Indirect evaporative air cooling system

Abstract

Indirect evaporative air cooling device, designed to supply cooled air into a room, comprising a stack of plates. Each plate defines channels configured to allow heat exchange for cooling the air. The device includes an inlet channel extending along the stack from an inlet opening. The cross-section of the inlet channel decreases with distance from the inlet opening. Fig. 5A.

Description

Title of the invention: Indirect air cooling device by evaporation technical field

[0001] The technical field of the invention is an air cooling device by indirect evaporative cooling. EARLIER ART

[0002] Air coolers by indirect evaporative cooling, also referred to as indirect adiabatic dew point coolers, have been known for several decades.

[0003] The principle of such coolers is illustrated schematically in [Fig. 1]. It is based on the use of an evaporative heat exchanger, in which the incoming air (dashed arrow Dien in [Fig. 1]) is cooled, without humidification, potentially down to its dew point. The cooling is produced by the circulation of air in contact with a Pb plate, called the cooling plate, which is cooled by water evaporation. The cooling plate has a dry side, against which the air to be cooled flows, and a wet side, called the wet side, which is moistened with water, the water being represented by circles in [Fig. 1]. In [Fig. 1], the dashed arrow represents the air to be cooled, the dashed arrow represents the air that has been cooled or is being cooled, and the solid arrow represents the air circulating in the wet channel, the evaporation of which cools the plate. This nomenclature is retained on the application.

[0004] Part of the cooled air, in contact with the dry side of the cooling plate, is expelled to cool a room: arrow D2. Another part of the cooled air is reinjected into the cooler and directed to flow into contact with the wet side of the cooling plate: arrow D3. The reinjected air is heated by evaporating the water present on the wet side of the cooling plate: arrow D4. This results in a drop in the temperature of the cooling plate. The heated air, now laden with moisture, is then expelled outside the room.

[0005] Compared to the most common air conditioning devices, a significant advantage of such coolers is the absence of refrigerant. These devices only require water. This results in a more favorable environmental impact than conventional air conditioners, which rely on the compression of a refrigerant. Refrigerants are known to have harmful effects on the environment.

[0006] Examples of indirect cooling devices have been described in WO2022184871 as well as in WO2024 / 023193 or in WO2024 / 052508.

[0007] The invention described below describes a cooling device having a different configuration from that of the devices previously described. The geometric configuration promotes the compactness of the device, while allowing air to flow through the device at homogeneous flow rates. Description of the invention

[0008] An object of the invention is an indirect air cooling device by evaporation, the device being intended to blow cooled air into a room, the device comprising: - at least one air intake channel, intended to admit air to be cooled, extending from an intake opening along an intake axis and presenting, perpendicular to the intake axis, an intake section; - at least one air outlet, configured to blow cooled air into the room; - at least one stack, comprising a plurality of plates, the plates being spaced from each other along a transverse axis, each plate comprising • a dry face, delimiting a dry channel, configured to receive air to be cooled; • a wet face, delimiting a wet channel, configured to be wetted by a liquid to humidify a portion of the air that has flowed through the dry channel;

[0009] the device being such that - the plates are arranged to form an alternation between dry and wet channels, along a transverse axis, each dry channel being adjacent to a wet channel; - each dry channel extends, between the air intake channel and the air exhaust, along a longitudinal axis; - each wet channel is configured to receive a portion of the air flowing into the dry channel;

[0010] the device being characterized in that: - the intake section decreases, along the intake axis, as a function of an increasing distance from the intake opening.

[0011] According to one possibility, the device comprises an exhaust channel, extending along an exhaust axis, and forming the air exhaust, the exhaust channel having, Perpendicular to the drainage axis, a drainage section, the drainage channel opening into a drainage outlet. The drainage section can increase, along the drainage axis, according to a decreasing distance from the drainage outlet.

[0012] According to one possibility, the device comprises several adjacent stacks, arranged along a linear or curved alignment axis, and forming a group of stacks, each stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the stack along the alignment axis, from the inlet opening, the stacks of the group of stacks being arranged between the same air inlet channel and the same air outlet.

[0013] The alignment axis can be straight, and form, in the same transverse plane, perpendicular to the transverse axis, an acute inlet angle with the inlet axis and / or an acute outlet angle with the outlet axis.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the device comprises: - a first stack, extending between the inlet channel and a first outlet; - a second stack, extending between the inlet channel and a second outlet, separate from the first outlet; - the intake channel extending between the first stack and the second stack.

[0015] According to one possibility, the device comprises: - a first group of stacks, comprising first stacks arranged along a first alignment axis, each first stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the first stack along the first alignment axis, from the inlet opening, the first group of stacks extending between the inlet channel and the first outlet; - a second group of stacks, comprising second stacks arranged along a second alignment axis, each second stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the second stack along the second alignment axis, from the inlet opening, the second group of stacks extending between the inlet channel, and the second outlet; - the inlet channel extends between the first group of stacks and the second group of stacks; - the intake section of the intake channel decreases, along the first group of stacks and the second group of stacks, according to increasing ranks.

[0016] According to one possibility, the device comprises: - a first drainage channel, extending along a first drainage axis, and forming the first drainage, up to a first drainage opening, the first drainage channel presenting, perpendicular to the first drainage axis, a first drainage section; - a second drainage channel, extending along a second drainage axis, and forming the second drainage, up to a second drainage opening, the second drainage channel presenting, perpendicular to the second drainage axis, a second drainage section; - the first evacuation section and / or the second evacuation section increase, respectively along the first group of stacks and the second group of stacks, according to the increasing ranks.

[0017] According to one possibility, the first alignment axis and the second alignment axis are straight, convergent, and are angularly separated by an acute angle.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the device comprises: - a first stack, extending between a first intake channel and the air outlet, the first intake channel extending, from a first intake opening, along a first intake axis, and presenting, perpendicular to the first intake axis, a first intake section; - a second stack, extending between a second intake channel, distinct from the first intake channel, and the air outlet, the second intake channel extending, from a second intake opening, along a second intake axis, and presenting, perpendicular to the second intake axis, a second intake section;

[0019] the device being such that: - the first inlet section and / or the second inlet section decreases, respectively along the first inlet axis and / or the second inlet axis, according to an increasing distance from the first inlet opening or the second inlet opening; - the air evacuation extends between the first stack and the second stack.

[0020] According to one possibility, the device comprises: - a first group of stacks, comprising initial stacks arranged along a first alignment axis, each initial stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the initial stack along the first alignment axis, from the intake opening, the first group of stacks extends between the first intake channel and the air outlet; - a second group of stacks, comprising second stacks (arranged along a second alignment axis, each second stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the second stack along the second alignment axis, from the intake opening, the second group of stacks extending between the second intake channel, and the air outlet; - the air evacuation extends between the first group of stacks and the second group of stacks; - The inlet cross-section of the first inlet channel and the second inlet channel decreases along the first and second stacking groups, respectively, according to increasing ranks.

[0021] The first and second alignment axes may be straight, convergent, and are angularly separated by an acute angle.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the device comprises: - a first stack, extending between a first intake channel and a first exhaust channel, forming a first air exhaust; - a second stack, extending between a second inlet channel, separate from the first inlet channel and a second outlet channel, separate from the first outlet channel, forming a second air outlet; - the second inlet channel and the first outlet channel extending between the first stack and the second stack;

[0023] the device being such that: - the first intake channel extends, from a first intake opening, along a first intake axis, and presents, perpendicular to the first intake axis, a first intake section, the first intake section decreasing, along the first intake axis, as a function of an increasing distance from the first intake opening; - and / or the second intake channel extends, from a second intake opening, along a second intake axis, and presents, perpendicular to the second intake axis, a second intake section, the second intake section decreasing, along the second intake axis, as a function of an increasing distance from the second intake opening.

[0024] According to one possibility: - the first drainage channel extends, up to a first drainage opening, along a first drainage axis, and presents, perpendicular to the first drainage axis, a first drainage section, the first drainage section increasing, along the first drainage axis, according to a decreasing distance from the first drainage opening; - and / or the second drainage channel extends, up to a second drainage opening, along a second drainage axis, and presents, perpendicular to the second drainage axis, a second drainage section, the second drainage section increasing, along the second drainage axis, according to a decreasing distance from the second drainage opening.

[0025] The first intake axis and the second intake axis may be parallel.

[0026] According to one possibility, the device comprises: - a first group of stacks, comprising first stacks arranged along a first alignment axis, each first stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the first stack along the first alignment axis, from the inlet opening, the first group of stacks extending between the first inlet channel and the first outlet channel; - a second group of stacks, comprising second stacks arranged along a second alignment axis, each second stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the second stack along the second alignment axis, from the inlet opening, the second group of stacks extending between the second inlet channel, the second outlet channel; - the intake section of the first intake channel and / or the second intake channel decreases, along the first group of stacks and / or the second group of stacks respectively, according to increasing ranks; - the evacuation section of the first evacuation channel and / or the second evacuation channel increases, along the first group of stacks and / or the second group of stacks respectively, according to the increasing ranks.

[0027] The first alignment axis and the second alignment axis may be parallel.

[0028] According to one possibility, the stack or stacks comprise: • at least one conduit, into which each wet channel of the stack opens, the conduit extending along the transverse axis; • a collector, into which each duct of the stack opens, so as to collect the humid air flowing from each duct; • the stack extends, along the transverse axis, between a first transverse end and a second transverse end; • the collector extends, along first transverse end and / or second transverse end, along a flow axis, to an extraction opening.

[0029] The collector can extend perpendicularly to the flow axis, along a cross-section, said cross-section increasing along a decreasing distance from the extraction opening.

[0030] According to one possibility, with the transverse axis being vertical, the collector is disposed below the stack, the collector forming a water reservoir.

[0031] The invention will be better understood upon reading the description of the exemplary embodiments presented later in this description, in connection with the figures listed below. FIGURES

[0032] Fig. 1 describes the principles of adiabatic cooling.

[0033] Fig. 2 shows an example of stacking plates, forming dry channels and wet channels.

[0034] Fig. 3 represents an example of stacking plates.

[0035] Fig. 4A represents a first embodiment of the invention.

[0036] Fig. 4B shows a variant of the first embodiment of the invention.

[0037] Figure 4C illustrates a variant of the first embodiment of the invention.

[0038] Fig. 4D shows a variant of the first embodiment of the invention.

[0039] Figures 5A and 5B show a second embodiment of the invention, called in “V”.

[0040] Figures 6A and 6B show a variant of the second embodiment of the invention.

[0041] Figures 7A and 7B show a third embodiment of the invention, referred to as the “W” embodiment.

[0042] Figures 8A and 8B show a variant of the third embodiment of the invention.

[0043] Figures 9A, 9B and 9C show a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0044] Figure 9D shows a variant of the fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0045] Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A and 9D are cross-sectional views of the device, according to a transverse PXY cutting plane. PRESENTATION OF SPECIFIC IMPLEMENTATION METHODS

[0046] Figure 2 shows a detail of a stack of 11 plates of a device of the invention. The device is intended to blow cooled air into a room.

[0047] By room, we mean an enclosure whose air we wish to cool. The room can be a room in a building, of the residential or industrial type, or a room in a means of transport, for example a cabin in a vehicle.

[0048] The geometry of the stack is similar to that described in application WO2022184871. Figure 2 shows four plates. The stack can consist of several dozen, or even hundreds, of plates, for example, between 30 and 1000 plates 100. The plates 100 are arranged parallel to each other, perpendicular to a transverse axis Z. Each plate 100 extends parallel to a plane PXY. Each plate extends, parallel to a longitudinal axis X, along a length l, and, parallel to a lateral axis Y, along a width L. The stack extends, parallel to the transverse axis Z, along a height H. The height h depends on the number of plates. The length l, the width L, and the height H are shown in [Fig. 3].The stacking extends, along the transverse axis Z, between a first transverse end 11 i,z and a second transverse end 112>Z. The stacking extends, along the lateral axis Y, between a first lateral end 111 y and a second lateral end 112, y.

[0049] Each plate 100 has a wetted face 100w and a dry face 100d. The wet and dry faces of the same plate are opposite, in that they are separated by the thickness of the plate. The thickness of each plate, along the Z-axis, is as small as possible, taking into account mechanical strength requirements. The thickness depends on the material forming the plate. The thickness can be between 10 µm and 1 mm, or even between 10 µm and 500 µm. The invention exploits heat conduction along the Z-axis through each plate 100.

[0050] The stacking is such that the wet (respectively dry) faces of two consecutive plates are opposite each other. Two wet faces 100w, facing each other, and belonging to two adjacent plates, define a wet channel 102w. Two dry faces 100d, facing each other, and belonging to two adjacent plates, define a dry channel 102d.

[0051] Each wetted face 100w is intended to be wetted with water as regularly as possible.

[0052] During operation of the device, the transverse axis Z is preferably vertical, oriented upwards, to within ±30° or ±10°. This allows water to flow by gravity from the upper plate to the lower plate, as described in application FR2303722. The transverse axis can be oriented differently, for example horizontally, in which case the water flow is adapted. When the transverse axis is horizontal, the water can for example flow, along the wetted faces, by gravity.

[0053] In [Fig. 2], each plate 100 has been assigned a rank n, where n is a natural number. n is incremented between two successive plates along the Z-axis, in the opposite direction to the Z-axis. Thus, the plates 100n, 100n+i, 100n+2, and 100n+3 are represented. Each plate has a wet face, indicated by the index w, and a dry face, indicated by the index d. The wet faces 100nw, 100n+ijW, of the respective plates 100n, 100n+i delimit a wet channel 102w. The dry faces 100n+ijd, 100n+2jd, of the respective plates 100n+i, 100n+2 delimit a dry channel 102d. The wetted faces 100n+2jW, 100n+3jW, of the respective plates 100n+2, 100n+3 delimit a wet channel 102w

[0054] Thus, the stack is formed by alternating dry channels 102d and wet channels 102w. Each dry channel extends along the longitudinal axis X between a hot inlet 102d>in, through which the hot air to be cooled flows, and a cold outlet 102djOUt. The ventilation system is configured to allow airflow through both the dry and wet channels. The cold outlet 102d>out can be connected to a cooled air exhaust, configured to supply cooled air into the room.

[0055] The air to be cooled is drawn into or blown into the device by a ventilation system, not shown in [Fig. 2], through an inlet, described below. The ventilation system comprises one or more fans. In the example of [Fig. 2], the air to be cooled is admitted parallel to a longitudinal axis X. The inlet allows distribution of the air to be cooled to each hot inlet 102d of each dry channel 102d.

[0056] Each dry channel 102d is connected to an adjacent wet channel 102w by a fluidic junction 102'. Each wet channel 102w extends, along the longitudinal axis X, between the fluidic junction 102' and a wet outlet 102w out. The fluidic junction 102' is located between the hot inlet 102d>in and the cold outlet 102d>out, or at the cold outlet 102d>out. The fluidic junction 102' is advantageously closer to the cold outlet 102d>out than to the hot inlet 102d>in. Thus, considering the direction of airflow in the dry channel, the fluidic junction 102' is located in the dry channel 102d, upstream of the cold outlet 102d>out or at the cold outlet, the latter case corresponding to the example shown.

[0057] The device 1 is such that, under the effect of the ventilation system, a portion of the air flowing through a dry channel 102d is admitted into an adjacent wet channel 102w through the fluidic junction 102'. The fluidic junction 102' can be formed by a simple opening made in the plate separating the wet channel from the dry channel.

[0058] The stack extends, along the X axis, between a first longitudinal end 11 ijX, at the hot inlet of each dry channel, and a second longitudinal end 112>X, at the cold outlet of each dry channel.

[0059] In the examples shown, the fluidic junction 102' is formed at the second longitudinal end 112>X of the stack. A portion of the cooled air is then drawn into at least one wet channel 102w adjacent to the dry channel 102d, at the cold outlet 102d>out. The airflow rate in the wet channel 102w is adjusted by the device's ventilation system. This is facilitated by the fact that the flow in each dry channel is preferentially laminar, with the air velocity, for example, between 0.5 m / s and 3 m / s.

[0060] The fluidic junction 102', coupled to the ventilation system, can be configured such that 50 to 75% of the airflow is directed towards the cold outlet 20djOUt, while 25% to 50% of the airflow is directed through the fluidic junction towards the wet channel 102w. It should be noted that the airflow through each wet channel 102w, represented by solid arrows in [Fig. 2], is in the opposite direction to the airflow in the adjacent dry channel, the latter being represented by a dashed arrow in [Fig. 2]. The device is thus configured to operate in counter-current flow. The cooled air emanating from each dry channel is represented by a dashed arrow.

[0061] The cold outlets 102djOUt of each dry channel form an air outlet, towards the room to be cooled.

[0062] In the example shown, the wet outlets 102WjOUt of each wet channel are connected to at least one duct 104. The duct 104 extends parallel to the transverse axis. The duct 104 is open at the wet outlet of each wet channel, so as to collect the humid air. The duct 104 extends through each dry channel 102d, being closed. Thus, in each dry channel 102d, the hot, dry air flows on both sides of the duct 104.

[0063] In the figures that follow, the legend associated with the arrows, representing the flows, is identical: dashed arrow for dry air, mixed dashed arrows for cooled air, and solid line arrows for humid air.

[0064] The length of the stack 1 can be between 5 cm and 1 m, and preferably between 10 cm and 30 cm. The length 1 is preferably: - less than the width L, for example at least 1.5 times less, or even at least 2 times less or at least 3 times less than the width L. - and / or less than the height h, for example at least 1.5 times less, or even at least 2 times less or at least 3 times less than the height h,

[0065] Two adjacent plates 100n, 100n+i are spaced apart from each other, parallel to the Z axis, by a distance preferably less than 2 cm, or even less than 1 cm or 0.5 cm. The spacing between two adjacent plates can advantageously be between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

[0066] Figure 3 shows a stack of plates 100, alternately delimiting dry and wet channels. Figure 3 shows the stack from the cold outlet side of each dry channel in the stack.

[0067] Each wet channel is connected to conduits 104, called wet conduits, which collect the humidified air at the wetted faces of each wet channel. Each conduit 104 is located at the first longitudinal end 11ijX of the stack and forms a conduit extending parallel to the transverse axis Z. Examples of wet conduit configurations are described in WO2022184871, WO2024023193, or WO2024052508. First method of implementation

[0068] Figure 4A represents a first embodiment. It is a cross-section along a transverse plane, perpendicular to the transverse axis Z. According to this embodiment, the device comprises a stack 11. The stack 11 extends between an inlet 10in and an outlet 10out. A particular feature of the device is that the inlet 10in forms a channel, extending around an inlet axis A10in. The inlet axis is a central axis of the inlet channel 10in. The inlet channel 10in extends from an inlet opening 10'in, along the stack 11. Perpendicular to the inlet axis A10in, the inlet channel 10in extends in a cross-section, through which the air to be cooled flows. The intake cross-section decreases with increasing distance from the intake opening (10' in). This means that the further away you are from the intake opening, the smaller the intake cross-section becomes.In the example shown, the admission section decreases progressively. Alternatively, the decrease in the admission section decreases non-continuously with the distance from the admission opening.

[0069] Reducing the inlet section, depending on the distance from the inlet opening 10'in, allows the flow rate to be balanced in the dry channels of the stack 11. In the part of the stack adjacent to the inlet opening 10'in, the inlet section is large, regardless of the position of the flow along the transverse axis Z. As one progresses in the inlet channel, away from the inlet opening 10'in, some of the air flows into the dry channels of the stack. Reducing the cross-sectional area helps maintain a flow rate as constant as possible along the inlet channel 10in, from the first lateral end 11i,y to the second lateral end ll2,y of the stack 11. The air tends to flow at approximately the same speed in the inlet channel, regardless of the position by relative to the inlet opening. The flow velocity tends to be independent of, or less dependent than in the absence of a decreasing cross-section, the distance relative to the inlet opening.

[0070] This promotes uniformity of the airflow rate to be cooled through each dry channel of the stack, along the lateral axis Y. The airflow rate in each dry channel is kept as constant as possible, or as independent as possible, of its position along the lateral axis Y (or of its distance from the inlet opening 10'in). The stack 11 is designed to allow optimal heat exchange between the air flowing in the dry channels 102d and the plates 100, due to the evaporation of water induced by the air flowing through the wet channels. Heat exchange is optimal for an optimal airflow rate in the wet channels. Reducing the cross-section of the inlet channel makes it possible to achieve a more uniform flow rate, close to the optimal flow rate, in each dry channel, from the first lateral end 11i,y to the second lateral end 11l2,y.

[0071] Thus, reducing the inlet cross-section makes it possible to achieve a uniform flow rate in the dry channels along the lateral axis, and this in a compact device. This makes it possible to obtain, along the dry inlet 102djin of each dry channel, a hydrodynamic pressure that can be considered constant.

[0072] The device defines an axis A10, which is here parallel to the lateral axis Y of the stack 11. In the same transverse plane, the inlet axis A10in forms an acute angle 0in with the axis A10. The angle 0in can for example be between 5° and 25°.

[0073] Figure 4B shows a variant of the first embodiment, in which the device comprises a group 10 consisting of a first stack 11, a second stack 12, a third stack 13, and a fourth stack 14. The stacks are arranged along an alignment axis A10. In this example, the alignment axis A10 is straight. The alignment axis A10 may be straight or curved. Each stack is assigned a rank, which corresponds to the stack's position relative to the inlet opening 10'in. The rank is lower the closer the stack is to the inlet opening 10'in. The inlet channel 10'in extends along each stack, successively, according to increasing ranks. The inlet cross-section decreases, either continuously or discontinuously, as the rank increases.

[0074] Regardless of the embodiment, the number of stacks forming a group of stacks is preferably between 2 and 10.

[0075] In the examples illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, the cold air flows downstream of the stack, or of each stack, parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0076] Figures 4C and 4D illustrate respective variants of the embodiments of Figures 4A and 4B, in which the discharge 10out forms a discharge channel extending around a central discharge axis A10out. The discharge channel opens into a discharge opening 10'out. The discharge channel 10out presents, perpendicular to the discharge axis, a discharge cross-section. Preferably, the discharge cross-section increases with decreasing distance from the discharge opening 10'out. This means that the closer one gets to the discharge opening, the larger the discharge cross-section becomes. In the example shown, the discharge cross-section increases gradually. According to another possibility, the increase in the discharge cross-section is non-continuous with increasing proximity to the discharge opening.

[0077] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.4C]: - the inlet opening 10'in is adjacent to a first lateral end lli>y of the stack 11; - the evacuation opening 10'out is adjacent to a second lateral end 1 l2>y opposite the first lateral end, of the stack 11.

[0078] The evacuation axis A10out forms an acute angle 0out with the alignment axis A10. The angle 0out can, for example, be between 3° and 25°.

[0079] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.4D]: - the inlet opening 10'in is adjacent to a first lateral end 10i>y of the stacking group 10; - the evacuation opening 10'out is adjacent to a second lateral end 102>y opposite the first lateral end, of the stacking group 10.

[0080] Increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust channel as one approaches the exhaust opening serves the same purpose as that described in relation to the narrowing of the inlet channel: it is to account for the increasing quantity of air exiting the stack as one approaches the exhaust opening. Increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust channel as one approaches the exhaust opening allows for a flow rate that is as uniform as possible at the outlet of the dry channels. The increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust channel can be continuous or discontinuous, and this applies to all embodiments.

[0081] The combination of an inlet cross-section decreasing with distance from the inlet opening, and an outlet cross-section increasing as one approaches the outlet opening, tends to uniformize the flow rate in the dry channels of the stack, regardless of their rank. This allows for place the device under optimal flow conditions, previously determined, allowing to maximize heat exchange in the dry channels. Second embodiment

[0082] Figures 5A and 5B show an embodiment, referred to as V-shaped, in which the device comprises: - a first group 10 of adjacent stacks 11, 12, 13, 14, arranged along a first alignment axis A10, whose respective ranks are 1, 2, 3 and 4; - a second group 20 of adjacent stacks 21, 22, 23, 24, arranged along a second alignment axis A20, whose respective ranks are 1, 2, 3 and 4; - a first inlet channel 10in, extending from a first inlet opening 10'in, around a first inlet axis A10in. The first inlet channel 10in extends opposite the first group of stacks 10. As in the first embodiment, the inlet cross-section of the first inlet channel decreases as the distance from the first inlet opening increases. The first inlet channel narrows with increasing ranks along the first stacks. - a second 20in inlet channel, separate from the first 10in inlet channel, extending from a second 20'in inlet opening around a second 20in inlet axis. The second 20in inlet channel extends opposite the second stack of 20 stacks. As in the first embodiment, the inlet cross-section of the second inlet channel decreases as the distance from the second 20'in inlet opening increases. The second inlet channel narrows with increasing ranks along the second stacks. - a 10out (or 20out) drainage channel common to both stack groups. This drainage channel acts as both the first and second drainage channels. The drainage channel extends, up to a common drainage opening 10'out (or 20'out), around a drainage axis A10 out (or A20out). As in the first embodiment, the drainage channel's cross-section increases as the distance from the drainage opening decreases. The drainage channel widens along the stacks, according to their increasing ranks.

[0083] In this embodiment: - the first group of stacks 10 extends between the first inlet channel 10in and the common outlet channel; - the second group of stacks 20 extends between the second inlet channel 20in and the common outlet channel; - the first inlet opening 10'in is adjacent to a first lateral end 10 ,v of the first stacking group 10; - the second inlet opening 2O'in is adjacent to a first lateral end 20i>y of the second group of stacks 20; - the common evacuation opening 10'out, (or 20'out) is adjacent to each second lateral end 102>y 202>y opposite the first lateral end 10, y 20i>y of each stacking group.

[0084] In the example shown, the first alignment axis A10 and the second alignment axis A20 are straight. In configurations not shown, the first alignment axis A10 and / or the second alignment axis A20 may be curved.

[0085] When axes A10 and A20 are straight, they form alignment axes along which the respective stacks of the first group 10 and the second group 20 are aligned. The alignment axes A10 and A20 of two adjacent stack groups are angularly separated by an acute angle α, such that 5° < α < 90°, α being preferably less than or equal to 60°, or 45°, or 30°. This feature also applies to the third embodiment described below.

[0086] According to this configuration, the first group of stacks 10 extends between the first inlet channel 10in and the common outlet channel 10out, 20out. The second group of stacks 20 extends between the second inlet channel 20in and the common outlet channel 10out, 20out.

[0087] Fig. 5B schematically illustrates the embodiment in 3 dimensions.

[0088] Figures 6A and 6B represent a variant of the V-shaped embodiment, which comprises a first and a second group of stacks as described in relation to [Fig. 5A]. In this variant, the device comprises: - a 10-inch (or 20-inch) inlet channel, common to both stacking groups 10 and 20. This common inlet channel acts as both the first and second inlet channels. The inlet channel extends from a 10-inch (or 20-inch) inlet opening around an A10-inch (or A20-inch) inlet axis. As in previous embodiments, the inlet cross-section of the inlet channel decreases with distance from the inlet opening. The inlet channel narrows along the stacking groups, according to their increasing ranks. - a first drainage channel 10out, extending from a first drainage opening 10'out, around a first drainage axis A10out The first drainage channel 10out extends opposite the first group of stacks 10. As in the first embodiment, the drainage cross-section of the first drainage channel increases as the distance from the first drainage opening decreases. The first drainage channel narrows with increasing rows along the first group of stacks. - a second drainage channel 20out, separate from the first drainage channel 10out, extending from a second drainage opening 20'out around a second drainage axis A20out. The second drainage channel 20out extends opposite the second group of stacks 20. As in the first embodiment, the drainage cross-section of the second drainage channel increases as the distance from the second drainage opening decreases. The second drainage channel widens along the second group of stacks, according to their increasing ranks.

[0089] In this variant: - the first group of stacks 10 extends between the common inlet channel 10in, 20in and the first outlet channel 10out; - the second group of stacks 20 extends between the common inlet channel 10in, 20in and the second outlet channel 20out; - the inlet opening 10'in (or 20'in) is adjacent to a first lateral end 10i>y, 20i>y of the first group of stacks 10 and of the second group of stacks 20; - the first evacuation opening 10'out is adjacent to a second lateral end 102>y opposite to the first lateral end 10i >y, of the first group of stacks 10; - the second evacuation opening 20'out is adjacent to a second lateral end 202>y opposite the first lateral end 201 >y, of the second group of stacks 20;

[0090] In the example shown, the first alignment axis A10 and the second alignment axis A20 are straight. In configurations not shown, the first alignment axis A10 and / or the second alignment axis A20 may be curved.

[0091] Fig. B schematically illustrates the embodiment in 3 dimensions.

[0092] The configurations of the second embodiment are said to be "V-shaped" because when the first axis A10 and the second axis A20 are straight, the axes converge and form an acute angle α, preferably between 5° and 90° or 60°, depending on space constraints, in particular the length-to-width ratio of the device. Third mode of implementation

[0093] Figures 7A and 7B show an embodiment, called W. The device comprises four groups of stacks 10, 20, 30, 40. In the example shown, each group of stacks comprises two stacks aligned along an axis.

[0094] The first group of stacks 10 comprises two stacks 11 and 12;

[0095] The second group of stacks 20 comprises two stacks 21 and 22;

[0096] The third group of stacks 30 comprises two stacks 31 and 32;

[0097] The fourth group of stacks 40 comprises two stacks 41 and 42.

[0098] The third embodiment is a combination of the two "V-shaped" configurations described above: - Stacking groups 10 and 20 are arranged as described in relation to [Fig. 6A]: they share the same inlet channel. The same applies to stacking groups 30 and 40. The characteristics described in relation to [Fig. 6A] apply to stacking groups 10 and 20 as well as 30 and 40; - Stacking groups 20 and 30 are arranged as described in relation to [Fig. 5A]: they share the same discharge channel. The characteristics described in relation to [Fig. 5A] apply to stacking groups 20 and 30.

[0099] According to this embodiment, the device comprises: - a first evacuation channel 10out, as described in connection with [Fig.6A]; - a common 10in (or 20in) intake channel, extending around an axis A10in (or A20in) intake channel acting as first and second common intake channel for groups 10 and 20, as described in connection with the intake channel of [Fig. A]; - a common evacuation channel 20out(or 30out), extending around an evacuation axis A20out (or A30out) acting as a second and third common evacuation channel for groups 20 and 30, analogous to the evacuation channel described in connection with [Fig.5A]; - an intake channel 30in (or 40in), extending around an intake axis A30in (or A40in) and acting as a third and fourth common intake channel for groups 30 and 40, analogous to the intake channel described in connection with [Fig. A]; - a fourth evacuation channel 40out, as described in connection with the first evacuation channel: cf. [Fig.ôA].

[0100] According to this embodiment: - the first group of stacks 10 extends between the first discharge channel 10out and the first inlet channel 10in, coinciding with the second inlet channel 20in (common inlet channel 10in, 20in) - the second group of stacks 20 extends between the second discharge channel 20out, coincident with the third discharge channel 30out (common discharge channel 20out, 30out), and the common inlet channel 10in,20in; - the third group of stacks 30 extends between the common discharge channel 20out, 30out and the third inlet channel 30in, coinciding with the fourth inlet channel 40in (common inlet channel 30in, 40in) - the fourth stacking group 40 extends between the common inlet channel 30in, 40in and the fourth outlet channel 40out; - the cross-section of each intake channel decreases as one moves away from the opening of said channel; - the cross-section of each drainage channel increases as one approaches the opening of said channel

[0101] Fig. 7B represents a 3D view of the third embodiment.

[0102] Figures 8A and 8B are a variant of the third embodiment, in W, in which: - Stacking groups 10 and 20 are arranged as described in relation to [Fig. 5A]: they share the same discharge channel. The same applies to stacking groups 30 and 40. The characteristics described in relation to [Fig. 5A] apply to stacking groups 10 and 20 as well as 30 and 40; - Stacking groups 20 and 30 are arranged as described in relation to [Fig. ôA]: they share the same inlet channel. The characteristics described in relation to [Fig. ôA] apply to stacking groups 20 and 30.

[0103] According to this embodiment, the device comprises: - a first 10in intake channel, as described in connection with [Fig.5A]; - a common drainage channel 10out (or 20out), extending around a drainage axis A10out (or A20out) acting as the first and second common drainage channel for the stacking groups 10 and 20, as described in the linked drainage channel of [Fig.5A]; - a common 20in (or 30in) intake channel, extending around an A20in (or A30in) intake axis, acting as a second and third common intake channel for groups 20 and 30, analogous to the intake channel described in connection with [Fig.6A]; - a drainage channel 30out (or 40out), extending around a drainage axis A30out, (or A40out) and acting as a third and fourth common drainage channel for groups 30 and 40, analogous to the drainage channel described in connection with [Fig.5A]; - a fourth 40in intake channel, as described in relation to the first intake channel: see [Fig.5A].

[0104] According to this embodiment: - the first group of stacks 10 extends between the first inlet channel 10in and the first outlet channel 10out, coinciding with the second outlet channel 20out (common outlet channel 10out, 20out) - the second group of stacks 20 extends between the second inlet channel 20in, coincident with the third inlet channel 30in (common inlet channel 20in, 30in), and the common outlet channel 10out,20out; - the third group of stacks 30 extends between the common inlet channel 20in, 30in and the third outlet channel 30out, coinciding with the fourth outlet channel 40out (common outlet channel 30out, 40out) - the fourth stacking group 40 extends between the common discharge channel 30out, 40out and the fourth inlet channel 40in. - the cross-section of each intake channel decreases as one moves away from the opening of said channel; - the cross-section of each drainage channel increases as one approaches the opening of said channel

[0105] Fig. 8B represents a 3D view of the third embodiment.

[0106] Compared to the V-configuration, the W-configuration allows for a device with a greater width and a smaller length. Fourth embodiment

[0107] Figures 9A to 9D show a fourth embodiment, which corresponds to an embodiment in which modules, according to the first embodiment (see [Fig. 4C]), are juxtaposed. Figures 9A to 9C show a configuration in which four groups of stacks 10, 20, 30, and 40, each comprising two stacks, are juxtaposed. [Fig. 9D] shows an embodiment obtained by juxtaposing three stacks.

[0108] According to this embodiment, the stacking groups can be aligned along alignment axes parallel to each other.

[0109] Each stacking group extends between: - an nth intake channel (n between 1 and 4), whose cross-section decreases with the distance from its opening, called the intake opening. Each intake channel 10in, 20in, 30in, 40in extends around an intake axis A10in, A20in A30in A40in. - an nth drainage channel (n between 1 and 4), whose cross-section increases as the distance, relative to its opening, called the drainage opening, decreases. Each drainage channel 10out, 20out, 30out, 40out extends around a drainage axis A10out, A20out, A30out, A40out.

[0110] The n inlet channels are distinct from each other. The n outlet channels are distinct from each other. The n inlet axes are parallel to each other. The n outlet axes are parallel to each other.

[0111] According to this embodiment, the inlet axes and the outlet axes can be parallel to each other. Humid air collector.

[0112] Regardless of the embodiment, each stack comprises at least one conduit 104, into which each wet channel 102w of the stack opens. The conduit preferably extends along the transverse axis. Each stack may include a collector 105, into which each conduit of the stack opens, so as to collect the humid air flowing from each conduit. The collector 105 extends along the first transverse end and / or along the second transverse end of the stack.

[0113] The manifold is configured to extract the humid air exiting each wet channel to the outside of the room to be cooled. Each manifold 105 extends along a flow axis to a humid air extraction opening 106 at a lateral end of the stack, or group of stacks. Preferably, the cross-section of the manifold 105 increases as it approaches the humid air extraction opening 106, as shown in [Fig. 9C]. This allows for a balance of flow rates in each wet channel, taking into account an increasing amount of collected humid air exiting each duct 104 as one approaches the humid air extraction opening.

[0114] This variant can be applied to all embodiments. Given that a better balance of flow rates in wet channels, along the lateral axis Y, also promotes a balance of flow rates in dry channels, along the lateral axis Y.

[0115] According to one possibility, when the transverse axis Z is vertical and the humid air collector extends below a stack, or a group of stacks, the humid air collector may have a low point, forming a water reservoir. The water, used to humidify each wetted face of each stack, may to flow by gravity and / or capillary action along the stack, along the transverse axis, until reaching the water reservoir. The reservoir may optionally allow for the collection of water formed by condensation of humid air in the collector 105. Inlet / outlet openings

[0116] Regardless of the configuration, the flow rate of cold air extracted through an exhaust opening is less than the flow rate of hot air admitted through an intake opening. The size of each exhaust opening can be adjusted to account for the difference in flow rates. In the first and fourth embodiments, the size of an exhaust opening coupled to a stack, or group of stacks, is preferably smaller than the size of the intake opening coupled to the same stack, or group of stacks.

[0117] In V-shaped configurations, see [Fig. 5A], the dimension of the discharge opening, to which a stack, or group of stacks, is coupled, is preferably smaller than the combined dimension of the two inlet openings. In the configuration described in connection with [Fig. 6A], the combined dimension of the discharge openings, to which the stacks, or group of stacks, are coupled, is preferably smaller than the dimension of the common inlet opening.

[0118] The invention makes it possible to obtain a device in which the air flow rates (dry air and / or humid air) tend to be uniform, along the lateral axis Y of each stack or group of stacks, due to the variable sections of the inlet channels and / or outlet channels as well as, where applicable, the humid air collectors.

[0119] The invention also makes it possible to obtain a device whose dimensions are optimized according to length or width constraints. The device can be placed under a roof, in a false ceiling, or in an attic, with each inlet and / or outlet channel able to be connected to a duct to supply one or more rooms. Each inlet channel can be connected to an air intake duct for the air to be cooled. Each outlet channel can be connected to a duct for directing the cooled air to the room to be cooled. The geometric configuration (length, width, V or W shape) allows adaptation to space constraints, in particular the length and width of the device.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (1) for indirect evaporative air cooling, the device being intended for supplying cooled air into a room, the device comprising: - at least one air intake channel (10in, 20in, 30in, 40in), intended to admit air to be cooled, extending from an intake opening (10'in, 20'in, 30'in, 40'in) along an intake axis (A10in, A10in, A30in, A40in) and presenting, perpendicular to the intake axis, an intake section; - at least one air outlet (10out, 20out, 30out, 40out), configured to blow cooled air into the room; - at least one stacking (11, 12, 13, 14, 21, 22, 23, 24), comprising a plurality of plates (100), the plates being spaced from each other along a transverse axis (Z), each plate comprising • a dry surface (100d), delimiting a dry channel (102 d), configured to receive air to be cooled; • a wet face (100w), delimiting a wet channel (102w), configured to be wetted by a liquid to humidify part of the air that has flowed through the dry channel; the device being such that - the plates are arranged to form an alternation between dry channels and wet channels, along a transverse axis (Z) each dry channel being adjacent to a wet channel; - each dry channel extends, between the air intake channel and the air outlet, along a longitudinal axis (X); - each wet channel is configured to receive a portion of the air flowing into the dry channel; the device being characterized in that: the intake section decreases, along the intake axis, as a function of an increasing distance from the intake opening.

2. Device according to claim 1, comprising an evacuation channel (10out), extending along an evacuation axis (A10out, A20out, A30out, A40out), and forming the air evacuation, the evacuation channel having, perpendicular to the evacuation axis, an evacuation section, the evacuation channel opening onto an evacuation opening (10'out, 20'out, 30'out, 40'out).

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the evacuation section increases, along the evacuation axis, as a function of a decreasing distance from the evacuation opening.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises several adjacent stacks, arranged along a linear or curved alignment axis (A 10, A20, A30, A40), and forming a stack group (10, 20, 30, 40), each stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the stack along the alignment axis, from the inlet opening (10'in, 20'in, 30'in, 40'in), the stacks of the stack group being arranged between the same air inlet channel (10in, 20in, 30in, 40in) and the same air outlet (10Out, 20out, 30out, 40out).

5. Device according to claim 4, wherein the alignment axis is straight, and forms, in the same transverse plane, perpendicular to the transverse axis, an acute inlet angle (0in) with the inlet axis and / or an acute outlet angle (0out) with the outlet axis.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - a first stack (11), extending between the inlet channel and a first outlet; - a second stack (21), extending between the inlet channel and a second outlet, distinct from the first outlet; - the inlet channel extending between the first stack and the second stack.

7. Device according to claim 6, comprising: - a first group of stacks (10), comprising first stacks (11, 12, 13, 14) arranged along a first alignment axis (A10), at each first stack

8. nt being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the first stack along the first alignment axis, starting from the inlet opening, the first group of stacks extending between the inlet channel and the first outlet; - a second group of stacks (20), comprising second stacks (21, 22, 23, 24) arranged along a second alignment axis (A20), each second stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the second stack along the second alignment axis, from the inlet opening, the second group of stacks extending between the inlet channel, and the second outlet; - the inlet channel (10in) extends between the first stacking group (10) and the second stacking group (20); - the intake section of the intake channel decreases, the Ion g of the first group of stacks and of the second group of stacks, according to increasing ranks. Device according to claim 7, comprising: - a first drainage channel (10out), extending along a first drainage axis, and forming the first drainage, up to a first drainage opening (10'out), the first drainage channel presenting, perpendicular to the first drainage axis, a first drainage section; - a second drainage channel (10out), extending along a second drainage axis, and forming the second drainage, up to a second drainage opening (20' out), the second drainage channel presenting, perpendicular to the second drainage axis, a second drainage section; - the first evacuation section and / or the second evacuation section increase, respectively along the first group of stacks and the second group of stacks, according to the increasing ranks.

9. Device according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the first alignment axis and the second alignment axis are straight, converge, and are angularly spaced at an acute angle (a).

10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: - a first stack (11), extending between a first intake channel (10in) and the air outlet, the first intake channel extending, from a first intake opening (10'in), along a first intake axis, and having, perpendicular to the first intake axis, a first intake section; - a second stack (21), extending between a second intake channel (20in), distinct from the first intake channel, and the air outlet, the second intake channel extending, from a second intake opening (20'in), along a second intake axis, and having, perpendicular to the second intake axis, a second intake section;the device being such that: - the first inlet section and / or the second inlet section decreases, respectively along the first inlet axis and / or the second inlet axis, as a function of an increasing distance from the first inlet opening or the second inlet opening; - the air evacuation extends between the first stack and the second stack.

11. Device according to claim 10, comprising: - a first group of stacks (10), comprising first stacks (11, 12, 13, 14) arranged along a first alignment axis (A 10), to each first stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the first stack along the first alignment axis, from the inlet opening, the first group of stacks extending between the first inlet channel and the air outlet; - a second group of stacks (20), comprising second stacks (21, 22, 23, 24) arranged along a second alignment axis (A20), each second stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the second stack along the second alignment axis, from the inlet opening, the second group of stacks extending between the second inlet channel, and the air outlet; - the air evacuation extends between the first group of stacks and the second group of stacks; - the intake section of the first intake channel and the second intake channel decreases, along the first group of stacks and the second group of stacks respectively, according to increasing ranks.

12. Device according to claim 11, wherein the first alignment axis and the second alignment axis are straight, convergent, and are angularly spaced at an acute angle (a).

13. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: - a first stack (11), extending between a first intake channel and a first exhaust channel, forming a first air exhaust; - a second stack (21), extending between a second inlet channel, distinct from the first inlet channel and a second outlet channel, distinct from the first outlet channel, forming a second air outlet; - the second inlet channel and the first outlet channel extending between the first stack and the second stack; the device being such that: - the first intake channel extends, from a first intake opening, along a first intake axis, and presents, perpendicular to the first intake axis, a first intake section, the first intake section decreasing along the first intake axis. on, as a function of an increasing distance from the first inlet opening; - and / or the second inlet channel extends, from a second inlet opening, along a second inlet axis, and presents, perpendicular to the second inlet axis, a second inlet section, the second inlet section decreasing, along the second inlet axis, as a function of an increasing distance from the second inlet opening.

14. Device according to claim 13, wherein: - the first evacuation channel extends, up to a first evacuation opening, along a first evacuation axis, and has, perpendicular to the first evacuation axis, a first evacuation section, the first evacuation section increasing, along the first evacuation axis, as a function of a decreasing distance from the first evacuation opening; - and / or the second evacuation channel extends, up to a second evacuation opening, along a second evacuation axis, and has, perpendicular to the second evacuation axis, a second evacuation section, the second evacuation section increasing, along the second evacuation axis, as a function of a decreasing distance from the second evacuation opening.

15. Device according to any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the first inlet axis and the second inlet axis are parallel.

16. Device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, comprising: - a first stacking group (10), comprising first stackings (11, 12, 13, 14) arranged along a first alignment axis (A 10), to each first stacking being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the first stacking along the first alignment axis, from the inlet opening, the first stacking group extending between the first inlet channel and the first outlet channel; - a second group of stacks (20), comprising second stacks (21, 22, 23, 24) arranged along a second alignment axis (A20), each second stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the second stack along the second alignment axis, from the inlet opening, the second group of stacks extending between the second inlet channel, the second outlet channel; - the inlet section of the first inlet channel and / or the second inlet channel decreases, along the first group of stacks and / or the second group of stacks respectively, according to increasing ranks; - the evacuation section of the first evacuation channel and / or the second evacuation channel increases, along the first group of stacks and / or the second group of stacks respectively, according to the increasing ranks.

17. Device according to claim 16, wherein the first alignment axis (A 10) and the second alignment axis (A20) are parallel.

18. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the stack or each stack comprises: • at least one conduit (104), into which each wet channel of the stack opens, the conduit extending along the transverse axis; • a collector (105), into which each conduit of the stack opens, so as to collect the wet air flowing from each conduit; • the stack extends, along the transverse axis, between a first transverse end and a second transverse end; • the collector extends, along the first transverse end (1111z) and / or a second transverse end (112z), along a flow axis, to an extraction opening (106).

19. Device according to claim 18, wherein the collector extends, perpendicular to the flow axis, along a section

20. transverse, said cross-section increasing at a decreasing distance from the extraction opening. Device according to any one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the transverse axis being vertical, the collector is disposed below the stack, the collector forming a water reservoir.

Images