DIGITAL SYSTEM FOR SUPERVISING THE REGULATION OF CONDITIONS IN A CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE ZONE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a digital system (2) for monitoring the regulation of conditions in a controlled atmosphere zone (1), comprising a controlled atmosphere zone (1) with at least one room (100), preferably with several rooms (100), with ambient conditions and an air handling unit (4). Supervisory software running on a control station (10) ensures the control of actuators (50, 60, 70), based on values ​​measured by probes (300, 310, 320, 330), relative to predetermined setpoint values, said control being carried out at the control station (10) via at least one module (12) connected to at least said probes (300, 310, 320, 330) and said actuators (50, 60, 70).The invention also relates to the use of such a supervisory system (2) for the control of the atmosphere of a controlled area, in particular of an operating block comprising at least one operating room (100), preferably several rooms (100). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2.

Description

Title of the invention: DIGITAL SYSTEM FOR SUPERVISING CONDITION REGULATION IN A CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE AREA Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention falls within the field of supervision of the regulation of conditions in a controlled atmosphere zone.

[0002] As is known, a controlled atmosphere zone (CAZ) comprises at least one enclosed room equipped with means to maintain a controlled atmosphere under specific conditions. In particular, within a CAZ, several atmospheric conditions are regulated, such as temperature, humidity, and air circulation rate.

[0003] In particular, maintaining a constant air exchange rate at an appropriate exchange rate makes it possible to eliminate particles present in the room and thus control dust accumulation. It also makes it possible to maintain positive pressure inside the room, protecting it against the introduction of contaminants from outside.

[0004] A ZAC is therefore equipped with the corresponding means to allow the regulation of these conditions, namely means of heating and cooling, means of ventilation and air exchange, means of humidity control.

[0005] A controlled area also includes means for filtering solid particles, such as dust, and / or biological particles, such as live or dead bacteria and biologically active molecules, in particular any pathogen. These filtration means generally consist of at least one diffuser equipped with a HEPA filter.

[0006] Furthermore, these means are combined, notably in the form of air conditioning with one or more ventilation flows and filtration, with automated management, encompassed under the term "air handling unit" (AHU), hereinafter referred to as "unit". Within a ZAC (Zone d'Aménagement Concerté - Concerted Development Zone), each room is equipped with its own unit.

[0007] Such a unit ensures the mixing of an airflow rate in order to achieve a renewed quantity of filtered air, namely a volume of air corresponding to the volume of the room as a function of time. This renewal is determined according to constraints relating to the desired conditions inside the room of the ZAC.

[0008] As such, depending on the restrictions imposed on the regulation of the conditions of a room in a ZAC, this room presents a controlled atmosphere of different levels, required according to the purpose and use made of said room.

[0009] Commonly, we know the "grey room" which allows the storage and transfer of equipment, but also of people, up to a room at a higher level of control, such as a "white room" with a concentration of particles, widely deployed in the fields of electronics and computer science, up to the level of a "clean room", used in the medical, pharmaceutical and biological fields.

[0010] In particular, the invention will find preferential, but in no way limiting, application in the hospital environment and the supervision of the regulation of a ZAC comprising at least one surgical operating room, in particular an operating block comprising several operating rooms.

[0011] In this medical and hospital context, a ZAC is defined in terms of levels of infectious risk, increasing from a moderate level to a high level, through one or more intermediate levels of infectious risk.

[0012] Furthermore, the conditions inside the room of a ZAC can be maintained for example at a temperature around 21°C (degrees Celsius) and a humidity level below 65% and a positive pressure of 15 Pascals.

[0013] During periods of operation, the ZAC therefore runs continuously to maintain the required dust level, and potentially the determined level of infectious risk, in each room. During periods of inactivity, the ZAC continues to operate in a standby mode at a lower level. The ZAC is only shut down during plant maintenance.

[0014] It is already apparent that the continuous operation of a ZAC is extremely energy-intensive. State of the art

[0015] Currently, each room in a ZAC (Zone d'Aménagement Concerté - Concerted Development Zone) is equipped with its own dedicated control unit connected to sensors located within the room, but especially at key locations, such as along fluid circulation pipes, ventilation circuits to and from the room, and hot and cold water (or chilled water) circuits supplying the heating and cooling systems. These sensors are either analog or digital, transmitting a corresponding signal to a programmable logic controller (PLC) connected to or integrated into the control unit.

[0016] In particular, document US2021 / 048208 describes sensors positioned at various locations, specifically sensors measuring temperature and humidity inside each room of the controlled area to be monitored. This positioning at precise locations within the room, including a height relative to the floor and a distance from the ventilation system outlet, only provides an imprecise and variable measurement of the conditions thus measured, in no way reflecting the actual conditions within the room.

[0017] Another document, US 2023 / 105512, describes a similar monitoring system, but dedicated to several rooms in a dwelling. Such a system also has sensors positioned within each room, not reflecting the reality of the atmosphere throughout the entire volume of each room, but only at the precise locations of said sensors.

[0018] That being said, in a known manner, said automaton ensures the execution of logical functions, such as the start and stop sequences of the power plant, the triggering of alarms in the event of exceeding a threshold determined as critical or "setpoint" for each of the conditions to be regulated, as well as the return of information, in particular to a supervisory station.

[0019] Furthermore, the controller allows the execution of calculation functions in the form of control loops, corresponding to the regulation of airflow, temperature, and humidity levels. These calculation functions depend directly on the values ​​of each setpoint and the values ​​measured by the sensors.

[0020] In addition, the execution of functions by the automaton results in the control of various actuators, such as valves or solenoid valves on the hot water circuit and on the cold water circuit, or such as a fan or a variable speed drive connected to said fan on the air circuit.

[0021] In a related development, each room in a controlled access zone (CAZ) is equipped with lighting, which, when in operation, generates a source of heat, altering certain conditions, particularly the temperature. This is especially true for powerful lighting, which is generally found in operating rooms. In short, the lights, when switched on, act as a heating device, disrupting the room's temperature regulation.

[0022] In addition, these lights have a specific and high power output to ensure the required brightness for medical procedures. Other factors influence the room conditions, such as the heat generated by the medical staff present and by the equipment in operation, as well as external climatic conditions.

[0023] However, regulating the conditions of rooms in a controlled access zone (CAZ) presents a major drawback related to the continuous monitoring carried out for each room, which is extremely energy-intensive and proportionally costly. In particular, the CAZ is regulated even when it is not in use or occupied, especially during periods of inactivity, notably when staff are absent, most often at night or on weekends, or even on public holidays or during vacation periods. Description of the invention

[0024] The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing to transfer the calculation of the control loops to a supervisory system in a controlled atmosphere zone (CAZ), specifically for regulating conditions in the room(s) of a CAZ. In other words, the PLC in the control unit of each room in the CAZ will only perform the logic functions, while the calculation functions for regulating conditions will be transferred to a PLC module dedicated exclusively to the tasks of regulating the airflow and controlling conditions (namely temperature and humidity). A PLC added for each CAZ will be connected to a control station of said supervisory system, in order to, on the one hand, transmit the values ​​of the regulated quantities (i.e., flow rate, pressure, temperature, humidity) and, on the other hand, receive the instructions to be maintained according to the occupancy / unoccupancy status of the CAZ.

[0025] Such an automated type module advantageously includes several inputs and outputs, connected in the input to additional probes positioned within the ventilation circuit, as well as at the room level, and in the output to the various actuators.

[0026] Said PLC-type module therefore acts as an intermediary between the central unit of each room in the ZAC and the management station of the supervisory system.

[0027] Relatedly, the transfer to a supervisory station allows for the recording of previous data from prior control loops. In other words, the invention provides for adding a digital layer to improve the supervision of one or more rooms by adapting to an existing control zone, thereby optimizing its operating conditions.

[0028] To this end, according to the invention, the digital system for monitoring the regulation of conditions in a controlled atmosphere zone comprises

[0029] - a controlled atmosphere area with at least one room, preferably with several rooms,

[0030] each room having ambient conditions, including at least temperature, humidity and air pressure;

[0031] - each room being equipped with an air handling unit, provided with at least:

[0032] i) of a heating circuit with at least one valve-type actuator, and of a circuit cooling system with at least one valve-type actuator,

[0033] ii) of a ventilation circuit with at least one fan-type actuator, said ventilation circuit extending from at least one air intake vent along at least one upstream portion to said power plant, then along at least one downstream portion from said power plant to at least one air exhaust vent;

[0034] each power unit also comprising means for starting and stopping, as well as means for controlling each of said actuators;

[0035] said system further comprising

[0036] - at least one communication network;

[0037] - at least one management station in the form of a computer terminal connected to at least to the said central office of each room via the said communication network,

[0038] said at least one terminal comprising and running at least one monitoring software;

[0039] - measuring means in the form of at least one measuring sensor with a value of each of the aforementioned conditions of each room.

[0040] Advantageously, such a system is characterized in that

[0041] - said measuring means comprise coupled to each sensor at least one a probe measuring a value for each of the aforementioned conditions in each room:

[0042] and in that said system comprises for each room

[0043] - at least one control module for each power plant, connected through said network communication:

[0044] j) to the control means of each of said actuators,

[0045] jj) at each probe,

[0046] jjj) management position audit;

[0047] and in that

[0048] - said software ensures the control of the command of each of said actuators, in based on the values ​​measured by each probe, relative to predetermined setpoint values,

[0049] said control being carried out at the level of said management station through said at least one module.

[0050] Already, the addition of probes coupled to existing sensors makes it possible to refine the measurements taken, while allowing the transfer from each module to a global and centralized supervision of each room of the ZAC, as well as of the ZAC in its entirety through the management station connected to each module.

[0051] Advantageously, the supervisory system is also characterized by the fact that said measuring means comprise at least

[0052] - a temperature measuring probe, located along said ventilation circuit, along said upstream section,

[0053] - a humidity level measurement probe, located along said circuit of ventilation, along said upstream portion,

[0054] - an air pressure measuring probe, positioned inside the room

[0055] - a ventilation measurement probe, positioned upstream and downstream of the fan.

[0056] In particular, such specific positioning of certain probes located along the ventilation circuit and along its upstream portion, namely within the air return ducts of said ventilation circuit, makes it possible to improve the level of measurements carried out by said probes coupled to the sensors, concerning conditions, in particular of temperature and humidity, which reflect as closely as possible the reality of the atmosphere of the corresponding room.

[0057] According to additional, non-limiting features, said at least one module includes an input, preferably of analog type, for each probe.

[0058] According to additional, non-limiting features, said at least one module includes at least one output, preferably of the analog type, for each actuator of each power plant.

[0059] According to additional, non-limiting features, each room also includes lighting means with at least one switch-type actuator;

[0060] said at least one module includes an output from each switch of the lighting means.

[0061] According to additional, non-limiting features, said monitoring software includes for each room

[0062] - an input function, for each condition, for at least one activity instruction compared to at least one level of activity and an instruction of inactivity compared to a level of inactivity;

[0063] and said software automatically ensures the transition from the inactivity level to the activity level, within a time limit determined by a decontamination kinetic,

[0064] by transmitting instructions to said control module, with respect to the values ​​of the conditions measured by said measuring means, respectively according to each corresponding instruction.

[0065] According to additional, non-limiting characteristics, the said time limit being less than 20 minutes, preferably less than 5 minutes, and even more preferably less than 2 minutes.

[0066] According to additional, non-limiting features, said monitoring software includes for each room

[0067] - a calendar function allowing the entry of activity time slots and inactivity;

[0068] - an input function, for each condition, for at least one activity instruction compared to at least one level of activity and an instruction of inactivity compared to a level of inactivity;

[0069] and in that

[0070] said software automatically ensures the transition between time periods of activity and inactivity with respect to said calendar function,

[0071] by transmitting instructions to said control module, with respect to the values ​​of the conditions measured by said measuring means, respectively according to each corresponding instruction.

[0072] According to additional, non-limiting features, the supervision system includes for each room an intermediate station connected to said management station, each intermediate station including and performing an interface communicating with said supervision software;

[0073] and in that said monitoring software ensures for each room the transition between the level of activity and the level of inactivity, under the manual action of a user via said interface either to move to a level of activity, or to move to a level of inactivity.

[0074] The invention further relates to the use of a supervision system for the control of the atmosphere of a controlled atmosphere area with at least one room, preferably with several rooms.

[0075] The invention further relates to the use of a supervision system for controlling the atmosphere of at least one surgical operating room in an operating block, preferably of all the rooms in an operating block.

[0076] Either use relates to a digital supervision system according to one and / or the other of the aforementioned embodiments, for the control of the atmosphere of a ZAC with several rooms, in particular a use of a ZAC forming an operating block comprising at least one operating room, preferably several rooms.

[0077] Thus, the invention relates to a digital system for monitoring the regulation of conditions in a controlled atmosphere zone, comprising a controlled atmosphere zone with at least one room, preferably with several rooms, with ambient conditions and an air handling unit. Supervisory software running on a control station ensures the control of actuators, based on values ​​measured by probes, relative to predetermined setpoint values, said control being carried out at the control station via at least one module connected to at least said probes and actuators.

[0078] In particular, the originality of the invention lies in the separation of the calculation functions, which will no longer be performed by the existing automaton but transferred to the module, while retaining said existing automaton. This approach makes it easy to implement the invention on existing devices, rather than modifying the implementation of said devices, with the constraints of the numerous different and distinct, sometimes outdated or proprietary, techniques specific to each device. Drawings are shown below.

[0079] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0080] [Fig. 1] schematically represents a simplified view of the architecture of a controlled atmosphere zone equipped with three rooms; and

[0081] [Fig.2] schematically represents a detailed view of the architecture of an embodiment of a room in a ZAC. Detailed description

[0082] The present invention relates to the supervision of the regulation of conditions in a controlled atmosphere zone 1 and aims at a digital supervision system 2, hereinafter "system 2", of the regulation of conditions in a ZAC 1.

[0083] Such a system 2 includes a controlled atmosphere zone 1, hereinafter "ZAC 1", with at least one room 100.

[0084] Preferably, ZAC 1 comprises several rooms 100. According to the embodiment shown in [Fig.1], ZAC 1 comprises three rooms 100.

[0085] Preferably, system 2 is applied in the hospital environment and the supervision of the regulation of a ZAC 1 comprising at least one surgical operating room, in particular an operating block comprising several operating rooms.

[0086] Further on, each room 100 has ambient conditions, including at least temperature, humidity, mixing rate and air pressure inside room 100. It is these conditions which must be regulated to be maintained at a determined level, in particular a level of infectious risk.

[0087] To do this, the value of these conditions must be measured. The system 2 therefore includes measurement means 3 in the form of at least one sensor for measuring a value of each of the said conditions of each room 100.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the measuring means 3 include a) a temperature measurement sensor 30, b) a humidity level sensor 31, c) a sensor 32 for measuring the room air pressure,

[0089] d) a sensor 33 for measuring the ventilation pressure.

[0090] In order to regulate and act on the conditions, the system 1 provides that each room Unit 100 is equipped with an air handling unit 4. This unit 4 is, firstly, provided with a heating circuit 5 with at least one valve-type actuator, or heating valve 50. This unit 4 also includes a cooling circuit 6 with at least one valve-type actuator, or cooling valve 60.

[0091] Furthermore, the unit 4 includes a ventilation circuit 7 with at least one fan-type actuator 70, namely that said fan 70 controls, by virtue of its actuation in operation, the characteristics of the air circulation, such as the air flow rate, along the circuit 7. Said ventilation circuit 7 extends from at least one air intake vent 71 along at least one upstream portion 710 to said unit 4, then along at least one downstream portion 720 from said unit 4 to at least one air discharge vent 72.

[0092] According to the embodiment visible in [Fig.2], the circuit 7 comprises a single downstream portion 720, but two upstream portions 710 for the air intake at the level of two suction outlets 71.

[0093] In addition, at the level of the central unit 4, the circuit 7 opens into inlet and outlet boxes, which are hermetically sealed and connect to other intermediate boxes dedicated to heating and cooling.

[0094] According to different embodiments, a fan 70 can be located within one and / or the other of the inlet and / or outlet boxes, preferably within the outlet box.

[0095] A configuration with a fan 70 within an outlet box is notably visible in [Fig.2].

[0096] According to one embodiment, the air expulsion vent(s) 72 are covered by a filtering ceiling 73.

[0097] According to one embodiment, as seen in [Fig.2], the ventilation circuit 7 also includes an air inlet 74, communicating with the outside and upstream of the unit 4.

[0098] Therefore, the circulation of the airflow from and to the room, passing through the heating circuit 5 and the cooling circuit 6, in particular through suitable heat exchangers, makes it possible to regulate the conditions, in particular the temperature, but also the humidity level.

[0099] In addition, depending on the speed of the fan(s), the airflow is modified, regulating the air pressure inside the room and ensuring the renewal of a quantity of air.

[0100] It should be noted that in order to measure the values ​​of the conditions, the sensors 30, 31, 32 and 33 are positioned at specific locations, ensuring an adapted and optimized measurement.

[0101] In particular, the measuring means 3 are located as follows: a) The temperature measurement sensor 30 is positioned along the ventilation circuit 7, along the upstream portion 710, b) the humidity level measurement sensor 31, positioned along the ventilation circuit 7, along the upstream section 710, c) the air pressure measuring sensor 32, positioned inside room 100, d) the ventilation pressure measuring sensor 33, (i.e. the total pressure emitted by the fan 70), positioned upstream and downstream of said fan 70, in particular within the outlet box.

[0102] According to one embodiment, each room 100 further includes lighting means 8 with at least one switch-type actuator 80.

[0103] Each central unit 4 also includes means for starting and stopping, as well as means for controlling each of said actuators 50, 60, 70, 80.

[0104] Furthermore, each room 100 can accommodate various pieces of equipment dedicated to its activity, such as medical equipment. The operation of this equipment modifies the conditions within room 100. These modifications are then taken into account by the invention.

[0105] Similarly, each room 100 is intended to accommodate users, such as healthcare staff, during its operation. These users, by virtue of their presence, modify the conditions within room 100. These modifications are then taken into account by the invention.

[0106] That being said, the system 2 still includes at least one communication network 9. Such a communication network 9 is provided to be digital, wireless or preferably wired.

[0107] Such a network 9 includes suitable devices, connected to each other, such as for example a network splitter or switch, incorporating suitable communication cards.

[0108] This network 9 connects different elements of system 2.

[0109] As such, system 2 includes at least one management position 10 in the form of a computer terminal connected at least to said central 4 of each room 100 through said communication network 9.

[0110] Such a management station 10 allows centrally supervising one or more rooms 100 of one or more ZAC 1.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the system 2 comprises for each room 100, an intermediate station 11 connected to said management station 10, in particular through said network 9. Such an intermediate station 11 may be a similar computer terminal, or a screen, preferably provided to be touch.

[0112] In addition, each intermediate station 11 includes and operates an interface communicating with said supervisory software. Such an interface allows users in room 100 to view the current values ​​of the conditions and to adjust them locally, for example by controlling the increase or decrease of the temperature.

[0113] It should be noted that said at least one computer terminal includes and runs at least one monitoring software.

[0114] Therefore, in a conventional manner, the computer terminal includes the appropriate hardware components, such as a processor and internal memory, enabling the execution of instructions which make up said supervisory software.

[0115] Said computer terminal also includes display means, such as a screen, for displaying a graphical interface. The computer terminal further includes selection and input means, such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touchscreen, for interacting with the interface and the software running through said computer terminal.

[0116] Advantageously, the supervision system 2 provides for the addition of additional measurement means 3 and a device, to serve as an intermediary between the management station 10 and each control unit 4 of each room 100 of the ZAC 1.

[0117] To do this, said measurement means 3 comprise coupled to each sensor 30,31,32,33 at least one probe 300,310,320,330 for measuring a value of each of said conditions of each room 100.

[0118] In other words, according to the corresponding embodiment, the measuring means 3 additionally include:

[0119] a) of the temperature measuring sensor 30, a temperature measuring probe 300, b) of the humidity level measurement sensor 31, a humidity level measurement probe 310, c) of the air pressure measuring sensor 32, an air pressure measuring probe 320, d) of the mixing flow measurement sensor 33, a ventilation pressure measurement probe 330.

[0120] Furthermore, according to the corresponding embodiment, the probes 300, 310, 320, 330 are positioned near the corresponding sensors 30, 31, 32, 33, namely that: - the temperature measurement probe 300 is located along said ventilation circuit 7, along said upstream portion 710, - the humidity level measurement probe 310, located along said ventilation circuit 7, along said upstream section 710, - the 320 air pressure measurement probe, positioned inside room 100, - the 330 ventilation pressure measurement probe, positioned at the level of fan 70, upstream and downstream of fan 70.

[0121] As mentioned previously, the positioning of the temperature measurement probe 300 and the humidity measurement probe 310 within the air return ducts allows for more precise measurements of the actual atmosphere. from room 100, in addition to the corresponding sensors (positioned in the same locations or inside said room 100). In other words, these probes 300,310 take their measurement on the return air flow and not on a portion of this flow distributed at a specific location within room 100. Thus, the measurements are standardized to correspond to an average of the atmospheric conditions of room 100 being monitored.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the probe 320 may consist of a probe for measuring a pressure gradient inside each room 100.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the probe 330 measures the ventilation pressure, namely the total mixing pressure by the fan 70. Such a probe 330 is located upstream and downstream of said fan 70, in particular within the outlet box of the fan 70.

[0124] Such a pressure measuring probe 330 can be a differential probe provided with two measuring devices positioned upstream and downstream of the fan 70, allowing the determination of the total pressure difference generated by said fan 70.

[0125] Furthermore, said system 2 includes for each room 100 at least one control module 12 for each central unit 4.

[0126] This module 12 is connected through said communication network, in particular with said management station 10, but also with the control means of each of said actuators 50, 60, 70, 80, as well as to each probe 300, 310, 320, 330.

[0127] Thus, module 12 allows the data measured and transmitted by probes 300, 310, 320, 330 to be transmitted to station 10. Module 12 also receives instructions from station 10 to control the actuators of circuits 5, 6, 7, as well as the switches 80 of the lighting means 8.

[0128] Such a module 12 can be of any type, preferably of the PLC type, analog and / or digital.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the module 12 includes an input, preferably of the analog type, for each probe 300,310,320,330. According to the embodiment shown in [Fig.2], the module 12 includes four inputs.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the module 12 includes at least one output, preferably of the analog type, for each actuator of each control unit 4. According to the embodiment shown in [Fig.2], the module 12 includes four outputs.

[0131] According to a corresponding embodiment, said at least one module 12 comprises an output from each switch 80 of the lighting means 8.

[0132] Advantageously, said software ensures control of the command of each of said actuators 50,60,70,80, according to the values ​​measured by each probe 300,310,320,330 in relation to determined setpoint values.

[0133] In addition, said control is carried out at said management post 10 through said at least one module 12.

[0134] According to the corresponding embodiment, the control can be carried out partly from the intermediate station 11 in room 100, sending the control information back to said management station 10 and / or directly to module 12.

[0135] According to a preferred embodiment, the monitoring software comprises several functions for each room 100. These functions are implemented algorithmically with instructions executed by station 10.

[0136] According to one embodiment, said supervision software includes for each room 100 a function for entering, for each condition, at least one activity instruction in relation to at least one activity level and an inactivity instruction in relation to an inactivity level.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the input function also allows instructions to be entered for intermediate levels.

[0138] In other words, the software makes it possible to determine values ​​for the setpoints of the conditions for several different levels, in particular levels of infectious risk, such as those mentioned above.

[0139] Therefore, said software automatically ensures the transition from the inactivity level to the activity level, by transmitting instructions to said control module 12, in relation to the values ​​of the conditions measured by said measuring means 3, respectively according to each corresponding instruction.

[0140] Furthermore, this transition from inactivity to activity occurs within a time limit determined by a decontamination process. In other words, the supervisory system 2 ensures that a maximum time limit is met to reach the required conditions within room 100 for its activity.

[0141] According to different embodiments, the supervision system 2 ensures the passage within a time limit of less than 20 minutes, preferably less than 5 minutes, and even more preferably less than 2 minutes.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the software includes a calendar function allowing the entry of time slots of activity and inactivity for each room 100.

[0143] In other words, the software makes it possible to determine time slots during which each room 100 is used or not.

[0144] In addition, the software includes an input function, for each condition, of at least one instruction in relation to at least one level of activity and an inactivity instruction in relation to one level of inactivity.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the input function also allows instructions to be entered for intermediate levels.

[0146] In other words, the software makes it possible to determine values ​​for the setpoints of the conditions for several different levels, in particular levels of infectious risk, such as those mentioned above.

[0147] Therefore, said software automatically ensures the transition between the time slots of activity and inactivity with respect to said calendar function, by transmitting instructions to said control module 12, with respect to the values ​​of the conditions measured by said measuring means 3, respectively according to each corresponding instruction.

[0148] In other words, the software at the management station 10 allows for the correlation of active and inactive time slots, in order to change the operation of the control unit 4 in each room 100 according to whether it is active or not. The software therefore allows control, via module 12, of the change in the operating level of each room 100.

[0149] For example, at the beginning of an inactivity period, the software commands a transition from a high level to a lower level, with modified setpoint values. Upon receiving this, module 12 controls actuators 50, 60, 70, and 80 of control unit 4 to comply with the new setpoints.

[0150] Conversely, at the beginning of an activity range (or beforehand according to a period of time necessary to reach the new instructions), the software commands the transition from a lower level to a higher level, with modified setpoint values, sent to said module 12.

[0151] Thus, the software allows for quick and simple control, centrally and through each module 12 of each room 100, of the change in operating level of each control unit 4 of each room 100 of the ZAC 1.

[0152] It should be noted that the software, and possibly the intermediate station 11, may include various interactive elements, in graphical form, such as virtual menus and buttons, which ensure user interaction.

[0153] In particular the software, and possibly the intermediate station 11, may include a button for a command consisting of forcing the passage of at least 100 rooms from inactivity to activity, or vice versa.

[0154] Thus, according to a corresponding embodiment, when the supervision system 2 includes for each room 100 an intermediate station 11 connected to said management station 10, each intermediate station 11 including and executing an interface communicating with said supervision software, then said supervision software ensures for each room 100 the transition between the activity level and the inactivity level, under the manual action of a user via said interface either to move to an activity level or to move to an inactivity level.

[0155] Therefore, a user can manually via the interface trigger the transition from inactivity to activate a room 100, or conversely trigger the cessation of activity of a room 100 to put it into inactivity.

[0156] The invention also relates to the use of a digital supervision system 2 according to the aforementioned embodiments, alone or in combination, for the control of the atmosphere of a ZAC 1 with one or more rooms 100. The use of said supervision system 2 is preferably envisaged for the control of the atmosphere of an operating block comprising at least one operating room, preferably several rooms.

[0157] In other words, the invention aims at the use of system 2 for a ZAC 1 in the form of an operating block comprising several rooms 100 in the form of surgical operating rooms.

[0158] In this specific context, compliance with health and safety standards requires minimum thresholds, both during operation and during periods of inactivity. More importantly, when transitioning from a period of inactivity to a period of activity, it is necessary to ensure the restoration of atmospheric conditions in Zone 1, particularly within one or more of its 100-meter rooms. This return to the required operating conditions must be carried out within a specified timeframe corresponding to a decontamination process that is specific and tailored to the characteristics of Zone 1, as defined by applicable standards.

[0159] The same applies between successive uses, where it is necessary to purge the room to return to the initial conditions required to ensure its operation, namely the conditions prior to use. In particular, such decontamination of a room 100 requires the intervention of qualified personnel for its maintenance and cleaning, during which the conditions of the room 100 can be maintained at a required operating level, but above all lowered to a minimum threshold which will be raised back to the required operating level once the maintenance and cleaning have been carried out.

[0160] The monitoring system 2 and its use for controlling the atmosphere of each room 100 in ZAC 1 makes it possible to reduce the operating conditions of the various components during periods of inactivity, as well as during maintenance and cleaning, while ensuring a return to the required operating conditions within a predetermined and standardized timeframe. This precise control optimizes operation, thereby reducing energy consumption and related costs.

[0161] By way of example, in a medical field and a corresponding use, system 2 allows for the management of at least two operating modes, namely adjusting the operation of the means of the control unit 4 according to setpoint values ​​for at less a mode of operation called "normal mode" and a mode of inactivity called "standby mode".

[0162] In "normal mode", the airflow can be regulated to obtain an air velocity under the filter ceiling 73 corresponding to a flow rate of at least 50 times the volume of room 100. The temperature of room 100 can be adjusted to 21°C (degrees Celsius). The relative humidity can be set below 65%.

[0163] In "standby mode", the airflow rate is then reduced and maintained at an air velocity under the filtering ceiling 73 corresponding to a flow rate of at least 10 times the volume of room 100. The temperature of room 100 can be adjusted to a lower temperature, in particular according to the outside temperature and / or the temperature of other rooms 100 or adjacent rooms. The relative humidity can be set to the same value below 65%, or to another value equivalent to that of the other rooms 100 or adjacent rooms, whether said rooms 100 are in operation or inactive.

[0164] Furthermore, as mentioned previously, the control actions for each mode during its operation, as well as the transition from one mode to another, are based on measurements taken by probes 300, 310, 320, and 330 coupled to sensors 30, 31, 32, and 33, compared to corresponding setpoint values ​​determined in the selected operating mode. In particular, these actions primarily aim to control the power of the fan 70 of the ventilation circuit 7, by increasing, decreasing, or maintaining its power, so as to obtain a measured value equivalent to the corresponding setpoint (i.e., 50 times or 10 times the hourly volume of room 100), within a certain range (for example, plus or minus 10%). In short, the fan(s) 70 are essentially controlled to adjust the flow rate measured by probe 330 coupled to sensor 33.

[0165] Finally, as mentioned previously, during the transition between two operating modes, from "standby mode" to "normal mode," the time required to reach the setpoint values ​​must correspond precisely to the decontamination kinetics, which are specific and dedicated to the characteristics of ZAC 1, as defined by applicable standards. In other words, system 2 enables the required conditions to be achieved within a predetermined and standardized timeframe, for example, 2 to 5 minutes, by controlling the various components, means, and actuators according to their individual operating curves.

[0166] For example, in "standby mode", the flow rate can be adjusted, in particular upwards, to allow a return to the conditions of "normal mode" within the time allowed by the decontamination kinetics, while respecting the maximum power of the fan 70, as well as its curve for switching from one power to another.

[0167] It should be noted that, when a room 100 of a ZAC 1 is put into operation, which was totally shut down (for example during component maintenance), no delay can be required, allowing the throughput to be increased for a longer period, until the "standby mode" instructions are reached.

[0168] Furthermore, as mentioned previously, the supervision system 2 can take into account, for each room 100, changes in conditions due to current and future activity. In particular, these changes within room 100 may result from the operation of equipment dedicated to its activity, such as medical equipment installed temporarily or permanently within said room 100. Similarly, these changes within room 100 may result from users, such as healthcare staff, due to their presence in room 100. System 2 then manages the regulation of conditions, based on measurements taken during the activity period and the changes observed through these measurements.System 2 can also provide, based on measurements recorded previously during a previous period of activity, a forecast of the management of the regulation of conditions for a future period of activity.

[0169] In particular, previously recorded data and / or values ​​measured during activity can be used to create, or even train, a digital model, making it possible to optimize consumption over time and between several periods of activity and inactivity, but also to improve said regulation according to the allotted time for decontamination kinetics.

[0170] Thus, the supervision system 2 according to the invention makes it possible to defer the management of the regulation of the conditions of each room 100 of a controlled atmosphere zone 1, by communicating with the module 12 added and dedicated to each room 100. This supervision of system 2 makes it possible to automate a control of the activity and inactivity levels of the rooms 1 of a ZAC 1, automatically switching from one level to another according to the periods of activity.

[0171] Such supervision offers considerable energy savings, while respecting the constraints related to maintaining regulation in relation to the required levels.

Claims

1. Demands Digital system (2) for monitoring the regulation of conditions in a controlled atmosphere zone (1), comprising - a controlled atmosphere zone (1) with at least one room (100), preferably with several rooms (100), each room (100) having ambient conditions, including at least temperature, humidity and air pressure; - each room (100) being equipped with a central air handling unit (4), provided with at least: i) of a heating circuit (5) with at least one valve-type actuator (50), and of a cooling circuit (6) with at least one valve-type actuator (60), ii) of a ventilation circuit (7) with at least one fan-type actuator (70), said ventilation circuit (7) extending from at least one air intake vent (71) along at least one upstream portion (710) to said power plant (4), then along at least one downstream portion (720) from said power plant (4) to at least one air discharge vent (72); each control unit (4) also comprising means for starting and stopping, as well as means for controlling each of said actuators; said system including further - at least one communication network (9); - at least one management station (10) in the form of a computer terminal connected at least to said central unit (4) in each room (100) through said communication network (9), said at least one terminal comprising and running at least one monitoring software; - measuring means (3) in the form of at least one sensor (30, 31, 32, 33) for measuring a value of each of the said conditions of each room (100): characterized in that - said means (3) of measurement comprise coupled to each sensor (30,31,32,33) at least one probe (300,310,320,330) for measuring a value of each of said conditions of each room (100): and in that said system comprises for each room (100) - at least one control module (12) for each control unit (4), connected via said communication network (9): j) to the control means of each of said actuators (50,60,70), jj) to each probe (300,310,320,330), jjj) to said management station (10); and in that - said software ensures the control of the command of each of said actuators (50,60,70), according to the values ​​measured by each probe (300,310,320,330), in relation to determined setpoint values, said control being carried out at the level of said management station (10) via said at least one module (12);and in that said measuring means (3) include at least - a temperature measuring probe (300), located along said ventilation circuit (7), along said upstream portion (710), - a humidity measuring probe (310), located along said ventilation circuit (7), along said upstream portion (710), - an air pressure measuring probe (320), positioned inside the room (100), - a ventilation measuring probe (330), positioned upstream and downstream of the fan (70).;

2. Supervisory system (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said at least one module (12) comprises an input, preferably of analog type, for each probe (300,310,320,330).

3. Supervisory system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one module (12) comprises at least one output, preferably of the analog type, for each actuator (50,60,70) of each control unit (4).

4. Supervisory system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - each room (100) further comprises lighting means (8) with at least one switch-type actuator (80); - said at least one module (12) comprises an output from each switch (80) of the lighting means (8).

5. Supervisory system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said supervisory software comprises for each room (100) - an input function, for each condition, of at least one activity instruction with respect to at least one activity level and an inactivity instruction with respect to an inactivity level; and in that said software automatically ensures the transition from the inactivity level to the activity level, within a time limit set by a decontamination kinetic, by transmitting instructions to said control module (12), with respect to the values ​​of the conditions measured by said measuring means (3), respectively according to each corresponding instruction.

6. Supervisory system (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said allotted time is less than 20 minutes, preferably less than 5 minutes, more preferably less than 2 minutes.

7. Supervisory system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said supervisory software comprises for each room (100): - a calendar function allowing the entry of time slots of activity and inactivity; - a function for entering, for each condition, at least one activity instruction in relation to at least one activity level and an inactivity instruction in relation to one inactivity level; and in that said software automatically ensures the transition between the time slots of activity and inactivity in relation to said calendar function, by transmitting instructions to said control module (12), in relation to the values ​​of the conditions measured by said measuring means (3), respectively according to each corresponding instruction.

8. Supervisory system (2) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that it comprises for each room (100) - an intermediate station (11) connected to said management station (10), each intermediate station (11) comprising and operating an interface communicating with said supervision software; and in that said supervision software ensures for each room (100) the transition between the level of activity and the level of inactivity, under the manual action of a user via said interface either to move to a level of activity, or to move to a level of inactivity.

9. Use of a digital supervisory system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, for the control of the atmosphere of a controlled atmosphere zone (1) with at least one room (100), preferably with several rooms (100).

10. Use of a digital supervisory system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, for the control of the atmosphere of an operating block comprising at least one operating room (100), preferably several rooms (100).

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