Method for controlling a fan convector device and a fan convector device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling a fan convector device (1) and to a fan convector device (1), which device comprises a fan (2) for circulating air through the device, a cooling radiator (3) for cooling the air inside the device, a collection vessel (4) for collecting condensate water from the cooling radiator, which collection vessel is equipped with a channel or conduit for conveying the collected water outside of the device, wherein the water level inside the collection vessel is detected and followed with a water level sensor (5), and a control system (8) for controlling the operation of the fan convector device, which control system receives signal indicating water level in the collection vessel from the water level sensor, wherein the fan convector device (1) comprises a second sensor (7) for detecting failure of the water level sensor (5) and for forwarding the detected failure to the control system (8).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fan convectors, which are used to cool inside air by circulating air through the fan convector comprising a cooling radiator and a fan.Background

[0002] Fan convector is one solution for providing cooling for inside air of a building. The operating principle of the cooling with fan convector is that air circulated through a fan convector device with a fan and the air is cooled inside the device with a cooling radiator. The cooling medium for the cooling radiator is typically cooled outside the fan convector device and conveyed to the device via pipes.

[0003] Cooling air with a fan convector also removes air moisture from the circulated air, which air moisture typically condensates on the surface of the cooling radiator. The condensate water is typically collected in a collection vessel inside the fan convector device, from which the water is removed via channel by gravity or with help of a water pump.

[0004] The removal of the condensate water from the fan convector can create significant problems if it is not operating properly. Thus the collection vessel of the fan convector device is typically equipped with a sensor, which controls a condensate water pump, gives an alarm and / or decreases formation of the condensate water inside the fan convector device when a preset level for the condensate water inside the collection vessel is reached. However, if this water level sensor fails, no indication of faulty condensate water removal will be issued and overflow of the collection vessel is very likely result.Summary

[0005] For overcoming the above discussed problem the present invention provides a fan convector device, which effectively prevents the overflow of the condensate water collection vessel if and when the water level sensor of the collection vessel fails.

[0006] In a method of the invention for controlling a fan convector device, which device comprises a fan for circulating air through the device, a cooling radiator for cooling the air inside the device, a collection vessel for collecting condensate water from the cooling radiator, which collection vessel is equipped with a channel or conduit for conveying the collected water outside of the device, wherein the water level inside the collection vessel is detected and followed with a water level sensor, and a control system for controlling the operation of the fan convector device, which control system receives signal indicating water level in the collection vessel from the water level sensor, the fan convector device comprises a second sensor for detecting failure of the water level sensor and for forwarding the detected failure to the control system.

[0007] In the context of the invention the failure of the water level sensor can be detected directly or indirectly, wherein the indirect detection can be based on detection of the results of the failure of the water level sensor.

[0008] In an embodiment of the method of the invention the second sensor detects the failure of the water level sensor by detecting water level inside the collection vessel at a predetermined level. Alternatively, the second sensor can detect the failure by monitoring the operation of the water level sensor, for example.

[0009] In an embodiment of the method of the invention the fan convector device comprises at least one additional sensor for detecting water outside the collection vessel inside the fan convector device or external to the fan convector device. This allows detection of leaks and prevention of damage in case of external piping failure or other condensate drainage issue other than those related to sensor failure.

[0010] In an embodiment of the method of the invention the control system, after receiving the failure signal from the second sensor, stops the fan, stops the cooling operation of the cooling radiator, and / or stops the operation of the fan convector device. This way further collection of the condensate water in the collection vessel can be stopped.

[0011] Alternatively, to allow continued safe operation of the fan convector device, after receiving failure signal from the second sensor the control system may continue operation of the fan convector device by replacing the failed water level sensor with the second sensor, if the second sensor is suitable for that. However, also in this embodiment the failure of the water level sensor creates an alarm to alert of required service and maintenance of the unit.

[0012] In an embodiment of the method of the invention the control system, after receiving the failure signal from the second sensor, issues an alarm. The alarm can be an audible alarm, a visual alarm, an alarm to building management system, an alarm to user interface, or any combination of these, for example.

[0013] The present invention also provides a fan convector device, which device comprises a fan for circulating air through the device, a cooling radiator for cooling the air inside the device, a collection vessel for collecting condensate water from the cooling radiator, which collection vessel is equipped with a channel or conduit for conveying the collected water outside of the device and with a water level sensor configured to detect the water level inside the collection vessel, and a control system configured to control the operation of the fan convector device, which control system receives signal indicating water level in the collection vessel, wherein the fan convector device further comprises a second sensor configured to detect failure of the water level sensor and to send the detected failure signal to the control system.

[0014] In an embodiment of the fan convector device of the invention the second sensor is configured to detect the failure of the water level sensor by detecting water level inside the collection vessel at a predetermined level. Alternatively, the second sensor may be configured to detect the failure of the water level sensor by monitoring the operation of the water level sensor, for example.

[0015] In an embodiment of the fan convector device the fan convector device comprises at least one additional sensor for detecting water outside the collection vessel inside the fan convector device or external to the fan convector device.

[0016] In an embodiment of the fan convector device of the invention the device comprises a water pump for pumping water out of the collection vessel, which water pump is controlled by the control system.

[0017] In an embodiment of the fan convector device of the invention the control system is configured to stop the fan, stop the cooling operation of the cooling radiator, and / or stop the operation of the fan convector device after receiving the failure signal from the second sensor.

[0018] In an embodiment of the fan convector device of the invention the control system is configured to issue an alarm after receiving the failure signal from the second sensor.

[0019] More precisely the features defining a method in accordance with the present invention are presented in claim 1, and the features defining a fan convector device in accordance with the present invention are presented in claim 6. Dependent claims present advantageous features and embodiments of the invention.Brief description of the drawings

[0020] Exemplifying embodiment of the invention and its advantages are explained in greater detail below in the sense of example and with reference to accompanying drawing, which Figure 1 shows schematically an embodiment of a fan convector device in accordance with the present invention.Detailed description

[0021] In the figure is shown schematically an embodiment of a fan convector device 1 in accordance with the present invention, which device comprises a fan 2, a cooling radiator 3, a collection vessel 4 for condensate water, a sensor 5 following the water level in the collection vessel, a water pump 6, a second sensor 7 for water level in the collection vessel, and a control system 8.

[0022] When the fan convector device 1 operates, the fan 2 sucks air inside the device and blows it to the cooling radiator 3, which cools the air, after which the cooled air is conveyed out of the device. During operation of the device 1 moisture from the cooled air condensates on the surfaces of the cooling radiator 3, which condensate water is dropped and collected in the collection vessel 4. The sensor 5 follows the water level inside the collection vessel 4 with suitable means, such as with a float 5a, for example. The sensor 5 send the water level information to the control system 8 of the device 1, which control system operates the water pump 6 to remove water from the collection vessel 4 outside the device in order to prevent overflow of the collection vessel.

[0023] The fan convector device 1 is also equipped with a second sensor 7 for detecting the water level inside the collection vessel 4, in case the sensor 5 fails. Once the water level inside the collection vessel 4 reaches the detection point and / or the alarm level of the second sensor 7, the second sensor gives alert to the control system 8 that the sensor 5 has failed, which control system then restricts the formation of condensate water inside the device by shutting off the operation of the fan 2 and / or the cooling radiator 3, or the whole device 1. Further, the operation system 8 also issues suitable alarm, such as a sound and / or visual alarm for example, and preferably also forwards the alarm to suitable higher level control system, such as an user interface and / or building management system for example, to indicate that maintenance of the device 1 is required.

[0024] The control system 8 may also continue safe operation of the fan convector device 1 after failure of the sensor 5, if the second sensor 7 is suitable for providing the required information to the control system for the continued operation. However, in this case an alarm is still issued so that the failed sensor 5 can be repaired at earliest suitable time.

[0025] The fan convector device 1 may also be equipped with additional sensors 9a, 9b for detecting water in other places outside the collection vessel 4 both inside the fan convector device and also external of the fan convector device. This way leaks and / or other condensate drainage issues not related to the sensor failure can be detected and the related damage prevented. In case the additional sensors 9a, 9b issue water detection indication or alarm, then the control system 8 preferably, in addition to issuing an alarm, also proceeds to shut down the operation of the fan convector device 1, since continued operation of the device would very likely cause increased damage.

[0026] As shown in figure, the additional sensor 9b is preferably located externally in relation to the fan convector device 1 and preferably under the fan convector device 9b. This way any water dripping from the fan convector device can be detected with the external additional sensor 9b. As also shown in the figure, the external additional sensor 9b preferably covers larger detection area than a single detection point, and as such can be a sensor plate, a sensor matt or a sensor strip, for example. In some embodiments the external additional sensor 9b may also extend to area under external pipes connected to the fan convector device 1 to detect leaks from these pipes.

[0027] The specific exemplifying embodiment of the invention shown in the figure and discussed above should not be construed as limiting. A person skilled in the art can amend and modify the embodiment described in many evident ways within the scope of the attached claims. Thus, the invention is not limited merely to the embodiment described above.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0021]In the figure is shown schematically an embodiment of a fan convector device 1 in accordance with the present invention, which device comprises a fan 2, a cooling radiator 3, a collection vessel 4 for condensate water, a sensor 5 following the water level in the collection vessel, a water pump 6, a second sensor 7 for water level in the collection vessel, and a control system 8.

[0022]When the fan convector device 1 operates, the fan 2 sucks air inside the device and blows it to the cooling radiator 3, which cools the air, after which the cooled air is conveyed out of the device. During operation of the device 1 moisture from the cooled air condensates on the surfaces of the cooling radiator 3, which condensate water is dropped and collected in the collection vessel 4. The sensor 5 follows the water level inside the collection vessel 4 with suitable means, such as with a float 5a, for example. The sensor 5 send the water level information to the control system 8 of the device 1...

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fan convectors, which are used to cool inside air by circulating air through the fan convector comprising a cooling radiator and a fan.Background

[0002] Fan convector is one solution for providing cooling for inside air of a building. The operating principle of the cooling with fan convector is that air circulated through a fan convector device with a fan and the air is cooled inside the device with a cooling radiator. The cooling medium for the cooling radiator is typically cooled outside the fan convector device and conveyed to the device via pipes.

[0003] Cooling air with a fan convector also removes air moisture from the circulated air, which air moisture typically condensates on the surface of the cooling radiator. The condensate water is typically collected in a collection vessel inside the fan convector device, from which the water is removed via channel by gravity or with help of a water pump.

[0004] The removal of the condensate water from the fan convector can create significant problems if it is not operating properly. Thus the collection vessel of the fan convector device is typically equipped with a sensor, which controls a condensate water pump, gives an alarm and / or decreases formation of the condensate water inside the fan convector device when a preset level for the condensate water inside the collection vessel is reached. However, if this water level sensor fails, no indication of faulty condensate water removal will be issued and overflow of the collection vessel is very likely result.Summary

[0005] For overcoming the above discussed problem the present invention provides a fan convector device, which effectively prevents the overflow of the condensate water collection vessel if and when the water level sensor of the collection vessel fails.

[0006] In a method of the invention for controlling a fan convector device, which device comprises a fan for circulating air through the device, a cooling radiator for cooling the air inside the device, a collection vessel for collecting condensate water from the cooling radiator, which collection vessel is equipped with a channel or conduit for conveying the collected water outside of the device, wherein the water level inside the collection vessel is detected and followed with a water level sensor, and a control system for controlling the operation of the fan convector device, which control system receives signal indicating water level in the collection vessel from the water level sensor, the fan convector device comprises a second sensor for detecting failure of the water level sensor and for forwarding the detected failure to the control system.

[0007] In the context of the invention the failure of the water level sensor can be detected directly or indirectly, wherein the indirect detection can be based on detection of the results of the failure of the water level sensor.

[0008] In an embodiment of the method of the invention the second sensor detects the failure of the water level sensor by detecting water level inside the collection vessel at a predetermined level. Alternatively, the second sensor can detect the failure by monitoring the operation of the water level sensor, for example.

[0009] In an embodiment of the method of the invention the fan convector device comprises at least one additional sensor for detecting water outside the collection vessel inside the fan convector device or external to the fan convector device. This allows detection of leaks and prevention of damage in case of external piping failure or other condensate drainage issue other than those related to sensor failure.

[0010] In an embodiment of the method of the invention the control system, after receiving the failure signal from the second sensor, stops the fan, stops the cooling operation of the cooling radiator, and / or stops the operation of the fan convector device. This way further collection of the condensate water in the collection vessel can be stopped.

[0011] Alternatively, to allow continued safe operation of the fan convector device, after receiving failure signal from the second sensor the control system may continue operation of the fan convector device by replacing the failed water level sensor with the second sensor, if the second sensor is suitable for that. However, also in this embodiment the failure of the water level sensor creates an alarm to alert of required service and maintenance of the unit.

[0012] In an embodiment of the method of the invention the control system, after receiving the failure signal from the second sensor, issues an alarm. The alarm can be an audible alarm, a visual alarm, an alarm to building management system, an alarm to user interface, or any combination of these, for example.

[0013] The present invention also provides a fan convector device, which device comprises a fan for circulating air through the device, a cooling radiator for cooling the air inside the device, a collection vessel for collecting condensate water from the cooling radiator, which collection vessel is equipped with a channel or conduit for conveying the collected water outside of the device and with a water level sensor configured to detect the water level inside the collection vessel, and a control system configured to control the operation of the fan convector device, which control system receives signal indicating water level in the collection vessel, wherein the fan convector device further comprises a second sensor configured to detect failure of the water level sensor and to send the detected failure signal to the control system.

[0014] In an embodiment of the fan convector device of the invention the second sensor is configured to detect the failure of the water level sensor by detecting water level inside the collection vessel at a predetermined level. Alternatively, the second sensor may be configured to detect the failure of the water level sensor by monitoring the operation of the water level sensor, for example.

[0015] In an embodiment of the fan convector device the fan convector device comprises at least one additional sensor for detecting water outside the collection vessel inside the fan convector device or external to the fan convector device.

[0016] In an embodiment of the fan convector device of the invention the device comprises a water pump for pumping water out of the collection vessel, which water pump is controlled by the control system.

[0017] In an embodiment of the fan convector device of the invention the control system is configured to stop the fan, stop the cooling operation of the cooling radiator, and / or stop the operation of the fan convector device after receiving the failure signal from the second sensor.

[0018] In an embodiment of the fan convector device of the invention the control system is configured to issue an alarm after receiving the failure signal from the second sensor.

[0019] More precisely the features defining a method in accordance with the present invention are presented in claim 1, and the features defining a fan convector device in accordance with the present invention are presented in claim 6. Dependent claims present advantageous features and embodiments of the invention.Brief description of the drawings

[0020] Exemplifying embodiment of the invention and its advantages are explained in greater detail below in the sense of example and with reference to accompanying drawing, which Figure 1 shows schematically an embodiment of a fan convector device in accordance with the present invention.Detailed description

[0021] In the figure is shown schematically an embodiment of a fan convector device 1 in accordance with the present invention, which device comprises a fan 2, a cooling radiator 3, a collection vessel 4 for condensate water, a sensor 5 following the water level in the collection vessel, a water pump 6, a second sensor 7 for water level in the collection vessel, and a control system 8.

[0022] When the fan convector device 1 operates, the fan 2 sucks air inside the device and blows it to the cooling radiator 3, which cools the air, after which the cooled air is conveyed out of the device. During operation of the device 1 moisture from the cooled air condensates on the surfaces of the cooling radiator 3, which condensate water is dropped and collected in the collection vessel 4. The sensor 5 follows the water level inside the collection vessel 4 with suitable means, such as with a float 5a, for example. The sensor 5 send the water level information to the control system 8 of the device 1, which control system operates the water pump 6 to remove water from the collection vessel 4 outside the device in order to prevent overflow of the collection vessel.

[0023] The fan convector device 1 is also equipped with a second sensor 7 for detecting the water level inside the collection vessel 4, in case the sensor 5 fails. Once the water level inside the collection vessel 4 reaches the detection point and / or the alarm level of the second sensor 7, the second sensor gives alert to the control system 8 that the sensor 5 has failed, which control system then restricts the formation of condensate water inside the device by shutting off the operation of the fan 2 and / or the cooling radiator 3, or the whole device 1. Further, the operation system 8 also issues suitable alarm, such as a sound and / or visual alarm for example, and preferably also forwards the alarm to suitable higher level control system, such as an user interface and / or building management system for example, to indicate that maintenance of the device 1 is required.

[0024] The control system 8 may also continue safe operation of the fan convector device 1 after failure of the sensor 5, if the second sensor 7 is suitable for providing the required information to the control system for the continued operation. However, in this case an alarm is still issued so that the failed sensor 5 can be repaired at earliest suitable time.

[0025] The fan convector device 1 may also be equipped with additional sensors 9a, 9b for detecting water in other places outside the collection vessel 4 both inside the fan convector device and also external of the fan convector device. This way leaks and / or other condensate drainage issues not related to the sensor failure can be detected and the related damage prevented. In case the additional sensors 9a, 9b issue water detection indication or alarm, then the control system 8 preferably, in addition to issuing an alarm, also proceeds to shut down the operation of the fan convector device 1, since continued operation of the device would very likely cause increased damage.

[0026] As shown in figure, the additional sensor 9b is preferably located externally in relation to the fan convector device 1 and preferably under the fan convector device 9b. This way any water dripping from the fan convector device can be detected with the external additional sensor 9b. As also shown in the figure, the external additional sensor 9b preferably covers larger detection area than a single detection point, and as such can be a sensor plate, a sensor matt or a sensor strip, for example. In some embodiments the external additional sensor 9b may also extend to area under external pipes connected to the fan convector device 1 to detect leaks from these pipes.

[0027] The specific exemplifying embodiment of the invention shown in the figure and discussed above should not be construed as limiting. A person skilled in the art can amend and modify the embodiment described in many evident ways within the scope of the attached claims. Thus, the invention is not limited merely to the embodiment described above.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0021]In the figure is shown schematically an embodiment of a fan convector device 1 in accordance with the present invention, which device comprises a fan 2, a cooling radiator 3, a collection vessel 4 for condensate water, a sensor 5 following the water level in the collection vessel, a water pump 6, a second sensor 7 for water level in the collection vessel, and a control system 8.

[0022]When the fan convector device 1 operates, the fan 2 sucks air inside the device and blows it to the cooling radiator 3, which cools the air, after which the cooled air is conveyed out of the device. During operation of the device 1 moisture from the cooled air condensates on the surfaces of the cooling radiator 3, which condensate water is dropped and collected in the collection vessel 4. The sensor 5 follows the water level inside the collection vessel 4 with suitable means, such as with a float 5a, for example. The sensor 5 send the water level information to the control system 8 of the device 1...

Claims

1. Method for controlling a fan convector device (1), which device comprises a fan (2) for circulating air through the device, a cooling radiator (3) for cooling the air inside the device, a collection vessel (4) for collecting condensate water from the cooling radiator, which collection vessel is equipped with a channel or conduit for conveying the collected water outside of the device, wherein the water level inside the collection vessel is detected and followed with a water level sensor (5), and a control system (8) for controlling the operation of the fan convector device, which control system receives signal indicating water level in the collection vessel from the water level sensor, characterized in that the fan convector device (1) comprises a second sensor (7) for detecting failure of the water level sensor (5) and for forwarding the detected failure to the control system (8).

2. Method of claim 1, wherein the second sensor (7) detects the failure of the water level sensor (5) by detecting water level inside the collection vessel (4) at a predetermined level.

3. Method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the fan convector device (1) comprises at least one additional sensor (9a, 9b) for detecting water outside the collection vessel (4) inside the fan convector device or external to the fan convector device.

4. Method of any of claims 1-3, wherein the control system (8), after receiving the failure signal from the second sensor (7), stops the fan (2), stops the cooling operation of the cooling radiator (3), and / or stops the operation of the fan convector device (1).

5. Method of any of claims 1-4, wherein the control system (8), after receiving the failure signal from the second sensor (7), issues an alarm.

6. Fan convector device (1), which device comprises a fan (2) for circulating air through the device, a cooling radiator (3) for cooling the air inside the device, a collection vessel (4) for collecting condensate water from the cooling radiator, which collection vessel is equipped with a channel or conduit for conveying the collected water outside of the device and with a water level sensor (5) configured to detect the water level inside the collection vessel, and a control system (8) configured to control the operation of the fan convector device, which control system receives signal indicating water level in the collection vessel, characterized in that the fan convector device (1) further comprises a second sensor (7) configured to detect failure of the water level sensor (5) and to send the failure signal to the control system (8).

7. Fan convector device (1) of claim 6, wherein the second sensor (7) is configured to detect the failure of the water level sensor (5) by detecting water level inside the collection vessel (4) at a predetermined level.

8. Fan convector device (1) of claim 6 or 7, wherein the fan convector device (1) comprises at least one additional sensor (9a, 9b) configured to detect water outside the collection vessel (4) inside the fan convector device or external to the fan convector device.

9. Fan convector device (1) of any of claims 6-8, wherein the device (1) comprises a condensate water pump (6) for pumping water out of the collection vessel (4), which water pump is controlled by the control system (8).

10. Fan convector device (1) of any of claims 6-9, wherein the control system (8) is configured to stop the fan (2), stop the cooling operation of the cooling radiator (3), and / or stop the operation of the fan convector device (1) after receiving the failure signal from the second sensor (7).

11. Fan convector device (1) of any of claims 5-8, wherein the control system (8) is configured to issue an alarm after receiving the failure signal from the second sensor (7).

Images