Energy transfer and air balancing unit, air handling system comprising such a unit, and method for controlling such a unit
The described system addresses thermal energy loss in ventilation systems by recirculating extracted air to refrigeration units, improving efficiency and reducing heating needs while ensuring safe operation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023004684
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-05-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-05-11
AI Technical Summary
Existing ventilation systems in buildings lose thermal energy due to the extraction of heated indoor air, leading to increased heating requirements, and existing energy recovery units do not adequately address this issue.
A box for energy transfer and aerodynamic balancing between an air extraction device and a refrigeration unit, comprising compartments with dampers and filters, that recirculates extracted air to the refrigeration unit, optimizing airflow and thermal energy recovery.
Enhances the efficiency and performance of the refrigeration unit by utilizing the thermal energy in extracted air, reduces heating demands, and ensures safe operation by balancing airflow and filtering contaminants.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Energy transfer and air balancing unit, air handling system comprising such a unit and method for controlling such a unit
[0001] The present invention relates to a box for energy transfer and air balancing between an air extraction device and a refrigeration unit in a building. The present invention also relates to an air handling system comprising such a box and a method for controlling such a box.
[0002] In the field of building energy management, it is known to equip a building with various devices to control air circulation in the building as well as the indoor air quality of the building.
[0003] For example, it is known to use a ventilation system, such as a controlled mechanical ventilation system, to force the continuous renewal of air inside the building. Such a ventilation system generally includes an air extraction device, which collects the air extracted from the building and expels it to the outside. Such a system is effective in ensuring good indoor air quality, but has the disadvantage of causing a loss of thermal energy within the building, because the extracted air, which is usually heated, is replaced by air from outside, which is generally at a lower temperature. The building's heating requirement is thus increased to compensate for the thermal energy lost in the extracted air.
[0004] To improve the building's energy performance, it is desirable to limit this loss of thermal energy. However, there is no satisfactory solution for recovering the thermal energy present in the air extracted from the building.
[0005] A known solution for recovering thermal energy from the air extracted by a ventilation system to produce domestic hot water, using an energy recovery unit. Such a unit transfers energy, via a heat exchanger, from the extracted air to a domestic hot water hydraulic circuit. However, this solution is not entirely satisfactory because, although it allows for more efficient production of domestic hot water, it does not prevent the increased heating requirement of the building caused by the loss of thermal energy in the extracted air.
[0006] The aim of the invention is therefore to propose a new system for recovering lost thermal energy from extracted air, making it possible to reduce the energy consumption required to heat the building.
[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a box for energy transfer and aerodynamic balancing between an air extraction device and a refrigeration machine belonging to a building, the box comprising: - a first compartment, comprising: • an intake opening configured to be connected to an air outlet of the air extraction device, and • a discharge damper operable between an open position in which airflow from the first compartment to the outside of the casing is permitted via the discharge damper, and a closed position in which airflow from the first compartment to the outside of the casing is prevented by the discharge damper, - a second compartment, comprising: • a discharge opening configured to be connected to an air inlet of the refrigeration machine, and • an operable supply damper between an open position in which airflow from outside the box to the second compartment is permitted via the supply damper, and a closed position in which airflow from outside the box to the second compartment is prevented by the supply damper.
[0008] In addition, the first compartment is connected to the second compartment in such a way as to allow air to circulate from the first compartment to the second compartment.
[0009] Thanks to the invention, the air extracted by the air extraction device is used instead of outside air to supply air to the refrigeration unit. The energy performance and efficiency of the refrigeration unit are thus improved, since the extracted air generally contains more calories than outside air. Furthermore, the safe operation of the air extraction device and the refrigeration unit is ensured by the casing, whose supply and discharge flap controls allow for balancing between the airflow extracted by the air extraction device and the airflow consumed by the refrigeration unit.Thus, when the airflow extracted by the air extraction device is greater than the airflow required by the refrigeration machine, then the discharge damper is open and the supply damper is closed; when the airflow extracted by the air extraction device is less than the airflow required by the refrigeration machine, then the discharge damper is closed and the supply damper is open; and when the airflow extracted by the air extraction device is equal to the airflow required by the . refrigeration machine, then the discharge and supply flaps are closed, these three operating conditions allowing the operation of the box to be adapted to the flow rate supplied by the air extraction device and to the flow rate required by the refrigeration machine.
[0010] According to advantageous, but not mandatory, aspects of the invention, this enclosure incorporates one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically permissible combinations:
[0011] - The housing includes an air filter, separating the first compartment from the second compartment, the air filter being configured to allow air to flow through it, from the first compartment to the second compartment, and to filter air flowing from the first compartment to the second compartment.
[0012] - The housing further comprises a first sensor disposed in the first compartment, one measurement of which reflects an airflow supplied by the air extraction device entering the first compartment through the intake opening, and a second sensor located in the second compartment and one measurement of which reflects an airflow exiting the second compartment through the discharge opening and supplied to the refrigeration machine.
[0013] - The enclosure also includes a control box configured to control the operation of the discharge flap and the supply flap between their open and closed positions.
[0014] - The control box is located in the second compartment.
[0015] - The enclosure further comprises a smoke extraction damper operable between a position open, in which airflow from the first compartment to the outside of the box is permitted via the smoke control damper, and a closed position in which airflow from the first compartment to the outside of the box is prevented by the smoke control damper, and further comprising a fire detector configured to control the operation of the smoke control damper between its open and closed positions.
[0016] - The discharge opening of the caisson is configured to be connected to a evaporator belonging to the refrigeration machine, by being connected to the air intake of the refrigeration machine.
[0017] The invention also relates to an air handling system for a building, comprising the box as described above, the air extraction device, including the air outlet, the refrigeration machine, including the air inlet, an air intake duct connecting the air outlet of the air extraction device to the inlet opening of the box, and an air discharge duct connecting the discharge opening of the box to the air inlet of the refrigeration machine.
[0018] The invention also relates to a method for controlling a box for energy transfer and air balancing between an air extraction device and a refrigeration unit in a building, the box being as described above. The method comprises: - to obtain a flow of air extracted by the air extraction device and entering the first compartment through the intake opening, - to obtain the airflow required by the refrigeration unit, and - operate the discharge and supply valves so that: • when the air flow extracted by the air extraction device is greater than the air flow required by the refrigeration machine, open the discharge damper and close the supply damper; • when the airflow extracted by the air extraction device is less than the airflow required by the refrigeration unit, close the discharge damper and open the supply damper; and • when the air flow extracted by the air extraction device is equal to the air flow required by the refrigeration machine, close the discharge damper and the supply damper.
[0019] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a method for controlling a box for energy transfer and aerodynamic balancing between an air extraction device and a refrigeration machine belonging to a building, the box being as described above, the method comprises: - to obtain an airflow entering the first compartment through the intake opening, - to obtain an airflow exiting the second compartment through the discharge opening, and - operate the discharge flap and the supply flap so that the difference between the airflow entering the first compartment through the inlet opening and the airflow leaving the second compartment through the discharge opening is equal to the difference between the airflow leaving the first compartment through the discharge flap and the airflow entering the second compartment through the supply flap.
[0020] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:
[0021] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic view of an air handling system conforming to the invention, comprising a box according to the invention, the aerodynamic system being represented in a first mode of operation.
[0022] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a view analogous to that of the [Fig.1], the aerodynamic system being represented in a second mode of operation.
[0023] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a view analogous to that of the [Fig.1], the aerodynamic system being represented in a third mode of operation.
[0024] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] is a view analogous to that of the [Fig.1], the aerodynamic system being represented in a fourth mode of operation.
[0025] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] is a view analogous to that of the [Fig.1], the aerodynamic system being represented in a fifth mode of operation.
[0026] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is a view analogous to that of the [Fig.1], the aerodynamic system being represented in a sixth mode of operation.
[0027] [Fig.7] The [Fig.7] is a view analogous to that of the [Fig.1], the aerodynamic system being represented in a seventh mode of operation.
[0028] An air handling system 10 is illustrated in [Fig.1]. This air handling system belongs to a building, not shown.
[0029] The air handling system 10 includes an air extraction device 12, which belongs to an extraction system not shown, such as, for example, a single-flow controlled mechanical ventilation system. The extraction system forces continuous air renewal inside the building, and the air extraction device 12 collects the air extracted from the building and expels it to the outside. Thus, the stale air in the building is continuously replaced with fresh air, maintaining good indoor air quality. The air extraction device 12 includes, in particular, a fan, not shown, which forces air circulation from the building to the air extraction device by suction, and an air outlet 14, through which the extracted air from the building is expelled.In other words, the air extraction device 12 generates an airflow, drawn from the building and expelled into the outside air.
[0030] The air handling system 10 also includes a refrigeration unit 16 adapted to exchange thermal energy with air. The refrigeration unit 16 is separate and located outside the air extraction device 12.
[0031] In the example, the refrigeration machine 16 is a heat pump comprising, in a manner known per se, an evaporator 18, a condenser 20, a compressor 22, and an expansion valve 24. The heat pump 16 has an air inlet 26, an air outlet 28, and a fan 30, which forces air circulation at the evaporator 18, from the air inlet 26 to the air outlet 28. Thus, the cold source of the heat pump is air. Here, the fan 30 is located at the air outlet 28.
[0032] In the example, the heat pump 16 is an air-to-water heat pump, that is, a heat pump transferring thermal energy contained in air, acting as a cold source, to a water network, acting as a hot source. Thus, the Heat pump 16 also includes a cold water inlet 32 and a hot water outlet 34.
[0033] Alternatively, the air handling system 10 includes another type of refrigeration machine other than an air-to-water heat pump, such as, for example, an air-to-air heat pump, a chilled water unit or any other refrigeration machine comprising an evaporator exchanging thermal energy with air, and adapted to transfer thermal energy from a first fluid to a second fluid.
[0034] The air handling system 10 also includes a box 40, which has a first compartment 42 and a second compartment 44 separated by an air filter 46. The box 40 is separate and located outside the air extraction device 12 and the refrigeration machine 16. Thus, the air extraction device 12, the refrigeration machine 16 and the box 40 form three separate elements.
[0035] The enclosure 40 is monobloc, meaning it is formed from a single unit. In the example, the enclosure 40 comprises an upper wall 40A and a lower wall 40B, opposite each other, an inlet wall 40C and a discharge wall 40D, opposite each other, and two side walls opposite each other, not shown in the figures. The walls of the enclosure 40 are watertight and are, for example, formed of metal sheets joined together. Here, the enclosure 40 is parallelepiped-shaped.
[0036] The air filter 46 separates the first compartment 42 from the second compartment 44. The air filter 46 is arranged so that the first compartment 42 is formed on the side of the inlet wall 40C and the second compartment 44 is formed on the side of the outlet wall 40D. In other words, the air filter 46 extends between the upper wall 40A and the lower wall 40B and between the side walls of the housing. Advantageously, the air filter 46 is parallel to the inlet wall 40C and the outlet wall 40D. In a non-shown embodiment of the invention, the air filter 46 is not parallel to the inlet and outlet walls, but is inclined relative to these walls.
[0037] The air filter allows air to circulate through it from the first compartment 42 to the second compartment 44. Furthermore, the air passing through the air filter 46 is filtered; that is, it separates and collects solid or liquid particles or gaseous contaminants contained in the air passing through it. The air filter 46 is advantageously removable, to allow its replacement during the service life of the housing 40.
[0038] The intake wall 40C includes an intake opening 48, which therefore opens into the first compartment 42. The intake opening 48 thus allows air to circulate from outside the box 40 to the first compartment 42. In practice, the inlet opening 48 occupies a fraction, or even the entire surface area, of the inlet wall 40C.
[0039] The discharge wall 40D includes a discharge opening 50, which therefore opens into the second compartment 44. The discharge opening 50 thus allows air circulation from the second compartment 44 to the outside of the box 40. In practice, the discharge opening 50 occupies a fraction, or even all, of the surface of the discharge wall 40D.
[0040] The housing 40 includes a discharge flap 52, which is arranged to open into the first compartment 42. The discharge flap 52 thus allows air to circulate from the first compartment 42 to the outside of the housing 40. In the example, the discharge flap is provided in the upper wall 40A. In a variant of the invention not shown, the discharge flap 52 is provided in one of the side walls or in the inlet wall 40C of the housing 40.
[0041] The discharge damper 52 is operable between an open position in which airflow from the first compartment 42 to the outside of the housing 40 is permitted, and a closed position in which airflow from the first compartment to the outside of the housing is prevented. In practice, the discharge damper 52 has one or more flaps that can pivot between an open position and a closed position, being controlled by an actuator not shown.
[0042] The casing 40 includes a supply damper 54, which is arranged to open into the second compartment 44. The supply damper 54 thus allows air to circulate from outside the casing 40 to the second compartment 44. In the example, the supply damper is provided in the upper wall 40A. In a non-shown variant of the invention, the supply damper 54 is provided in one of the side walls or in the discharge wall 40D of the casing.
[0043] The supply damper 54 is operable between an open position, in which airflow from outside the casing 40 to the second compartment 44 is permitted, and a closed position, in which airflow from outside the casing to the second compartment is prevented. In practice, the supply damper 54 has one or more flaps that can pivot between an open and a closed position, being controlled by an actuator (not shown).
[0044] Advantageously, the enclosure 40 includes a smoke extraction damper 56, which is arranged to open into the first compartment 42. The smoke extraction damper 56 thus allows air circulation from the first compartment 42 to the outside of the enclosure 40. In the example, the smoke extraction damper is provided in the upper wall 40A. In a non-shown variant of the invention, the smoke extraction damper 56 is provided in one of the side walls or in the intake wall 40C of the box.
[0045] The smoke control damper is operable between an open position, in which airflow from the first compartment 42 to the outside of the enclosure 40 is permitted, and a closed position in which airflow from the first compartment to the outside of the enclosure is prevented. In practice, the smoke control damper 56 has one or more flaps that can pivot between an open and a closed position, controlled by an actuator (not shown). The enclosure 40 also includes a fire detector, configured to control the operation of the smoke control damper between its open and closed positions.The fire detector is for example connected to a temperature sensor, configured to detect an abnormally high temperature, for example above 75°C, or to a smoke detector, or is made up of an electrical system receiving a signal from a sensor or device external to the box 40.
[0046] Advantageously, the casing 40 includes a control box 58, which controls the operation of the discharge damper 52, the supply damper 54, and the smoke extraction damper 56 between their open and closed positions. In the example, the control box 58 is located in the second compartment 44.
[0047] In the example, the fire detector is integrated into the control box 58. Alternatively, the fire detector is separate from the control box 58.
[0048] Advantageously, the casing 40 includes a first sensor 60, which is disposed in the first compartment 42 and whose measurement reflects an airflow passing through the inlet opening 48, and a second sensor 62, which is disposed in the second compartment 44 and whose measurement reflects an airflow passing through the discharge opening 50. The sensors 60 and 62 are connected to the control box 58, which is thus able to control the opening and closing of the discharge and supply flaps according to the flow values obtained from the sensors.
[0049] The housing 40 enables energy transfer and air balancing between the air extraction device 12 and the refrigeration machine 16, according to a method described below. For this purpose, the air handling system 10 comprises an inlet air duct 64 connecting the air outlet 14 of the air extraction device 12 to the inlet opening 48 of the housing 40, and a discharge air duct 66 connecting the discharge opening 50 of the housing to the air inlet 26 of the refrigeration machine 16.
[0050] The air intake duct 64 is advantageously designed to be airtight, so that the flow rate at the outlet of the air outlet 14 is equal to, or substantially equal to, the flow rate at the inlet of the intake opening 48. In other words, The air intake duct prevents significant air leaks to the outside and ensures that all the air extracted by the air extraction device 12 is transmitted to the first compartment 42 through the intake opening 48. Thus, the first sensor 60 allows obtaining the air flow supplied by the air extraction device entering the first compartment through the intake opening.
[0051] Similarly, the discharge air duct 66 is advantageously designed to be airtight, so that the flow rate at the outlet of the discharge opening 50 is equal to, or substantially equal to, the flow rate at the inlet of the air inlet 26. In other words, the discharge air duct prevents significant air leaks to the outside and ensures that all the air exiting the second compartment 44 through the discharge opening 50 is supplied to the refrigeration unit 16 via the air inlet 26. In other words, the refrigeration unit 16 is supplied with air solely by the housing 40, and more specifically by the second compartment 44 of the housing. Thus, the second sensor 62 provides the flow rate of air exiting the second compartment through the discharge opening and supplied to the refrigeration unit.
[0052] It is then understood that the casing 40 serves as an energy transfer casing between the air extraction device 12 and the refrigeration unit 16, by collecting the air extracted by the air extraction device 12 and supplying this extracted air to the refrigeration unit 16. The air extracted by the air extraction device 12 is thus transmitted to the refrigeration unit 16, thereby increasing its performance. Indeed, the extracted air from the building generally contains more thermal energy than the outside air, and this thermal energy is thus recovered by the refrigeration unit, rather than being lost by diluting the extracted air with the outside air. The efficiency and performance of the refrigeration unit are thereby increased, because the evaporator 18 is able to capture more thermal energy present in the extracted air, compared to an evaporator operating with outside air.In other words, thanks to the recirculation of the air extracted by the air extraction device 12, the temperature of the cold source of the refrigeration machine 16 is increased, which improves the efficiency of the refrigeration machine.
[0053] In addition, thanks to the air filter 46, the air supplied to the refrigeration machine 16 is cleaned, which prevents the evaporator 18 from becoming clogged with solid or liquid particles or gaseous contaminants extracted from the building by the air extraction device 12. The air filter 46 also increases the lifespan of the refrigeration machine 16, because the air supplying it, by being filtered by the air filter, is advantageously cleaner than the outside air, which is also likely to contain solid or liquid particles or gaseous contaminants.
[0054] Thanks to the dampers 52 and 54, the housing 40 also serves as an air balancing housing between the air extraction device 12 and the refrigeration unit 16. Indeed, the airflow supplied by the air extraction device 12 depends on the quality of the indoor air in the building and the rate of air exchange, and is therefore not modifiable by the housing 40. In other words, the airflow supplied to the housing 40 by the air extraction device 12 is fixed. Furthermore, the airflow to be supplied to the refrigeration unit 16 is also fixed, as it depends on the operating mode of the refrigeration unit. Thus, for a given operating mode, it is necessary to supply a specific airflow to the refrigeration unit to ensure its safe operation and optimal efficiency.
[0055] In ideal operation, the airflow extracted by the air extraction device 12 corresponds to the airflow required for the operation of the refrigeration unit 16. When the airflow extracted by the air extraction device 12 is greater than the airflow required for the operation of the refrigeration unit 16, the discharge damper 52 is operated in the open position, thus redirecting part of the extracted airflow to the outside. Conversely, when the airflow extracted by the air extraction device 12 is greater than the airflow required for the operation of the refrigeration unit 16, the supply damper 54 is operated in the open position, thus supplementing the extracted airflow with air from the outside and supplying the refrigeration unit with the airflow required for its operation.
[0056] A method of controlling the box 40 is now described, enabling the transfer of energy and the aerodynamic balancing between the air extraction device 12 and the refrigeration machine 16. This control method is advantageously implemented by the control box 58.
[0057] The method of controlling the box 40 includes a first flow measurement step, during which an air flow entering the first compartment 42 through the inlet opening 48, corresponding to an air flow supplied by the air extraction device 12, is obtained by means of the first sensor 60, and during which an air flow exiting the second compartment 44 through the outlet opening 50, corresponding to an air flow supplied to the refrigeration machine 16, is obtained by means of the second sensor 62.
[0058] The method for controlling the compartment 40 then includes a second step in which the discharge damper 52 and the supply damper 54 are operated so that the airflow supplied to the refrigeration machine 16 is adapted to the flow rate required for its optimal operation. To this end, the discharge damper 52 and the supply damper 54 are operated so that the difference between the airflow entering the first compartment 42 through the inlet opening 48 and the The airflow rate exiting the second compartment 44 through the discharge opening 50 is equal to the difference between the airflow rate exiting the first compartment through the discharge damper 52 and the airflow rate entering the second compartment through the supply damper 54. Furthermore, the control unit 58 is configured to achieve this equality while minimizing the opening of the dampers 52 and 54, so as to maximize the recirculation of air extracted by the air extraction device 12 to the refrigeration unit 16. In practice, and as described above, the dampers 52 and 54 allow for the evacuation of an excessive airflow rate from the air extraction device 12 from the casing 40, or for the admission into the casing of an additional flow rate of outside air to supplement the flow rate supplied by the air extraction device.
[0059] The steps described above are repeated continuously during the operation of the enclosure 40, for example at regular intervals, or are repeated as soon as a change in the operating mode of the air extraction device 12 or the refrigeration unit 16 is detected. Preferably, the sensors 60, 62 perform continuous measurements, and as soon as a change in the airflow rate in and / or the airflow rate out of the enclosure 40 is detected, the second step is executed to balance the inflow and outflow rates of the enclosure.
[0060] Different operating modes of the aerodynamic system 10 are now described with reference to figures 1 to 7.
[0061] In [Fig. 1], in a first operating mode of the air handling system 10, the air extraction device 12 is in operation, the refrigeration unit 16 is in operation, and the air flow rate Fl supplied to the first compartment 42 of the housing 40 by the air extraction device is equal to the air flow rate Fl required by the refrigeration unit for its operation. Thus, in this operating mode, the discharge damper 52 and the supply damper 54 are closed, since it is not necessary to exhaust air from the first compartment 42, or to draw outside air into the second compartment 44. This first operating mode corresponds to an ideal situation, in which the efficiency of the refrigeration unit is optimal, because the refrigeration unit is entirely supplied with air from the building, which generally contains more thermal energy than outside air.This thermal energy is thus recovered by the refrigeration unit, in this example to produce hot water for heating the building. Therefore, the thermal energy extracted from the building by the air extraction system is recovered by the refrigeration unit, thus preventing its loss. In the first operating mode, the function of the unit 40 is equivalent to that of a duct equipped with an air filter, which is particularly advantageous for preventing air loss between the air extraction system and the refrigeration unit. Furthermore, the smoke extraction damper 56 is closed, as no fire is detected by the fire detector in the unit 40.
[0062] In summary, in the first operating mode of the air system 10, the air flow Fl extracted from the building by the extraction device 12 flows towards the air intake duct 64, via the air outlet 14, then towards the first compartment 42 of the box 40, via the intake opening 48, then towards the second compartment 44 of the box 40, passing through the air filter 46, then towards the air discharge duct 66, via the discharge opening 50, then towards the evaporator 18 of the refrigeration machine 16, via the air inlet 26, then towards the outside of the air system 10, via the air outlet 28.
[0063] In [Fig.2], in a second operating mode of the air system 10, the air extraction device 12 is in operation, the refrigeration machine 16 is in operation, and the air flow F2 supplied to the first compartment 42 of the box 40 by the air extraction device is less than the air flow F2' required by the refrigeration machine for its operation. Thus, in this operating mode, the discharge damper 52 is closed, as there is no need to expel air from the first compartment 42, and the supply damper 54 is open, as it is necessary to bring outside air into the second compartment 44 to provide an additional airflow F2” to the airflow F2 extracted by the air extraction device to reach the airflow F2' required by the refrigeration unit 16. In other words, the airflow F2' is equal to the sum of the airflows F2 and F2”.In this second operating mode, the thermal energy extracted from the building by the air extraction system is optimally recovered by the refrigeration unit, thus preventing its loss. However, the efficiency of the refrigeration unit is likely to be lower than in the first operating mode, since some of the air supplied to the refrigeration unit is outside air, which generally contains less thermal energy than the air extracted from the building. Advantageously, in the second operating mode of the air handling system 10, the refrigeration unit 16 can have a higher thermal capacity than the refrigeration unit in the first operating mode, because the refrigeration unit can extract thermal energy not only from the air extracted from the building, but also from the outside air.Furthermore, the smoke extraction damper 56 is closed, as no fire is detected by the fire detector in the box 40.
[0064] In summary, in the second operating mode of the air handling system 10, the air flow F2 extracted from the building by the extraction device 12 flows towards the inlet air duct 64, via the air outlet 14, then towards the first compartment 42 of the housing 40, via the inlet opening 48, then towards the second compartment 44 of the housing 40, passing through the air filter 46, then to the discharge air duct 66, via the discharge opening 50, then to the evaporator 18 of the refrigeration machine 16, via the air inlet 26, then to the outside of the air system 10, via the air outlet 28. In addition, the supplementary air flow F2” flows to the second compartment 44 of the box 40, passing through the supply damper 54, then to the discharge air duct 66, via the discharge opening 50, then to the evaporator 18 of the refrigeration machine 16, via the air inlet 26, then to the outside of the air system 10, via the air outlet 28. Thus, the airflows F2 and F2” are grouped together within the second compartment 44 and the discharge air duct 66 to form the airflow F2’.
[0065] In [Fig. 3], in a third operating mode of the air handling system 10, the air extraction device 12 is in operation, the refrigeration unit 16 is in operation, and the air flow rate F3 supplied to the first compartment 42 of the housing 40 by the air extraction device is greater than the air flow rate F3' required by the refrigeration unit for its operation. Thus, in this operating mode, the discharge damper 52 is open, because it is necessary to expel some of the air extracted from the building from the first compartment 42, corresponding to a discharged air flow rate F3”, and the supply damper 54 is closed, because it is not necessary to bring outside air into the second compartment 44. In other words, the air flow rate F3 is equal to the sum of the air flow rates F3' and F3”.In this third operating mode, the thermal energy extracted from the building by the air extraction system is partially recovered by the refrigeration unit, leading to a partial loss of thermal energy in the airflow F3. Furthermore, the refrigeration unit's efficiency is optimal, as it is entirely supplied with air from the building. In addition, the smoke extraction damper 56 is closed, as no fire is detected by the fire detector in the enclosure 40.
[0066] In summary, in the third operating mode of the air handling system 10, the airflow F3 extracted from the building by the extraction device 12 flows to the intake air duct 64, via the air outlet 14, and then to the first compartment 42 of the housing 40, via the intake opening 48. In the first compartment 42, the airflow F3 splits into a discharge airflow F3” and an airflow F3'. The airflow F3' flows from the first compartment 42 to the second compartment 44 of the housing 40, passing through the air filter 46, and then to the discharge air duct 66, via the discharge opening 50, and then to the evaporator 18 of the refrigeration unit 16, via via the air inlet 26, then to the outside of the air handling system 10, via the air outlet 28. The air flow rate F3” flows from the first compartment 42 to the outside of the aerodynamic system 10, passing through the discharge flap 52.
[0067] In [Fig. 4], in a fourth operating mode of the air handling system 10, the air extraction device 12 is in operation, the refrigeration unit 16 is in operation, but the air filter 46 prevents air circulation from the first compartment 42 to the second compartment 44, for example, due to excessive fouling. Thus, the air flow rate F4 supplied to the first compartment 42 of the housing 40 by the air extraction device 12 cannot be transmitted to the refrigeration unit 16 to ensure its operation. The air handling system 10 then operates in a degraded mode, in which the recovery of thermal energy from the air extracted by the air extraction device 12 is not possible.In this fourth operating mode, the discharge damper 52 is opened to allow the airflow F4 extracted by the air extraction device 12 to be discharged from the compartment 40, and the supply damper 54 is opened to allow an airflow F4' to enter the second compartment 44 so that it can be supplied to the refrigeration unit 16. Preferably, when the control unit 58 detects that both the discharge damper 52 and the supply damper 54 are open simultaneously, a signal indicating a failure of the air filter 46 is emitted, indicating the need to replace this filter. The fourth operating mode of the air handling system 10 is particularly advantageous for ensuring the operation of the refrigeration unit 16 even if the air filter 46 becomes clogged, and thus for ensuring continuous service of the refrigeration unit.Furthermore, the smoke extraction damper 56 is closed, as no fire is detected by the fire detector in the box 40.
[0068] In summary, in the fourth operating mode of the air handling system 10, the air flow F4 extracted from the building by the extraction device 12 flows towards the inlet air duct 64, via the air outlet 14, then towards the first compartment 42 of the box 40, via the inlet opening 48, then to the outside of the air handling system 10, passing through the discharge damper 52. In addition, the air flow F4' flows from the outside of the air handling system 10 towards the second compartment 44 of the box 40, passing through the supply damper 54, then towards the discharge air duct 66, via the discharge opening 50, then to the evaporator 18 of the refrigeration machine 16, via the air inlet 26, then to the outside of the air handling system 10, via the air outlet 28.
[0069] In [Fig. 5], in a fifth operating mode of the air handling system 10, the air extraction device 12 is not in operation and the refrigeration unit 16 is in operation. In other words, in this operating mode, The air extraction device 12 provides zero airflow to the compartment 40. Thus, the airflow F5 required by the refrigeration unit 16 to ensure its operation is admitted into the second compartment 44 through the supply damper 54, which is then open. This operating mode is particularly advantageous for allowing normal operation of the refrigeration unit 16, albeit with lower efficiency than the first operating mode, even when the extraction device 12 is not in operation. In this fifth operating mode, the discharge damper 52 is preferably kept closed, but it could also be kept open. The fifth operating mode of the air handling system 10 is particularly advantageous for ensuring the operation of the refrigeration unit 16 even in the event of a failure of the air extraction device 12, and therefore for ensuring continuity of the refrigeration unit.Furthermore, the smoke extraction damper 56 is closed, as no fire is detected by the fire detector in the box 40.
[0070] In summary, in the fifth operating mode of the air system 10, the air flow F5 flows from outside the air system 10 to the second compartment 44 of the box 40, passing through the supply flap 54, then to the discharge air duct 66, via the discharge opening 50, then to the evaporator 18 of the refrigeration machine 16, via the air inlet 26, then to the outside of the air system 10, via the air outlet 28.
[0071] In [Fig. 6], in a sixth operating mode of the air handling system 10, the air extraction device 12 is in operation and the refrigeration unit 16 is not. In other words, in this operating mode, the refrigeration unit 16 requires zero airflow. Thus, the airflow F6 supplied by the air extraction device 12 to the first compartment 42 is entirely expelled outside the housing 40, via the discharge damper 52, which is then open. This operating mode is particularly advantageous for allowing normal operation of the air extraction device 12, even when the refrigeration unit 16 is not in operation. In this sixth operating mode, the supply damper 54 is preferably kept closed, but it could also be kept open.Furthermore, the smoke extraction damper 56 is closed, as no fire is detected by the fire detector in the box 40.
[0072] In summary, in the sixth operating mode of the air handling system 10, the air flow F6 extracted from the building by the extraction device 12 flows towards the inlet air duct 64, via the air outlet 14, then towards the first compartment 42 of the box 40, via the inlet opening 48, then towards the outside of the air handling system 10, via the discharge flap 52.
[0073] In [Fig. 7], in a seventh operating mode of the ventilation system, a fire has been detected by the fire detector integrated into the control box 58. As a result, the smoke extraction damper 56 is kept open. In this operating mode, the airflow F7 supplied by the air extraction device, which may contain smoke or sparks, is therefore redirected to the outside of the enclosure 40 via the smoke extraction damper 56. Furthermore, in this operating mode, the discharge damper 52 is kept closed. Since the smoke extraction damper 56 is advantageously positioned as close as possible to the inlet opening 48 of the first compartment, rapid evacuation of the airflow F7 from the enclosure 40 is thus ensured.The air potentially laden with smoke or sparks supplied by the air extraction device 12 is thus prevented from passing through the air filter 46 into the second compartment 44, thereby reducing the risk of the air filter catching fire. Furthermore, the control unit 58 is advantageously located in the second compartment 44, and therefore at a distance from the inlet opening 48 and the smoke extraction damper 56: thus, the control unit is protected from the airflow F7 that could damage it due to the presence of smoke or sparks. In addition, in this operating mode, the operation of the refrigeration unit 16 is interrupted, but the supply damper 54 remains open.Thus, if the refrigeration unit 16 restarts, an outside airflow can enter the second compartment through the supply damper, thereby providing the refrigeration unit with air free of smoke or sparks. In other words, by opening the supply damper, the intake of hot fumes towards the refrigeration unit 16 is prevented.
[0074] In summary, in the seventh operating mode of the air system 10, the air flow F7 extracted from the building by the extraction device 12 flows towards the air intake duct 64, via the air outlet 14, then towards the first compartment 42 of the box 40, via the intake opening 48, then towards the outside of the air system 10, via the smoke extraction damper 56.
[0075] Advantageously, in the event of a malfunction of an element of the casing 40, such as, for example, one of the sensors 60, 62, the control unit 58 is configured to switch the casing 40 into an eighth operating mode, not shown, in which the discharge damper 52, supply damper 54, and smoke extraction damper 56 are open. Thus, normal operation of the air extraction device 12 and the refrigeration unit 16 is possible, as the air circulation between the first and second compartments and the exterior is not obstructed. This eighth operating mode preferably corresponds to a default operating mode, when the 40 unit is not in operation.
[0076] The box 40 is particularly advantageous for enabling energy transfer and aerodynamic balancing between the air extraction device 12 and the refrigeration machine 16 regardless of the operating mode of the aerodynamic system 10, and therefore for optimizing the efficiency and performance of the aerodynamic system, while ensuring its safety in case of fire.
[0077] Furthermore, the housing 40 has the advantage of being particularly inexpensive, while also being simple to manufacture and maintain. In practice, only periodic checks of the proper functioning of the flaps 52, 54 and 56, as well as regular replacement of the air filter 46, are necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the housing 40.
[0078] In a non-shown embodiment of the invention, the air filter 46 does not occupy the entire space between the upper wall 40A, lower wall 40B and the side walls of the housing 40, but only a portion of this space. In other words, in such an embodiment, the air filter 46 is located within an internal partition of the housing separating the first compartment 42 from the second compartment 44.
[0079] In a non-represented variant of the invention, the box 40 does not include an air filter 46. In such a variant, the box 40 does not include a physical separation between the first and second compartments, or includes a physical separation other than a filter, such as a grid.
[0080] In a non-shown embodiment of the invention, the housing 40 does not include sensors 60, 62. In such an embodiment, the control unit 58 is configured to obtain a value for the airflow entering the first compartment 42 through the inlet opening 48 and a value for the airflow exiting the second compartment 44 through the outlet opening 50 by other means. For example, the control unit 58 communicates with the air extraction device 12, which has a sensor indicating to the control unit the airflow extracted through the air outlet 14, and the control unit 58 communicates with the refrigeration unit 16, which indicates to the control unit the airflow required at the air inlet 26 to ensure the proper operation of the refrigeration unit 16.Since the air ducts 64 and 66 are advantageously airtight, these flow rates are equivalent to the air flow rate entering the first compartment and the air flow rate exiting the second compartment, respectively.
[0081] In a non-represented variant of the invention, the inlet opening 48 is located on one of the side walls, on the upper wall 40A or on the lower wall 40B of the box 40, so as to open into the first compartment 42.
[0082] In a non-represented variant of the invention, the discharge opening 50 is located on one of the side walls, on the upper wall 40A or on the lower wall 40B of the box 40, so as to open into the second compartment 44.
[0083] In the example shown, the first compartment 42 and the second compartment 44 are shown adjacent, i.e., side-by-side, in other words, aligned along a horizontal axis. In a variant of the invention not shown, the first compartment 42 and the second compartment 44 are superimposed, i.e., aligned along a vertical axis. In such a variant, the housing 40 is preferably parallelepiped-shaped, with an upper wall and a lower wall opposite each other, a front wall and a rear wall opposite each other, and two side walls opposite each other, and the air filter 46 separates the two compartments 42 and 44 by extending between the front, rear, and side walls of the housing, preferably parallel to the upper and lower walls, or alternatively inclined with respect to the upper and lower walls.In such a variant, the inlet opening 48 which leads into the first compartment 42 is provided in a wall of the casing, including the bottom wall, the front wall, the rear wall, or the side walls; the discharge damper 52 is provided in a wall, including the bottom wall, the front wall, the rear wall, or the side walls; and the smoke extraction damper 56 is provided in a wall, including the front wall, the rear wall, or the side walls. In such a variant, the discharge opening 50 which leads into the second compartment 44 is provided in a wall of the casing, including the top wall, the front wall, the rear wall, or the side walls; and the supply damper 54 is provided in a wall of the casing, including the top wall, the front wall, the rear wall, or the side walls.
[0084] In an unrepresented variant, the box 40 does not have a parallelepiped shape.
[0085] In a variant of the invention, during the second step of the method of controlling the box 40, the discharge flaps 52 and supply flaps 54 are not operated as described above, but are operated in such a way that, when the air flow rate extracted by the air extraction device 12 is greater than the air flow rate required by the refrigeration machine 16, then the discharge flap 52 is open and the supply flap 54 is closed; when the air flow rate extracted by the air extraction device 12 is less than the air flow rate required by the refrigeration machine 16, then the discharge flap 52 is closed and the supply flap 54 is open; and when the air flow extracted by the air extraction device 12 is equal to the air flow required by the refrigeration machine 16, then the discharge flap 52 and the supply flap 54 are closed.
[0086] The invention has been described in the context of an air handling system used under operating conditions in which the air extracted from the building by the air extraction device contains more thermal energy than the outside air, as is generally the case in winter. Under such conditions, thanks to the recovery of thermal energy from the air extracted from the building by the refrigeration unit 16, the building's energy performance is increased, and the energy consumption required for the operation of the refrigeration unit, which, for example, heats the building's interior air, is reduced. As an alternative to the invention, the method for controlling the unit 40 further includes a preliminary step of comparing the thermal energy contained in the air extracted from the building with the thermal energy contained in the ambient air outside the unit.This step is carried out, for example, by comparing the temperature of the air extracted from the building with the temperature of the outside air. If it is detected that the outside air contains more thermal energy than the air extracted from the building, then the air extracted from the building is expelled outside the unit, with the discharge damper 52 open, and the refrigeration unit 16 is supplied with outside air via the supply damper 54 and the second compartment 44. Such an operating mode is useful, for example, when the refrigeration unit is a heat pump producing domestic hot water.
[0087] Any feature described for an embodiment or variant in the foregoing may be implemented for the other embodiments and variants described above, provided that it is technically feasible.
Claims
1. Demands Air handling system (10) for a building, comprising: - an air extraction device (12), comprising an air outlet (14), - a refrigeration machine (16), comprising an air inlet (26) and an evaporator (18), - an air intake duct (64), - an air discharge duct (66), and - a casing (40), for energy transfer and air balancing between the air extraction device (12) and the refrigeration machine (16), the casing comprising: - a first compartment (42), comprising: • an inlet opening (48), the inlet air duct (64) connecting the air outlet (14) of the air extraction device (12) to the inlet opening, and • a discharge damper (52) operable between an open position in which airflow from the first compartment (42) to the outside of the casing (40) is permitted via the discharge damper, and a closed position in which airflow from the first compartment to the outside of the casing is prevented by the discharge damper, - a second compartment (44), comprising: • a discharge opening (50), the discharge air duct (66) connecting the discharge opening to the evaporator of the refrigeration machine (16) via the air inlet (26) of the refrigeration machine (16), and • a supply damper (54) operable between an open position in which airflow from outside the casing (40) to the second compartment (44) is permitted via the supply damper, and a closed position in which airflow from outside The flow of air from the box to the second compartment is prevented by the supply flap, in which the first compartment (42) is connected to the second compartment (44) so as to allow air to flow from the first compartment to the second compartment.
2. Air handling system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the box (40) includes an air filter (46), separating the first compartment (42) from the second compartment (44), the air filter (46) being configured to allow air to flow through it, from the first compartment to the second compartment, and to filter air flowing from the first compartment to the second compartment.
3. Air handling system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising a first sensor (60) disposed in the first compartment (42), a measurement of which reflects an air flow supplied by the air extraction device (12) entering the first compartment (42) through the inlet opening (48), and a second sensor (62) disposed in the second compartment (44) and a measurement of which reflects an air flow exiting the second compartment (44) through the outlet opening (50) and supplied to the refrigeration machine (16).
4. Air handling system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a control box (58) configured to control the operation of the discharge damper (52) and the supply damper (54) between their open and closed positions.
5. Aerodynamic system (10) according to claim 4, wherein the control box (58) is disposed in the second compartment (44).
6. An air handling system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 further comprising a smoke control damper (56) operable between an open position, in which airflow from the first compartment (42) to the outside of the enclosure (40) is permitted via the smoke control damper, and a closed position in which airflow from the first compartment to the outside of the enclosure is prevented by the smoke control damper, and further comprising a fire detector (58) configured to
7. control the operation of the smoke extraction damper (56) between its open and closed positions. Method for controlling an air handling system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the method comprises: - obtain an airflow extracted by the air extraction device (12) and entering the first compartment (42) through the intake opening (48), - to obtain the airflow required by the refrigeration machine (16), and - operate the discharge damper (52) and the supply damper (54) so that: • when the air flow extracted by the air extraction device (12) is greater than the air flow required by the refrigeration machine (16), open the discharge damper (52) and close the supply damper (54); • when the airflow extracted by the air extraction device (12) is less than the airflow required by the refrigeration machine (16), close the discharge damper (52) and open the supply damper (54); and • when the air flow extracted by the air extraction device (12) is equal to the air flow required by the refrigeration machine (16), close the discharge damper (52) and the supply damper (54).