Filtration assembly for ventilation unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a filtration assembly (1) for a ventilation unit with an airflow (2), comprising a frame (3) for equipping said ventilation unit and defining a window (5) for the passage of the airflow (2), and a particulate filter (13) mounted in the frame (3) to close the window (5) of the frame (3) and to be traversed by the airflow (2) to be treated. According to the invention, the filtration assembly (1) comprises a photocatalytic filter (8) coated with a photocatalyst agent and positioned to be traversed by the airflow (2) downstream of the particulate filter (13), and at least one light source (10) capable of emitting ultraviolet radiation to irradiate the photocatalytic filter (8). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Filtration assembly for ventilation unit Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical sector of air filtration and decontamination, and more particularly concerns a filtration assembly intended to equip a ventilation unit.

[0002] A ventilation unit means an electrical appliance within the meaning of European Union Regulation No. 1253 / 2014 of 7 July 2014 implementing Directive 2009 / 125 / EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to ecodesign requirements for ventilation units.

[0003] In other words, a ventilation unit is a device equipped with at least one turbine, a motor and a box and intended to replace stale air with outside air in a building or part of a building. The expression ventilation unit must be understood in the broad sense, whether residential or non-residential, single flow or double flow. It may be, by way of non-limiting examples, a ventilation and air conditioning system for a building, such as a network or an air handling unit, an air filtration box on the roof, commonly called by the English term "rooftop", a heat pump, controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV), etc. Prior art

[0004] Known from the prior art is an air treatment unit or network equipped with a filtration assembly comprising a frame defining a window for the passage of the air flow in which is mounted a particulate filter positioned to close the window of the frame and to be crossed by the air flow to be treated.

[0005] Depending on the efficiency of the filter, this solution is entirely satisfactory for particle filtration, but has limited efficiency in avoiding the risks of contamination and viral propagation.

[0006] According to other solutions, and in particular for the treatment of odors, the frame of the air treatment unit has an activated carbon filter, and for germicidal, bactericidal, fungicidal or virucidal applications, it is known to equip the unit with a module comprising a carbon filter coated with titanium dioxide and irradiated by a lamp capable of emitting ultraviolet radiation.

[0007] However, in addition to the fact that the efficiency of this latter solution can be improved, it has the disadvantage of requiring specific assembly on the air handling unit. Statement of the invention

[0008] One of the aims of the invention is therefore to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a filtration assembly for a ventilation unit making it possible to ensure optimal filtration, in particular of aerosol particles with a diameter of less than 1 μm, for example 0.3 μm, while avoiding the risks of contamination and propagation of germs, viruses, bacteria, fungi, spores, etc.

[0009] Another objective of the invention is to provide such a filtration assembly which is easily installable on a ventilation unit, such as a central unit or an air treatment network, preferably without any modification of the universal and standard elements of said ventilation unit.

[0010] For this purpose, a filtration assembly for a ventilation unit of an air flow has been developed, comprising a frame intended to equip said ventilation unit and defining a window for the passage of the air flow, and a particulate filter mounted in the frame to close the window of the frame and to be crossed by the air flow to be treated.

[0011] According to the invention, the filtration assembly also comprises a photocatalytic filter coated with a photocatalytic agent and positioned to be crossed by the air flow downstream of the particulate filter, and at least one light source capable of emitting ultraviolet radiation to irradiate the photocatalytic filter.

[0012] In this way, the filtration assembly according to the invention makes it possible, on the one hand, to filter aerosol particles, and on the other hand, to decontaminate the air flow by a photocatalytic reaction activated by ultraviolet radiation, thus destroying aerosol microorganisms, in particular bacteria, fungi, viruses, germs, spores, etc., as well as chemical pollutants, VOCs, nitrogenous components, allergens, odors, etc.

[0013] Depending on the performance of the particulate filter, for example if the particulate filter is a filter classified ePMl according to the ISO 16890 standard, it stops at least 50% of particles with a diameter of less than 1 pm.

[0014] The photocatalytic filter may be of any suitable type, for example a fibrous support, based on glass fibers, or preferably an activated carbon filter.

[0015] The photocatalyst coating may also be of any suitable type, for example photocatalyst agents selected from the group of metal oxides, alkaline earth oxides, actinide oxides and rare earth oxides. Preferably, the photocatalyst used is titanium dioxide.

[0016] The light source is capable of emitting ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of between 200 nm and 380 nm, and preferably UVC radiation with a wavelength of between 200 nm and 280 nm, for example 254 nm.

[0017] The frame of the filtration assembly according to the invention allows it to adapt fa- attached to an existing ventilation unit.

[0018] Preferably, the frame comprises sides with an "L" shaped section to define a bottom wall in which the window of the frame is arranged, the bottom wall delimiting around the window a peripheral support border for the particulate filter.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment, the photocatalytic filter and the light source are integrated into a box assembled with the frame, the box comprising a front face closed by the photocatalytic filter and positioned in correspondence and in communication with the window of the frame.

[0020] The box is assembled with the frame in any suitable manner, and for example the front face is bordered by a peripheral collar and parallel to the front face. This collar allows the box to be fixed to the frame, for example by screwing.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the peripheral collar of the box is positioned between the particulate filter and the bottom wall of the frame to allow said box to be held in position.

[0022] This feature allows the box to be assembled with an existing frame already equipped with a particle filter, without modifying the structure of the frame, and without requiring an additional fixing element. Assembly is simple and quick, and is carried out from the inside of the frame with optimal sealing.

[0023] Preferably, the photocatalytic filter is positioned in the box flush with the front face and resting against tabs opposite the front face relative to the photocatalytic filter, and projecting from at least two opposite lateral faces of the box.

[0024] This feature makes it easier to mount the box, without requiring any particular fixing element, the photocatalytic filter is simply inserted into the box and is held in position at the front face of the box, between the particulate filter and the protruding tabs of the box.

[0025] In order to further facilitate the mounting of the filtration assembly according to the invention, at least two opposite sides of the frame internally comprise latches pivotally mounted to move from a locking position in which the latches come into contact with the particulate filter to hold it in position, to an unlocking position in which the latches exert no grip on the particulate filter.

[0026] It is clear from these characteristics that the mounting of the particulate filter in the frame, the mounting of the photocatalytic filter in the box, and the assembly of the box with the frame are very clearly facilitated and do not require any particular tool or additional fixing means.

[0027] Preferably, the frame is a universal frame having a length of 610 mm, and a width of 610 mm, 508 mm or 305 mm. In this way, it is clear from these characteristics that the filtration assembly according to the invention can equip a ventilation unit of standard dimensions, such as a standard air handling unit, possibly reusing its frame, without modification or any special tool for assembly. According to the invention, it is therefore possible to start from a standard universal frame already equipped with a simple particle filter, to add to it the box equipped with the photocatalytic filter and the light source.

[0028] Brief description of the figures

[0029] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description given below, for information purposes only and in no way limiting, with reference to:

[0030] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a sectional view of a filtration assembly according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0031] With reference to the single [Fig.l], the invention relates to a filtration assembly (1) for an air flow (2) intended to equip a ventilation unit, for example a central unit or an air treatment network, preferably using a so-called "universal" frame equipping the original filtration assembly (1) of the treatment unit, without any modification, tool or additional fixing element, and in order to allow the filtering of aerosol particles, in particular with a diameter of less than 1 pm, and to carry out decontamination to prevent any propagation of bacteria, viruses, germs, odors, VOCs, etc.

[0032] For this purpose, the filtration assembly (1) comprises a frame (3), preferably universal, i.e. having a length of 610 mm, and a width of 610 mm, 508 mm or 305 mm, with sides with an “L” shaped section so as to define a bottom wall (4) in which a window (5) is provided for the passage of the air flow (2) to be treated.

[0033] The filtration assembly (1) also comprises a box (6) comprising a front face (7) closed by a photocatalytic filter (8) coated with a photocatalytic agent positioned inside and flush with said front face (7), and bearing against tabs (9) projecting from at least two opposite lateral faces of the box (6).

[0034] Preferably, the photocatalytic filter (8) coated with a photocatalyst agent is an activated carbon filter coated with titanium dioxide, but any other filter or support, and any other photocatalyst agent could be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0035] The box (6) internally comprises at least one, and for example three or four light sources (10) capable of emitting ultraviolet radiation, positioned behind the photocatalytic filter (8) to irradiate it. The light sources (10) are for example 36W UV lamps emitting radiation with a wavelength between 200 nm and 380 nm, and preferably UVC radiation with a wavelength between 200 nm and 280 nm, for example 254 nm. The light sources (10) are fixed in any suitable manner to the box (6), and are connected to a power supply source, not shown. For example, the bases of the UV lamps are fixed to a bottom wall (11) of the box (6). The box (6) has a depth suitable for positioning the light sources (10) preferably at a distance of 10 to 30 cm, for example 20 cm from the photocatalytic filter (8). For example, the box (6) has a depth of 280 mm and therefore has a relatively small footprint.

[0036] The front face (7) of the box (6), closed by the photocatalytic filter (8), is positioned in correspondence and in communication with the window (5) of the frame (3), and therefore has dimensions which are adapted to it.

[0037] For the assembly of the box (6) with the frame (3), the front face (7) of the box (6) is bordered by a peripheral collar (12) parallel to said front face (7) so as to be able to insert the box (6) inside the window (5) of the frame (3), until said collar (12) comes into abutment against a peripheral support edge constituted by the bottom wall (4) of the frame (3), inside the frame (3).

[0038] The filtration assembly (1) also comprises a particulate filter (13) mounted inside the frame (3), for example a filter classified ePMl according to ISO 16890, possibly pleated with a space of 4 to 50 mm, for example 6 mm between the pleats. Of course, any other particulate filter (13), pleated or not, can be used depending on the application and the desired performance, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0039] The bottom wall (4) around the window (5) of the frame (3) also delimits a peripheral support edge for the particulate filter (13), which filter has dimensions adjusted to the frame (3) and is simply positioned at the bottom of the frame (3) bearing against the peripheral support edge, and in particular against the collar (12) of the box (6) to hold it in position.

[0040] The universal frame (3) comprises, on at least two of its opposite sides, and internally, latches (14) pivotally mounted to move from a locking position, illustrated, in which the latches (14) come into contact with the particulate filter (13) to hold it in position, and consequently to hold the box (6) in position, to an unlocking position, not illustrated, in which the latches (14) exert no grip on the particulate filter (13) to allow removal of the particulate filter (13) and the box (6).

[0041] In this way, the particulate filter (13) and the photocatalytic filter (8) coated with a photocatalytic agent are positioned one behind the other to close the window (5) of the frame (3) and be crossed, in this order, by the air flow (2) to be treated.

[0042] In this way, the invention provides a filtration assembly (1) comprising a frame (3), preferably universal, which therefore easily adapts to existing ventilation units, for example to existing air treatment plants or networks, without modification, making it possible to ensure optimal filtration, in particular of aerosol particles with a diameter of less than 1 pm, for example 0.3 pm, and while avoiding the risks of contamination and propagation of germs, viruses, odors, bacteria, fungi, etc. by the photocatalytic reaction generated by ultraviolet radiation on the photocatalytic filter (8).

[0043] The treated air then escapes, for example, through orifices, not shown, provided in the side or bottom walls (11) of the box (6), or through any other suitable evacuation.

Claims

Claims

1. Filtration assembly (1) for a ventilation unit of an air flow (2), comprising a frame (3) intended to equip said ventilation unit and defining a window (5) for the passage of the air flow (2), and a particulate filter (13) mounted in the frame (3) to close the window (5) of the frame (3) and to be crossed by the air flow (2) to be treated, characterized in that it comprises a photocatalytic filter (8) coated with a photocatalytic agent and positioned to be crossed by the air flow (2) downstream of the particulate filter (13), and at least one light source (10) capable of emitting ultraviolet radiation to irradiate the photocatalytic filter (8).

2. Filtration assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame (3) comprises sides with an “L” shaped section to define a bottom wall (4) in which the window (5) of the frame (3) is arranged, the bottom wall (4) delimiting around the window (5) a peripheral support border for the particulate filter (13).

3. Filtration assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the photocatalytic filter (8) and the light source (10) are integrated in a box (6) assembled with the frame (3), the box (6) comprising a front face (7) closed by the photocatalytic filter (8) and positioned in correspondence and in communication with the window (5) of the frame (3).

4. Filtration assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the front face (7) of the box (6) is bordered by a peripheral collar (12) parallel to the front face (7) and positioned between the particulate filter (13) and the bottom wall (4) of the frame (3) to hold the box (6) in position.

5. Filtration assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the photocatalytic filter (8) is positioned in the box (6) flush with the front face (7) and bearing against tabs (9) opposite the front face (7) relative to the photocatalytic filter (8), and projecting from at least two opposite lateral faces of the box (6).

6. A filtration assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two opposite sides of the frame (3) internally comprise latches (14) pivotally mounted to move from a locking position in which the latches (14) engage the particulate filter (13) to hold it in position, to

7.

8.

9.

10. an unlocked position in which the latches (14) exert no grip on the particulate filter (13). Filtration assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame (3) is a universal frame having a length of 610 mm, and a width of 610 mm, 508 mm or 305 mm. Filtration assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the photocatalytic filter (8) is an activated carbon filter. Filtration assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the photocatalyst agent is titanium dioxide. Filtration assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the light source is capable of emitting ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength between 200 nm and 280 nm, preferably 254 nm.

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