Green wall equipped with a heating and cooling system

Abstract

The green wall comprises a wall structure (3) delimiting an internal volume (6) configured to receive a planting substrate (SU), the wall structure (3) comprising a plurality of passage openings (8) opening into at least the first and second external faces (4.1, 5.1) of the wall structure (3) and configured to allow the expansion of plants, planted in the planting substrate (SU), out of the wall structure (3); an irrigation system configured to irrigate the planting substrate (SU); and a heating and cooling system (19) configured to operate in a cooling mode in which the heating and cooling system (19) is configured to heat the wall structure (3) and a heating mode in which the heating and cooling system (19) is configured to cool the wall structure (3). Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Green wall equipped with a heating and cooling system technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a green wall intended in particular for use in urban environments. State of the art

[0002] A green wall is likely to be used in urban environments, particularly for aesthetic reasons (for example, to contribute to urban beautification or to conceal unsightly stone or concrete walls), or for reasons of ambient air pollution control, in particular by transforming carbon dioxide from the ambient air by photosynthesis.

[0003] A green wall can also be used in vertical agriculture to ensure increased production, for the same ground area, compared to horizontal agriculture.

[0004] A green wall comprises, in a known manner:

[0005] - a wall structure delimiting an internal volume configured to receive a planting substrate, such as potting soil, in which plants, such as fruits and vegetables, are intended to be planted; the wall structure comprising a first external face and a second external face which are situated opposite each other, and a plurality of passage openings which lead into at least one of the first and second external faces and which are configured to permit the expansion of plants, planted in the planting substrate, out of the wall structure; and

[0006] - an irrigation system configured to irrigate the planting substrate.

[0007] However, in the event of high temperatures during the summer, the foliage of the plants in the green wall may not be sufficient to ensure optimal cooling of the planting substrate, and therefore of the roots of the plants in the planting substrate. This can lead to a halt in the growth cycle of at least some of the plants in the green wall, or even to their drying out or death. As a result, the aesthetic appeal provided by the green wall is likely to be significantly reduced during the summer, as is the production of vegetables or fruit within the green wall.

[0008] Similarly, the beautification provided by a green wall and the production of fruits and / or vegetables within a green wall are relatively low at the end of autumn and the beginning of spring. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0010] The technical problem underlying the invention therefore consists of providing a green wall which is of simple and economical structure, while conferring a longer beautification period and / or increased plant production over the course of a year.

[0011] To this end, the present invention relates to a green wall comprising:

[0012] - a wall structure delimiting an internal volume configured to receive a planting substrate, such as potting soil, peat, gravel or other, in which plants, such as fruits and vegetables, are intended to be planted, the wall structure comprising a first external face and a second external face which are situated opposite each other, and a plurality of passage openings which lead into at least one of the first and second external faces and which are configured to permit the expansion of plants, planted in the planting substrate, out of the wall structure, and

[0013] - an irrigation system configured to irrigate the planting substrate,

[0014] characterized in that the green wall further comprises a heating and cooling system configured to operate according to at least one cooling mode in which the heating and cooling system is configured to heat the wall structure, and therefore the planting substrate received in the internal volume, and one heating mode in which the heating and cooling system is configured to cool the wall structure, and therefore the planting substrate received in the internal volume, and a control unit configured to control the operation of the heating and cooling system according to the cooling mode or the heating mode.

[0015] Such a configuration of the green wall according to the present invention, and in particular the presence of the heating and cooling system, makes it possible, in cold periods, to warm the planting substrate, and thus to avoid in particular the freezing of the plants planted in the green wall, and, in hot periods, to cool the planting substrate and to avoid excessive evapotranspiration of the planting substrate (which could lead to the drying out of the plants planted in the green wall), and thus to preserve the integrity of these plants and in particular their foliage.

[0016] Consequently, the presence of the heating and cooling system makes it possible to substantially increase the duration of beautification provided by the green wall according to the present invention during a year.

[0017] In the context of using the green wall according to the present invention for vertical farming, the presence of the heating and cooling system allows for earlier production by maintaining the plants planted in the green wall in a "frost-free" situation in spring, and abundant production in summer by ensuring cooling of the plants planted in the green wall, and extending production into autumn by warming the plants planted in the green wall.

[0018] It follows that the green wall according to the present invention ensures increased plant production over the course of a year.

[0019] Finally, when a green wall according to the present invention is positioned against a wall of a building, such as the facade of a building or a house, it also helps to heat the building during cold periods and to cool it during hot periods. Thus, the green wall according to the present invention can replace, or at least complement, the conventional insulation that may be present on a building wall.

[0020] The green wall according to the present invention may further have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wall structure is self-supporting.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the internal volume extends over sen presumably the entire height of the wall structure.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wall structure comprises several rows of passage openings that are vertically offset from one another. Advantageously, the passage openings belonging to the same row are substantially aligned horizontally.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wall structure comprises a first structural wall including the first external face and a second structural wall including the second external face, the first and second structural walls being spaced apart from each other and delimiting between them the internal volume configured to receive the planting substrate, at least one of the first and second structural walls being perforated and including passage openings belonging to said plurality of passage openings.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second structural walls is configured to extend substantially vertically.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second structural walls is substantially flat.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second structural walls is perforated and includes passage openings configured to allow the expansion of plants, planted in the planting substrate, out of the wall structure. Thus, the green wall according to the present invention allows the planting of plants on both sides of the green wall.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wall structure comprises connecting struts configured to connect the first and second walls structural.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first and second structural walls, and for example each of the first and second structural walls, is made of cement concrete, and for example of refractory concrete.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heating and cooling system is a reversible heat pump, such as an air-source heat pump.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heating and cooling system comprises at least one heat transfer fluid circulation circuit including at least one internal heat exchanger thermally coupled to the wall structure, i.e. configured to exchange thermal energy, namely calories, with the wall structure, and configured to be traversed by a heat transfer fluid, also called a refrigerant.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one internal heat exchanger, which is thermally coupled to the wall structure, is configured to form a condenser when the heating and cooling system is in heating mode, and is configured to form an evaporator when the heating and cooling system is in cooling mode.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat transfer fluid circulation circuit further comprises an external heat exchanger, a compressor, and an expansion valve. Advantageously, the heating and cooling system comprises an outdoor unit located outside the wall structure and housing the external heat exchanger, the compressor, and the expansion valve.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the external heat exchanger is configured to form an evaporator when the heating and cooling system is in heating mode, and is configured to form a condenser when the heating and cooling system is in cooling mode.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat transfer fluid circulation circuit comprises a first circuit portion including the expansion valve, the external heat exchanger and the compressor, and at least a second circuit portion which is fluidically connected to the first circuit portion and which includes at least one internal heat exchanger.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one internal heat exchanger, which is thermally coupled to the wall structure, is fixed to one of the first and second structural walls.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one internal heat exchanger, which is thermally coupled to the wall structure, is at least partially integrated, that is to say embedded, in the cement concrete forming one of the first and second structural walls.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one internal heat exchanger, which is thermally coupled to the wall structure, is disposed at least partly in the internal volume and extends at least partly opposite an internal face of one of the first and second structural walls.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat transfer fluid circulation circuit comprises a plurality of internal heat exchangers which are thermally coupled to different parts of the wall structure and which are configured to be traversed by a heat transfer fluid.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat transfer fluid circulation circuit comprises a plurality of second circuit portions fluidly connected to the first circuit portion, each second circuit portion comprising a respective internal heat exchanger of said plurality of internal heat exchangers.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of internal heat exchangers comprises at least one lower heat exchanger which extends into a lower part of the wall structure and which is thermally coupled to the lower part of the wall structure, and at least one upper heat exchanger which extends into an upper part of the wall structure and which is thermally coupled to the upper part of the wall structure.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of internal heat exchangers comprises at least one intermediate heat exchanger which extends into an intermediate part of the wall structure, located between the lower and upper parts of the wall structure, and which is thermally coupled to the intermediate part of the wall structure.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of internal heat exchangers comprises a lower heat exchanger at least partly integrated, and for example fully integrated, in a lower part of one of the first and second structural walls, and for example of each of the first and second structural walls, and an upper heat exchanger at least partly integrated, and for example fully integrated, in an upper part of one of the first and second structural walls, and for example of each of the first and second structural walls.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of internal heat exchangers comprises a lower heat exchanger extending at least partially into a lower part of the internal volume and along an inner face of one of the first and second structural walls, and an upper heat exchanger extending at least in part into an upper part of the internal volume and along an internal face of one of the first and second structural walls.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to independently regulate the temperatures in the different parts of the wall structure to which internal heat exchangers belonging to said plurality of internal heat exchangers are thermally coupled. In other words, the control unit is configured to independently regulate the temperatures of the heat transfer fluid circulating in the different internal heat exchangers belonging to said plurality of internal heat exchangers. Thus, for example, in summer, it is possible to regulate the temperature differently between the upper part of the wall structure, which is in full sun for a large part of the day, and the lower part of the wall structure, which is in the shade for a large part of the day, in order to limit the electricity consumption of the green wall according to the present invention.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the green wall includes at least one temperature sensor thermally coupled to the wall structure, and the control unit is configured to control the operation of the heating and cooling system based on the temperature measured by at least one temperature sensor.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the green wall is prefabricated or erected on site.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the irrigation system comprises at least one water supply column which is disposed in the internal volume delimited by the wall structure, and irrigation pipes fluidly connected to at least one water supply column and configured to extend substantially horizontally.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the irrigation pipes are arranged outside the internal volume delimited by the wall structure.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the green wall includes support elements fixed to the wall structure and configured to support the irrigation pipes and to position the irrigation pipes at a distance from the planting substrate.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, each support member includes a retaining notch configured to receive and retain a respective section of a respective irrigation tubing.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the green wall comprises planting receptacles, such as planting trays, fixed to the wall structure and extending along at least one of the first and second external faces of the structure. The wall structure consists of planting receptacles that define a receiving cavity configured to hold planting substrate. Each receiving cavity is open upwards and communicates with the internal volume defined by the wall structure via at least one opening in the wall structure. Thus, the planting substrate contained within the internal volume and the planting substrate contained within the receiving cavities form a single, continuous mass of substrate. Furthermore, these receiving cavities allow for the planting of vegetation within the planting substrate, and for the growth of these plants outwards from the wall structure. They also allow for the addition of planting substrate to the internal volume.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the green wall comprises a first series of planting receptacles extending along the first external face of the wall structure, and a second series of planting receptacles extending along the second external face of the wall structure.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, each planting receptacle is fixed to one of the first and second structural walls.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, each planting receptacle extends substantially horizontally.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the green wall comprises at least one planting receptacle associated with each row of passage openings.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, each planting receptacle comprises a front wall which is inclined with respect to the vertical and which is provided with a lower longitudinal edge extending substantially horizontally and in close proximity to or in contact with a respective external face among the first and second external faces of the wall structure, and with an upper longitudinal edge extending substantially horizontally and at a distance from said external face.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the planting receptacles are configured to guide the expansion of plants, planted in the planting substrate, towards the outside of the wall structure.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, each planting receptacle is removably attached to the wall structure.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, each planting container comprises fastening elements configured to be removably attached to the wall structure, and for example, to removably attach the respective front panel to the wall structure. Advantageously, each fastening element comprises a support portion forming a support element configured to support a respective section of a respective irrigation pipe.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, each irrigation pipe extends to- above at least one receiving cavity, and is therefore configured to irrigate the planting substrate contained in at least one respective receiving cavity.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the green wall comprises at least one photovoltaic panel, for example located at the top of the wall structure.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit and the heating and cooling system are configured to be electrically powered at least in part with electrical energy produced by at least one photovoltaic panel.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the green wall comprises a plurality of substrate retention walls arranged in the internal volume and fixed to the wall structure, each substrate retention wall being configured to form a retention shelf capable of retaining a respective part of the planting substrate received in the internal volume delimited by the wall structure. Brief description of the figures

[0065] The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the accompanying figures, in which identical reference signs correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements.

[0066] [Fig-1] is a partial perspective view of a green wall according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0067] [Fig.2] is an enlarged scale view of a detail of [Fig.1].

[0068] [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional view of the green wall of [Fig.1].

[0069] [Fig.4] is an enlarged scale view of a detail of [Fig.3].

[0070] [Fig.5] is a schematic view of a heat transfer fluid circulation circuit ap part of a heating and cooling system with which the green wall of [Fig.1] is equipped.

[0071] [Fig.6] is a partial cross-sectional view of a green wall according to a second embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0072] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term "substantially" means, in this document, "exactly or to within 10% or to within 10°".

[0073] Figures 1 to 5 represent a green wall 2 comprising in particular a wall structure 3 which is self-supporting and which extends along an extension plan.

[0074] The wall structure 3 comprises a first structural wall 4 including a first external face 4.1 and a first internal face 4.2, and a second structural wall 5 including a second external face 5.1 and a second internal face 5.2. The first and second external faces 4.1, 5.1 are located opposite each other. the other and on either side of the extension plane of wall structure 3, and form the main faces of wall structure 3.

[0075] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, each of the first and second structural walls 4, 5 is substantially flat and is configured to extend substantially vertically. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second structural walls 4, 5 could be slightly inclined with respect to the vertical, and the first and second structural walls 4, 5 could converge in the direction of the extension plane of the wall structure 3.

[0076] Each of the first and second structural walls 4, 5 can, for example, be made of cement concrete, and in particular of refractory concrete. However, the first and second structural walls 4, 5 could be made of other materials, and for example of wood.

[0077] The first and second structural walls 4, 5 are spaced apart and define between them an internal volume 6 configured to receive a planting substrate SU, such as potting soil, topsoil, peat, gravel, or the like, in which vegetation, such as plants, fruits, and / or vegetables, is intended to be planted. Advantageously, the internal volume 6 extends over substantially the entire height of the wall structure 3 and may, for example, open into a lower face of the wall structure 3 so as to be in direct contact with the ground when the wall structure 3 is positioned in its final location.

[0078] In order to ensure the stability of the first and second structural walls 4, 5, the wall structure 3 advantageously includes connecting spacers 7 arranged in the internal volume 6 and connecting the first and second structural walls 4, 5 together.

[0079] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, each of the first and second structural walls 4, 5 is perforated, and the green wall 2 more particularly comprises a first series of passage openings 8 provided on the first structural wall 4 and opening into the first external face 4.1 of the first structural wall 4, and a second series of passage openings 8 provided on the second structural wall 5 and opening into the second external face 5.1 of the first structural wall 4. The passage openings 8 are more particularly configured to allow the expansion of plants, planted in the planting substrate SU, out of the wall structure 3.

[0080] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the first series of passage openings 8 comprises several rows of passage openings 8 which are vertically offset from one another, and the second series of passage openings comprises several rows of passage openings 8 which are vertically offset spaced apart. Advantageously, the passage openings 8 belonging to the same row are substantially aligned horizontally, and each passage opening 8 is elongated and extends substantially horizontally. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second series of passage openings 8 could comprise only a single column of passage openings 8 arranged one above the other.

[0081] Each passage opening 8 may, for example, have a rectangular shape. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, each passage opening 8 could, for example, have a square, circular, or oblong shape.

[0082] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the green wall 2 further comprises planting receptacles 9, such as planting trays, fixed to the wall structure 3 and extending substantially horizontally. Advantageously, the green wall 2 comprises a first series of planting receptacles 9 extending along the first external face 4.1 of the wall structure 3, and a second series of planting receptacles 9 extending along the second external face 5.1 of the wall structure 3.

[0083] Each planting receptacle 9 defines a receiving cavity 11 configured to receive planting substrate SU. Advantageously, each receiving cavity 11 is open upwards and communicates with the internal volume 6 delimited by the wall structure 3 via one or more passage openings 8. Thus, the planting substrate SU contained within the internal volume 6 and the planting substrate SU contained in the receiving cavities 11 form a single continuous mass of substrate. The receiving cavities 11 therefore allow the planting of plants in the planting substrate SU, and the growth of these plants outwards from the wall structure 3. The receiving cavities 11 also allow the addition of planting substrate SU to the internal volume 6.

[0084] As shown in [Fig. 4], each planting receptacle 9 has a front wall 12 that is inclined with respect to the vertical and is provided with a lower longitudinal edge extending substantially horizontally and in contact with one of the respective outer faces 4.1 and 5.1 of the wall structure 3, and an upper longitudinal edge extending substantially horizontally and at a distance from said outer face. Thus, the planting receptacles 9 are configured to guide the expansion of plants, planted in the planting substrate SU, towards the outside of the wall structure 3. The front wall 12 of each planting receptacle 9 can, for example, be formed by one or more planks, for example, made of wood.

[0085] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, each receptacle of Planting 9 is removably fixed to the wall structure 3. Each planting receptacle 9 more particularly includes fixing devices 13 configured to be removably fixed to the wall structure 3, and more particularly to removably fix the respective front wall 12 to the wall structure 3.

[0086] Each fastener 13 may, for example, comprise a lower fastening arm 13.1 and an upper fastening arm 13.2 configured to be inserted into a respective passage opening 8 and to be fixed to the wall structure 3, and a retaining portion 13.3 that connects the respective lower fastening arm 13.1 and the respective upper fastening arm 13.2 and that is configured to support a respective portion of the respective front wall 12. Advantageously, the lower fastening arm 13.1 and the upper fastening arm 13.2 of each fastener 13 are elastically deformable between an insertion configuration in which the lower fastening arm 13.1 and the upper fastening arm 13.2 are brought close together and are able to be inserted into the respective passage opening 8, and a fastening configuration in which the lower fastening arm 13.The upper fixing arm 13.2 and the lower fixing arm 13.1 and the upper fixing arm 13.2 of each fixing member 13 are specifically configured to be elastically stressed towards the fixing configuration when they occupy the insertion configuration. Such a configuration of the fixing members 13 ensures easy attachment of the planting receptacles 9 to the wall structure 3.

[0087] Advantageously, the lower fixing arm 13.1 and the upper fixing arm 13.2 of each support member 13 are configured to extend substantially horizontally when said each fixing member 13 is fixed to the wall structure 3, and to be pressed "elastically" against internal walls delimiting the respective passage opening 8, and the retaining part 13.3 of each support member 13 is configured to be inclined with respect to the vertical so as to position the front wall 12 according to the desired inclination.

[0088] The green wall 2 further comprises an irrigation system 14 configured to irrigate the planting substrate SU contained in the internal volume 6 and in each of the receiving cavities 11. The irrigation system 14 notably comprises at least one water supply column 15 (see [Fig. 4]) disposed in the internal volume 6 and configured to extend substantially vertically, and irrigation tubing 16 fluidically connected to the water supply column 15 and configured to extend substantially horizontally. Advantageously, the irrigation tubing 16 is disposed outside the internal volume 6 delimited by the wall structure 3, and each irrigation tubing 16 is perforated and extends above a respective receiving cavity 11.

[0089] The green wall 2 comprises support members fixed to the wall structure 3 and configured to support the irrigation pipes 16 and to position the irrigation pipes 16 at a distance from the planting substrate SU contained in the receiving cavities 11. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, each support member has a retaining notch 17, for example substantially semi-circular or rectangular, configured to receive and retain a respective section of a respective irrigation pipe 16. Advantageously, each support member is formed by a respective fastening member 13, and each retaining notch 17 is provided on the upper fastening arm 13.2 belonging to the respective fastening member 13.

[0090] The irrigation system 14 could further include a circulation pump (not shown in the figures) fluidically connected to the water supply column 15, and configured to supply the latter with water.

[0091] The green wall 2 could further comprise a plurality of substrate retention walls 18 arranged in the internal volume 6 and fixed to the wall structure 3. Each substrate retention wall 18 is more particularly configured to form a retention shelf capable of retaining a respective portion of the planting substrate SU received in the internal volume 6 delimited by the wall structure 3. Advantageously, the plurality of substrate retention walls 18 comprises several rows of substrate retention walls 18 which are vertically offset from one another, and the substrate retention walls 18 belonging to the same row are substantially horizontally aligned. Each substrate retention wall 18 is advantageously permeable, and may in particular be mesh-like, porous, or perforated.

[0092] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, each substrate retaining wall 18 has first and second longitudinal edges which are opposite, and has a width taken between its first and second longitudinal edges which is less than the separation distance between the first and second structural walls 4, 5, and therefore less than the width of the internal volume 6 delimited by the wall structure 3. Advantageously, one of the first and second longitudinal edges of each substrate retaining wall 18 is fixed to one of the first and second structural walls 4, 5, and the other of the first and second longitudinal edges of each substrate retaining wall 18 is free, so that said substrate retaining wall 18 extends from one of the first and second structural walls 4, 5 without reaching the other of the first and second structural walls 4, 5.

[0093] As shown in [Fig. 4], the substrate retaining walls 18 are arranged in the internal volume 6 such that two substrate retaining walls 18 arranged one above the other are offset along a transverse direction which is or- thogonal to the extension plan of wall structure 3.

[0094] The green wall 2 further comprises a heating and cooling system 19 configured to operate in a cooling mode in which the heating and cooling system 19 is configured to heat the wall structure 3, and thus the planting substrate SU received in the internal volume 6, and a heating mode in which the heating and cooling system 19 is configured to cool the wall structure 3, and thus the planting substrate SU received in the internal volume 6, and a control unit 21 configured to control in particular the operation of the heating and cooling system 19 in the cooling mode or the heating mode.

[0095] The presence of such a heating and cooling system 19 makes it possible, in cold periods, to warm the planting substrate SU, and thus to prevent in particular the freezing of the plants planted in the green wall 2, and in hot periods, to cool the planting substrate SU, and thus to prevent in particular the drying out of the plants planted in the green wall 2. Consequently, the heating and cooling system 19 makes it possible to significantly increase the duration of beautification provided by the green wall 2 during a year.

[0096] In the context of using the green wall 2 for vertical farming, the heating and cooling system 19 allows for earlier production by keeping the plants planted in the green wall 2 in a "frost-free" situation in the spring, and abundant production in the summer by ensuring cooling of the plants planted in the green wall 2, and also to extend production into the autumn by warming the plants planted in the green wall 2.

[0097] Furthermore, when the green wall 2 is positioned against a building wall, such as the facade of a building or house, the heating and cooling system 19 also allows the building to be heated during cold periods and cooled during hot periods. Thus, the green wall 2 can replace, or at least supplement, the conventional insulation that a building wall may have.

[0098] Advantageously, the heating and cooling system 19 is a reversible heat pump, such as an air-source heat pump, and therefore comprises a heat transfer fluid circulation circuit 22 including an external heat exchanger 23, a compressor 24, one or more internal heat exchangers 25 thermally coupled to the wall structure 3, i.e. configured to exchange thermal energy with the wall structure 3, and an expansion valve 26. Advantageously, the heating and cooling system 19 includes an outdoor unit 27 located outside the wall structure 3 and housing the external heat exchanger 23, the compressor 24 and the expansion valve 26.

[0099] The external heat exchanger 23 is more particularly configured to form a evaporator when the heating and cooling system 19 is in heating mode, and to form a condenser when the heating and cooling system 19 is in cooling mode, while the internal heat exchanger or each internal heat exchanger 25, which is thermally coupled to the wall structure 3, is configured to form a condenser when the heating and cooling system 19 is in heating mode, and to form an evaporator when the heating and cooling system 19 is in cooling mode.

[0100] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the heat transfer fluid circulation circuit 22 comprises a plurality of internal heat exchangers 25 fixed to the first structural wall 4 and thermally coupled to different parts of the first structural wall 4, and a plurality of internal heat exchangers 25 fixed to the second structural wall 5 and thermally coupled to different parts of the second structural wall 5.

[0101] Thus, the heat transfer fluid circulation circuit 22 comprises a first circuit portion 22.1 including the expansion valve 26, the external heat exchanger 23 and the compressor 24, and a plurality of second circuit portions 22.2 fluidly connected to the first circuit portion and each comprising a respective internal heat exchanger 25.

[0102] Each internal heat exchanger 25 attached to the first structural wall 4 can, for example, be at least partially integrated, i.e. embedded, in the cement concrete forming the first structural wall 4, or be disposed in the internal volume 6 and be attached to the first internal face 4.2 of the first structural wall 4. Similarly, each internal heat exchanger 25 attached to the second structural wall 5 can, for example, be at least partially integrated, i.e. embedded, in the cement concrete forming the second structural wall 5, or be disposed in the internal volume 6 and be attached to the second internal face 5.2 of the second structural wall 5. When an internal heat exchanger 25 is disposed in the internal volume 6, it can, for example, rest on a respective substrate retaining wall 18.

[0103] The plurality of internal heat exchangers 25 fixed to the first structural wall 4 may, for example, include a lower heat exchanger which is thermally coupled to a lower part of the first structural wall 4, and an upper heat exchanger which is thermally coupled to an upper part of the first structural wall 4, and the plurality of internal heat exchangers 25 fixed to the second structural wall 5 may, for example, include a lower heat exchanger which is thermally coupled to a lower part of the second structural wall 5, and an upper heat exchanger which is thermally coupled to an upper part of the second structural wall 5.

[0104] The plurality of internal heat exchangers 25 fixed to the first structural wall 4 could also include at least one intermediate heat exchanger which is thermally coupled to an intermediate part of the first structural wall 4, located between the lower and upper parts of said first structural wall 4, and the plurality of internal heat exchangers 25 attached to the second structural wall 5 could also include at least one intermediate heat exchanger which is thermally coupled to an intermediate part of the second structural wall 5, located between the lower and upper parts of said second structural wall 5.

[0105] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit 21 can be configured to independently regulate the temperatures in the different parts of the wall structure 3 to which internal heat exchangers 25 are thermally coupled.In other words, the control unit 21 can be configured to independently regulate the temperatures of the heat transfer fluid circulating in the various internal heat exchangers 25. Thus, for example in summer, it is possible to regulate the temperature differently between the upper part of the wall structure 3, which is in full sun for a large part of the day, and the lower part of the wall structure 3, which is in the shade for a large part of the day, in order to limit the electrical consumption of the green wall 2 according to the present invention.

[0106] Advantageously, the green wall 2 comprises at least one temperature sensor (not shown in the figures) thermally coupled to the upper part of the wall structure 3 and at least one temperature sensor (not shown in the figures) thermally coupled to the lower part of the wall structure 3, and the control unit 21 is configured to control the operation of the heating and cooling system 19 as a function of the temperature measured by each of the aforementioned temperature sensors.

[0107] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit 21 could be connected to a computer network or a telecommunications network, and be configured to control the operation of the heating and cooling system 19 also according to meteorological data obtained from the computer network or the telecommunications network.

[0108] The green wall 2 may further include at least one photovoltaic panel, for example located at the top of the wall structure 3, and the control unit 21 and the heating and cooling system 19 could be configured to be electrically powered at least in part with electrical energy produced by at least one photovoltaic panel. The photovoltaic panel may, for example, be fixed to an adjustable canopy located above the wall structure 3, the orientation of which could be automatically controlled according to parameters measured by measuring sensors belonging to the green wall 2 and / or me- theoretical results obtained.

[0109] Figure 6 represents a green wall 2 according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that only one of the first and second structural walls 4, 5, and for example the second structural wall 5, is perforated and is provided with passage openings 8, and in that only one of the first and second external faces 4.1, 5.1, and for example only the second external face 5.1 is equipped with planting receptacles 9.

[0110] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the green wall 2 could comprise a single internal heat exchanger 25 thermally coupled to the first structural wall 4, and a single internal heat exchanger 25 thermally coupled to the second structural wall 5.

[0111] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the green wall 2 could comprise a single internal heat exchanger 25 thermally coupled to the first structural wall 4 and to the second structural wall 5.

[0112] According to yet another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, only one of the first and second structural walls 4, 5 could be thermally coupled to one or more internal heat exchangers 25.

[0113] According to yet another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, at least one of the internal heat exchangers 25 could extend at least along an irrigation pipe 16 and rest on respective support members by being received in the respective retaining notches 17.

[0114] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the construction of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Green wall (2) comprising: - a wall structure (3) delimiting an internal volume (6) configured to receive a planting substrate (SU) in which plants are intended to be planted, the wall structure (3) comprising a first external face (4.1) and a second external face (5.1) which are located opposite each other, and a plurality of passage openings (8) which open into at least one of the first and second external faces (4.1, 5.1) and which are configured to allow the expansion of plants, planted in the planting substrate (SU), out of the wall structure (3), and - an irrigation system (14) configured to irrigate the planting substrate (SU), characterized in that the green wall (2) further comprises a heating and cooling system (19) configured to operate in at least one cooling mode in which the heating and cooling system (19) is configured to heat the wall structure (3), and one heating mode in which the heating and cooling system (19) is configured to cool the wall structure (3), and a control unit (21) configured to control the operation of the heating and cooling system (19) in either the cooling or heating mode.

2. Green wall (2) according to claim 1, wherein the wall structure (3) comprises a first structural wall (4) including the first external face (4.1) and a second structural wall (5) including the second external face (5.1), the first and second structural walls (4, 5) being spaced apart from each other and delimiting between them the internal volume (6) configured to receive the planting substrate (SU), at least one of the first and second structural walls (4, 5) being perforated and including passage openings (8) belonging to said plurality of passage openings (8).

3. Green wall (2) according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first and second structural walls (4, 5) is made of cement concrete.

4. Green wall (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating and cooling system (19) is a reversible heat pump.

5. Green wall (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heating and cooling system (19) comprises at least one heat transfer fluid circulation circuit (22) including at least one internal heat exchanger (25) thermally coupled to the wall structure (3), and configured to be traversed by a heat transfer fluid.

6. Green wall (2) according to claims 2 and 5, wherein at least one internal heat exchanger (25), which is thermally coupled to the wall structure (3), is fixed to one of the first and second structural walls (4, 5).

7. Green wall (2) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the heat transfer fluid circulation circuit (22) comprises a plurality of internal heat exchangers (25) which are thermally coupled to different parts of the wall structure (3) and which are configured to be traversed by a heat transfer fluid.

8. Green wall (2) according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of internal heat exchangers (25) comprises at least one lower heat exchanger extending into a lower part of the wall structure (3) and thermally coupled to the lower part of the wall structure (3), and at least one upper heat exchanger extending into an upper part of the wall structure (3) and thermally coupled to the upper part of the wall structure (3).

9. Green wall (2) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the control unit (21) is configured to independently regulate the temperatures in the different parts of the wall structure (3) to which are thermally coupled internal heat exchangers (25) belonging to said plurality of internal heat exchangers (25).

10. Green wall (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the irrigation system (14) comprises at least one water supply column (15) which is disposed in the internal volume (6) delimited by the wall structure (3), and irrigation tubing (16) fluidly connected to at least one water supply column (15) and configured to extend substantially horizontally.

11. Green wall (2) according to claim 10, wherein the irrigation pipes (16) are arranged outside the internal volume (6) delimited by the wall structure (3).

12. A green wall (2) according to claim 11, which comprises organs support brackets fixed to the wall structure (3) and configured to support the irrigation pipes (16) and to position the irrigation pipes (16) away from the planting substrate (SU).

13. Green wall (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which comprises planting receptacles (9) fixed to the wall structure (3) and extending along at least one of the first and second external faces (4.1, 5.1) of the wall structure (3), each planting receptacle (9) delimiting a receiving cavity (11) configured to receive planting substrate (SU), each receiving cavity (11) being open upwards and communicating with the internal volume (6) delimited by the wall structure (3) via at least one passage opening (8) provided on the wall structure (3).

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