Dehumidification and air treatment system for a building housing a water-containing basin, such as a swimming pool

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dehumidification and air treatment installation (I) for a building (B) comprising: - a fresh air inlet (EAN) from outside (EXT) and a supply air outlet (SAS); - a return air inlet (EAR) and an outlet (SAR) characterized in that it comprises: - a first air circulation path (V1) with at least one filtration device for said fresh air (F1, F2), the first heat exchanger (10) of a heat exchange device (1), the condenser (20) of a thermodynamic machine (2), and at least one fan (T1); - a second air circulation path (V2) with at least one filtration device (F3) for said return air, at least one fan (T3), the second heat exchanger (11) of said device (1); - a vein (V3) with, between its inlet and outlet, the evaporator (21) of said machine (2), and a fan (T2). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Dehumidification and air treatment system for a building housing a water-containing basin, such as a swimming pool FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a dehumidification and air treatment installation for a building housing a basin containing water, such as a swimming pool. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] High-energy-efficiency thermodynamic heat pump technologies for dehumidification applications have existed for a long time. The present applicant offers equipment that performs this technical function. This equipment is recognized for its performance and its technology is well-established.

[0003] Buildings housing swimming pools are among the most energy-intensive buildings, both for heating the air, for dehumidifying it, and for heating the water in the swimming pools.

[0004] The financial viability of a swimming pool is directly linked to its energy consumption, which constitutes a major expense. Most municipal swimming pools are indeed operating at a loss, largely due to these significant costs.

[0005] In addition, the dehumidification of a swimming pool and the treatment of the air in the room or rooms that house it is critical to ensure the health of bathers and visitors.

[0006] Indeed, the emissions of gases toxic to humans linked to the use of chlorine impose very stringent constraints on air treatment.

[0007] Finally, to preserve the building and the comfort of the occupants (swimmers, staff and spectators), the temperature / humidity of the air must be controlled.

[0008] Installations which house a swimming pool in the broad sense (i.e. an artificial basin intended for swimming, diving, recreational activities, medical or paramedical exercises) therefore very demanding on energy equipment.

[0009] The topology of the dehumidification equipment historically manufactured by the present applicant is based on dehumidification mainly managed by thermodynamics only.

[0010] The management of fresh air (i.e., air newly introduced into the installation) is used only to treat the toxicity of ambient air, for example charged with trichloramine gas.

[0011] These systems have a recognized effectiveness, but optimizations are possible along the following two axes:

[0012] - Maximizing compressor operating time;

[0013] - Larger fresh air supply for massive treatment of ambient air, associated to the recovery of calories, which is adapted to a high rate of fresh air to allow dehumidification according to the conditions outside the building.

[0014] The solution proposed so far consists of a system that integrates four distinct functions:

[0015] - a first fresh air treatment function, which maximizes the ambient air quality and ensuring the dehumidification of the air for a large part of the building's needs.

[0016] - a second function of massive calorie recovery from the air intended to to be expelled outside, to preheat the large supply of fresh air.

[0017] - a third control function allowing the complete system to be controlled and in a coherent manner, with a view to maximizing dehumidification performance, air quality and energy efficiency.

[0018] - a fourth thermodynamic dehumidification function in direct expansion of part of the air taken from the building and reinjected into it or a fourth thermodynamic function of massive heat recovery from the air expelled outside, for the purpose of preheating the pools and / or the ambient air.

[0019] Currently, on the market, these four functions are integrated into separate hardware, each of which operates autonomously and separately.

[0020] The existing thermodynamic dehumidification function is based on recovery technologies on an intermediate water loop, which makes its implementation complex and adds intermediate heat exchanger efficiencies. This therefore reduces the overall performance of the system.

[0021] Moreover, such equipment occupies a considerable amount of space, which is hardly compatible with the relatively small size of the technical premises intended to house it.

[0022] The invention aims to overcome the problems stated above, namely:

[0023] - multiplicity of materials to be used to ensure the different functions

[0024] - implementation complexity;

[0025] - energy performance can be improved;

[0026] - lack of compactness making integration into technical premises difficult cramped. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] To this end, the present invention proposes a dehumidification and air treatment system for a building housing a water-containing basin such as a swimming pool, comprising: - on the one hand, a fresh air intake from outside the said building, and an air outlet blowing towards the said building;

[0028] - on the other hand, a return air inlet from said building and an air outlet resumed in the direction of the exterior of the said building,

[0029] characterized by the fact that it comprises:

[0030] - a first air circulation vein with, from upstream to downstream following the air path between said fresh air inlet from outside said building and said blown air outlet towards said building, at least one filtration device for said fresh air, the first exchanger of a heat exchange device, the condenser of a direct expansion thermodynamic machine, and at least one blower fan;

[0031] - a second air circulation vein with, from upstream to downstream following the air path between said return air inlet and said return air outlet towards the outside of said building, at least one filtration device for said return air, at least one return fan, the second exchanger of said heat exchange device;

[0032] - a bypass vein which has an inlet connected to the second vein of air circulation, between said at least one filtration device of said returned air and said at least one return fan, as well as an outlet connected to the first air circulation vein, between the first exchanger of said two-exchanger enthalpy recovery battery, and said condenser of said direct expansion thermodynamic machine, between this inlet and this outlet being mounted the evaporator of said direct expansion thermodynamic machine, as well as at least one fan.

[0033] Thanks to the solution of the invention and in terms of compactness, the various functions interconnected with each other make it possible to save space and, thus, to facilitate the installation even in cramped premises, such as the technical rooms that equip swimming pools.

[0034] In terms of cost and ease of implementation, this installation is particularly suitable, as it is of the "plug and play" type.

[0035] In terms of energy performance, the dehumidification function operates in direct expansion, therefore without intermediate fluid, so that the performance gains are on the order of 20% compared to a solution based on an intermediate fluid.

[0036] Furthermore, the thermodynamic condenser allows for the recovery of heat extracted during the dehumidification function, while maximizing the heat exchange surface area. Thus, thermodynamic performance is maximized.

[0037] Furthermore, the compressor is sized for its full operating power without on / off switching, so that there are no losses due to transient effect.

[0038] Finally, a single automaton is able to control all functions, which maximizes consistency and energy savings, through precise management of fresh air supply and energy recovery.

[0039] According to other advantageous and non-limiting features of this installation, taken alone or according to a technically compatible combination of at least two of them:

[0040] - said first vein comprises, downstream of said condenser and upstream of said at minus a blower fan, a hot water coil;

[0041] - said device is chosen from the group consisting of: a recovery battery enthalpy, a plate, wheel or heat pipe exchanger;

[0042] - it includes a return air recycling vein, which has an inlet connected to said second air circulation vein, between said at least one return fan and said second exchanger of said two-exchanger enthalpy recovery battery, as well as an outlet connected to the first air circulation vein, downstream of said first exchanger of said two-exchanger enthalpy recovery battery;

[0043] - said recirculated air intake is provided with a register shaped to be either open or closed, and thus allow air circulation, respectively prevent air circulation;

[0044] - said fresh air inlet, said air outlet blown towards said building, as well as the said outlet of the air taken in towards the outside of the said building are provided with independent registers designed to be either open or closed, and thus allow air circulation, respectively prevent air circulation;

[0045] - at least of said registers is motorized;

[0046] - it comprises, within the bypass vein, a second exchange device heat, of which a first exchanger is installed upstream of said condenser of said thermodynamic machine, while the second is installed downstream of the latter;

[0047] - the fluid which circulates in said device is glycol water.

[0048] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which will now be given, with reference to the attached drawings, which represent, by way of indication but not limitation, possible embodiments.

[0049] On these drawings:

[0050] Fig. 1 is a very schematic view of a first embodiment of the installation according to the present invention;

[0051] Fig. 2 is a very schematic view of a second embodiment of the installation according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] Figure 1 shows a very schematic representation of an installation I conforming to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] In this figure, EXT is referenced to the exterior of a building B which houses a basin containing water, such as a swimming pool PS.

[0054] Installation I is, for example, installed in a technical room that is integrated into or adjoining building B. In an alternative, this installation I is positioned on the roof of building B or outside, for example in a parking lot.

[0055] EAN, SAS, EAR and SAR have respectively been referenced as the fresh air inlet from outside EXT into the interior of installation I, the supply air outlet from installation I into the interior of building B, the return air inlet from building B into the interior of installation I and the return air outlet from outside EXT of installation I.

[0056] The installation incorporates a first air circulation vein V1 which extends between the EAN inlet and the SAS outlet.

[0057] From upstream to downstream, following the air path between this fresh air inlet EAN and the supply air outlet SAS, the installation includes an optional and preferably motorized RI damper, which is configured to be either open or closed, thus allowing air circulation or preventing air circulation respectively, at least one filtration device for said fresh air Fl, F2, the first heat exchanger 10 of a two-exchanger enthalpy recovery coil 1, the condenser 20 of a direct expansion heat pump, a hot water coil 3, and at least one supply fan TL

[0058] Instead of the two-exchanger enthalpy recovery battery 1, we could have a plate, wheel or heat pipe exchanger.

[0059] Thus, the air entering installation I is first filtered by devices Fl and F2, in order to remove polluting particles, particularly those of different sizes. Two filters are shown here. In a variant, a single filter or more than two could be used.

[0060] Downstream of the two filters Fl and F2, in the direction of airflow, is provided the first heat exchanger 10 of an enthalpy recovery battery 1. The second heat exchanger 11 of this battery is located within a second airflow channel V2, which will be discussed later in the description.

[0061] Inside these two exchangers 10 and 11, water circulates via a pipe 12 forming a loop, which is coupled to a circulation pump 13.

[0062] Downstream of the exchanger 10, still within the circulation vein VI, the condenser 20 of a direct expansion thermodynamic machine 2 is planned.

[0063] In the figure, only the condenser 20 and the evaporator 21 of this machine 2 are shown. The evaporator 21 is integrated within a third bypass channel V3, which will be discussed later.

[0064] Downstream of the condenser 20 is installed a hot water coil 3 consisting of a water / air exchanger through which circulates a hot water loop supplied by the hot water network of building B.

[0065] Finally, between this battery 3 and the blown air outlet SAS, a blower fan Tl is provided, preferably with a fixed flow rate, as well as an optional damper R2, preferably motorized.

[0066] The installation incorporates a second air circulation vein V2 which extends between the EAR outlet and the SAR outlet.

[0067] From upstream to downstream following the path of the air between this air inlet EAR taken from building B and the air outlet SAR taken to the outside EXT, this second air circulation vein V2 includes at least one filtration device F3 for the taken air, for example of the same type as the filters Fl and F2, at least one return fan T3, and the second exchanger 11 of said enthalpy recovery battery 1 mentioned above.

[0068] The installation of [Fig. 1] also includes a third channel, which constitutes a bypass channel V3. Its inlet is connected to the second air circulation channel V2, between the filtration device for said return air F3 and the return air fan T3. Its outlet is connected to the first air circulation channel VI, between the first heat exchanger 10 of said enthalpy recovery coil 1, and the condenser 20 of said direct expansion thermodynamic machine 2.

[0069] Between this inlet and this outlet are mounted the evaporator 21 of the direct expansion thermodynamic machine 2, as well as at least one return fan T2, preferably with a fixed flow rate.

[0070] Finally, and optionally, the installation I includes a fourth return air recirculation stream V4, which has an inlet connected to the second air circulation stream V2, between the return fan T3 and the second heat exchanger 11 of said battery 1, as well as an outlet connected to the first air circulation vein VI, downstream of said first exchanger 10 of said battery 1.

[0071] The air treatment within the installation of [Fig.1] is described below.

[0072] After being filtered by filters Fl and F2, the dry, fresh air entering the vein VI via the EAN inlet is considerably preheated by passing through the exchanger 10 of the battery 1. This air is then mixed with dehumidified air from the bypass vein V3, heated a second time by contact with the condenser 20 of the thermodynamic machine 2, and then a third time by the hot water battery 3.

[0073] Thus, air can be blown via the SAS outlet, inside building B, for example at a temperature of around 34°C.

[0074] The warm, humid air circulating in building B is taken up in the V2 vein via the EAR inlet.

[0075] Part of this air is conveyed, via the return fan T3, towards the exchanger 11. Upon contact with this cold exchanger, the hot and humid air loses some of its heat and transfers it to the fluid circulating inside the enthalpy recovery coil 1. Finally, the cooler air that has passed through the exchanger 11 is discharged to the outside EXT via the outlet SAR.

[0076] The other part of the air taken from building B is directed into the bypass line V3, where it undergoes dehumidification in contact with the evaporator 21 of machine 2.

[0077] The air is then redirected into vein V1 via fan T2.

[0078] The V4 vein allows the airflow within the installation to be maintained when The supply of fresh air is reduced by the system's regulation. The air is thus recycled to maintain the thermodynamic functions and the air exchange rate inside the building.

[0079] On [Fig.1], the equipment which provides the functions of supplying fresh air, filtering and preheating fresh air has been identified by a rectangle A1.

[0080] Rectangle A2 identifies the heat recovery equipment on the recirculated air.

[0081] The interconnection and synergy between these pieces of equipment are immediately apparent, since the recovery of heat from the recirculated air allows the fresh air within the VL duct to be preheated.

[0082] Rectangle A3 identifies the equipment that participates in the thermodynamic dehumidification of part of the air taken from the building.

[0083] The embodiment variant illustrated very schematically in [Fig.2] takes up the architecture and equipment of the first variant of [Fig.1].

[0084] Under these conditions, only the additional equipment of this variant will be described below.

[0085] The first addition is located at the level of the third bypass vein V3. Indeed, a second enthalpy recovery battery 4 with two exchangers is integrated within of this vein. More precisely, an exchanger 41 is installed upstream of the condenser 21 of said direct expansion thermodynamic machine 2 and a second exchanger 40 downstream of the latter.

[0086] References 42 and 43 respectively designate the pipeline and the circulation pump of this loop.

[0087] This battery 4 further maximizes the performance of the thermodynamic equipment 2.

[0088] Preferably, and to avoid heat exchanger breakage due to freezing in case of system shutdown, glycol water is circulated in this battery 4.

[0089] Thanks to this additional equipment, the size of the thermodynamic machine's compressor can be reduced by up to half, for the same dehumidification capacity. Direct energy savings are on the order of 25%. The system is sized so that the thermodynamic unit operates 24 / 7, resulting in very significant savings on the building's energy bill.

[0090] In the same way as before, battery 4 could be replaced by a plate, wheel or heat pipe exchanger.

[0091] The second addition, which is optional, consists of an additional channel V5 which allows for the recycling of some of the recirculated air, just downstream of filter F3, in order to reinject it into channel VI, between battery 3 and fan TL

[0092] For both the first and second embodiment variant, a single programmable logic controller is configured to control all the equipment of the installation, thus maximizing consistency and energy savings through precise management of fresh air supply and energy recovery.

Claims

1. Demands Installation (I) for dehumidification and air treatment of a building (B) housing a basin (PS) containing water such as a swimming pool, comprising: - on the one hand, a fresh air inlet (EAN) coming from outside (EXT) of said building (B), as well as a blown air outlet (SAS) towards said building (B); - on the other hand, a return air inlet (EAR) from said building (B) and a return air outlet (SAR) to the outside (EXT) of said building (B), characterized by the fact that it comprises: - a first air circulation vein (VI) with, from upstream to downstream following the path of the air between said fresh air inlet (EAN) coming from outside (EXT) of said building (B) and said blown air outlet (SAS) towards said building (B), at least one filtration device for said fresh air (Fl, F2), the first exchanger (10) of a heat exchange device (1), the condenser (20) of a direct expansion thermodynamic machine (2), and at least one blower fan (Tl); - a second air circulation vein (V2) with, from upstream to downstream following the path of the air between said return air inlet (EAR) and said return air outlet (SAR) towards the outside (EXT) of said building (B), at least one filtration device (F3) of said return air, at least one return fan (T3), the second exchanger (11) of said heat exchange device (1); - a bypass vein (V3) which includes an inlet connected to the second air circulation vein (V2), between said at least one filtration device of said returned air (F3) and said at least one return fan (T3), and an outlet connected to the first air circulation vein (VI), between the first exchanger (10) of said two-exchanger enthalpy recovery battery (1), and said condenser (20) of said direct expansion thermodynamic machine (2), between this inlet and this outlet being mounted the evaporator (21) of said direct expansion thermodynamic machine (2), and at least one fan (T2).

2. Installation (I) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first vein (VI) comprises, downstream of said condenser (20) and upstream of said at least one blower fan (Tl), a hot water coil (3).

3. Installation (I) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said device (1) is an enthalpy recovery battery.

4. Installation (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a return air recirculation stream (V4), which has an inlet connected to said second air circulation stream (V2), between said at least one return fan (T3) and said second heat exchanger (11) of said heat exchange device (1), and an outlet connected to the first air circulation stream (VI), downstream of said first heat exchanger (10) of said heat exchange device (1).

5. Installation (I) according to claim 4, characterized in that said return air recycling vein (V4) is provided with a damper shaped (R4) to be either open or closed, and thus permit air circulation, respectively prevent air circulation.

6. Installation (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said fresh air inlet (EAN), said supply air outlet (SAS) towards said building (B), and said return air outlet (SAR) towards the outside (EXT) of said building (B) are provided with independent registers (RI, R2, R3) configured to be either open or closed, and thus permit air circulation, respectively prevent air circulation.

7. Installation (I) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that at least of said registers (R1-R4) is motorized.

8. Installation (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises, within the bypass channel (V3), a second heat exchange device (4), of which a first exchanger (41) is installed upstream of said condenser (21) of said thermodynamic machine (2), while the second (40) is installed downstream of the latter.

9. Installation (I) according to claim 8, characterized in that the fluid which circulates in said device (4) is glycol water.

Images