be adjusted for example by a. adjusting the position of the air diffuser in relation to the panel sheet of the radian panel, i.e. lowering or raising the air diffuser, b. adjusting the position of the perforated bottom panel when the bottom panel defines the minimum height between the air diffuser and the upper surface of the panel sheet, or c. having adjusting means for limiting the size of the gap, e.g. adjusting plate which may be moved for covering the gap partially or completely. The adjusting plate may be sliding plate, i.e. linearly moving plate, or it may be hinged plate, i.e. rotatable around an axis, for limiting the size of the gap. The adjusting plate may be fastened to the radiant panel or to the air diffuser.

[0029] Optionally, the size of the gap may be adjusted automatically based on the mode of the radiant panel arrangement (will be discussed later).

[0030] The combination of the gap 4 and the perforated area on panel sheet below the air diffuser, the air from the air diffuser may be diffused partially through the perforated panel sheet 33 and partially along the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet. The ratio depends on the size of the gap 4, e.g. the height of the gap. By having smaller gap, more air is diffused through the panel sheet into the room and less air is diffused along the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet. By increasing the size of the gap, e.g. increasing the height of the gap, less air is diffused through the panel sheet and more air is diffused along the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet.

[0031] Optionally, the perforated bottom panel 23 comprises at least one nozzle for directing the air in desired direction. The nozzle or nozzles may be an air gap, air slit or other kind of nozzle comprising directing means for directing the air in desired direction. The directing means may comprise for example plates or sheets directing the air. Optionally, the nozzle or nozzles are adjustable. The nozzle or nozzles may be rotatable, i.e. rotated around an axis perpendicular to the perforated bottom panel and / or rotated around an axis parallel to the perforated bottom panel.

[0032] Figures 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d show embodiments of the radiant panel arrangement. In figure 3a, the air diffuser is arranged on top of the panel sheet so that the gap 4 between the air diffuser 2 and the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet 33 is small, e.g. 10 to 15 mm. Figure 3b shows similar embodiment as in figure 3a, but the air diffuser 2 comprises nozzles on the perforated bottom panel 23 for directing the air flow along the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet 33. By having smaller gap 4, more air is diffused directly into the room through the panel sheet perforations below the air diffuser.

[0033] Figure 3c shows an embodiment, wherein the air diffuser is arranged on top of the panel sheet so that the gap 4 between the air diffuser 2 and the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet 33 is bigger than in figures 3a and 3b, e.g. 25 to 40 mm. Figure 3d shows similar embodiment as in figure 3c, but the air diffuser 2 comprises nozzles on the perforated bottom panel 23 for directing the air flow along the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet 33. By having bigger gap 4, less air is diffused directly into the room through the panel sheet perforations below the air diffuser.

[0034] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of positioning the air diffuser 2. The air diffuser 2 is arranged in the middle of the radiant panel, i.e. the distance to the first end 31 and the second end 32 of the radiant panel is essentially the same. By arranging the air diffuser in the middle, the air may be diffused along the upper surface of the panel sheet towards both ends of the radiant panel.

[0035] Figure 5 shows more optional positions for the air diffuser 2 in relation to the radiant panel. The figure should be understood so that the arrangement does not comprise 5 different air diffusers 2 but each one shows one optional position for the air diffuser 2 between the first end 31 and the second end 32. Figure 5 also shows different vertical positions of the air diffuser, but is should be understood so that any vertical position shown could be enabled in any position between the first end 31 and the second end 32. The air diffuser may be arranged at a distance from the perimeter of the radiant panel, i.e. the air diffuser is in the middle of the radiant panel and air may be diffused along the upper surface of the panel sheet in all directions.

[0036] Figures 6a and 6b show a bottom view of the arrangement and especially the bottom surface of the panel sheet 33. In figure 6a, the panel sheet 33 is partially perforated, e.g. the panel sheet is perforated below the air diffuser for diffusing air from the air diffuser directly to the room through the perforated area of the panel sheet. In figure, 6b, the whole area of the panel sheet is perforated.

[0037] The radiant panel arrangement may comprise a controller or it may be connected to the controller of the building indoor climate control system (controlling for example the temperature) for dynamic operation of the arrangement. For example, in a boosted cooling mode, the size of the gap, e.g. the height of the gap, may be decreased for providing more vertical flow through the perforated area on the panel sheet below the air diffuser. Optionally, the presence of people in the room is recognized and the size of the gap, e.g. height of the gap, may be increased for limiting the vertical flow through the perforated area of the panel sheet below the air diffuser to avoid possible draft in the room. Similar operation mode may be enabled as boosted heating mode. Optionally, the operation of the radiant panel arrangement is scheduled, e.g. the size of the gap, e.g. height of the gap, is smaller during non-office hours for providing more vertical flow through the perforated area on the sheet panel below the air diffuser. And during the office hours, when people are present in the room, the size of the gap, e.g. height of the gap, is increased for providing less vertical flow and more horizontal flow along the upper surface of the panel sheet to avoid draft in the room.

[0038] Figures 7a and 7b show embodiments of the adjusting means for adjusting the size of the gap 4. In figure 7a, the adjusting means 41 comprises linearly moving plate in fully open position and in closed position (dashed line). Figure 7b, the adjusting means 41 comprises hinged plate in partially open position and in closed position (dashed line). The adjusting means may be motorized, or their position may be adjusted manually.

[0039] Figure 8 shows an embodiment, wherein the radiant panel arrangement comprises a controller 5 for controlling the operation of the radiant panel arrangement, e.g. adjusting the size of the gap, e.g. the height of the gap, in different scenarios. Optionally, the controller 5 is part of the building indoor climate control system.

[0040] Although the invention has been the described in conjunction with a certain type of device, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any certain type of device. While the present inventions have been described in connection with a number of exemplary embodiments, and implementations, the present inventions are not so limited, but rather cover various modifications, and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the purview of prospective claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0022]Figure 1 shows a top view and figure 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of a radiant panel arrangement 1 comprising an air diffuser 2 and a radiant panel 3. The radiant panel 3 comprises a first end 31 and a second end 32, which are in opposite ends of the radiant panel. The air diffuser 2 is fastened to the radiant panel and it is arranged between the first end and the second end. The radiant panel 3 comprises a panel sheet 33, i.e. the bottom sheet of the radiant panel, comprising an upper surface 35 and a bottom surface 36, which is exposed to the environment, e.g. to the room. A heat transfer circuit 34 is arranged on top of the upper surface 35 of the panel sheet 33. The heat transfer circuit may be for example a piping or tubing arranged to cover at least partially the upper surface area of the panel sheet. Heat transfer medium, e.g. water or other fluid medium, is circulating inside the heat transfer circuit for removing heat, i.e. cooling, or bringing heat, i.e. heat...

Claims

1. A radiant panel arrangement (1) comprising an air diffuser (2) and a radiant panel (3), wherein the radiant panel comprises - a first end (31) and a second end (32), - a panel sheet (33) comprising an upper surface (35), wherein a heat transfer circuit (34) is arranged on top of the upper surface, and a bottom surface (36), and the air diffuser comprises - an air chamber (21), - air inlet (22) for introducing air into the air chamber, - a perforated bottom panel (23) for diffusing air out of the air chamber, char act e r i zed in that the air diffuser is arranged on top of the upper surface of the panel sheet so that a gap (4) is formed between the air diffuser (2) and the upper surface (35) of the panel sheet (33) for diffusing air along the upper surface of the panel sheet.

2. The radiant panel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the air diffuser (2) is arranged at first end (31) of the radiant panel (3) for diffusing air towards the second end (32) of the radiant panel.

3. The radiant panel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the air diffuser (2) is arranged between the first end (31) and the second end (32) of the radiant panel for diffusing air towards the first end and the second end of the radiant panel.

4. The radiant panel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the air diffuser (2) is arranged at a distance from the perimeter of the radiant panel (3) for diffusing air along the upper surface (35) of the panel sheet around the air diffuser.

5. The radiant panel arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom panel (23) comprises at least one nozzle (24) for directing the air flow along the upper surface (35) of the panel sheet (33) .

6. The radiant panel arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the bottom panel (23) comprises plurality of adjustable nozzles (24) for directing the air flow along the upper surface (35) of the panel sheet (33).

7. The radiant panel arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel sheet (33) is perforated at least below the air diffuser (2).

8. The radiant panel arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height of the gap (4) is between 10 to 40 mm.

9. The radiant panel arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the size of the gap (4) is adjustable.

10. The radiant panel arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the arrangement is provided with an adjusting means for adjusting the size of the gap (4).

11. The radiant panel arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the adjusting means comprises a movable plate for limiting the size of the gap.

12. The radiant panel arrangement according to any one of the claims 9 to 11, wherein the height of the gap is configured to be automatically adjusted based on a signal received from a controller, which is configured to control the temperature in a room.

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