Entrance canopy

Abstract

A canopy for a building entrance or a canopy configured to be installed near a building entrance. The canopy houses or supports an intake or exhaust vent of a building ventilation system, or at least one component of a building heating or cooling system. A building having such a canopy, a method for constructing such a building, and a method for operating such a canopy are also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an entrance canopy of a building. The entrance canopy may have an overhead portion that provides shelter or shade for a person outside the building, or the entrance canopy may be partially or entirely enclosed to form an entrance module. The entrance canopy may be near the building entrance or may be configured to be provided near the building entrance. For example, the entrance canopy may be attached to the building or may be in an attachable form. When the entrance canopy is provided as a building entrance module, the entrance canopy may include a module having a roof and one or more walls, whereby a closed entrance space is defined when the entrance module is connected to the building. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the building entrance module additionally houses or supports a part of a ventilation, heating, or cooling system of the building.

Background Art

[0002] It is often the case that some form of shelter is provided for a person standing outside the entrance of a building. The entrance of a building is usually an external door, but alternatively, it may be some other access route such as an open passageway. The term "entrance canopy" as used herein should be broadly construed to include any form of structure as long as it includes at least an overhead portion that provides shelter for a person from rain and other adverse weather conditions. The term "entrance canopy" is used herein in a general sense that includes synonyms such as canopy, door canopy, porch, entrance roof, sunshade, colonnaded entrance, or entrance hall. This entrance canopy may be attached to the building or may be slightly separated from the building (provided near the building entrance). In addition to the overhead portion, the entrance canopy may include one or more support legs, side panels, or walls. The entrance canopy may be partially or entirely enclosed (at least when connected to the building) to provide additional shelter for a person standing outside the main building, and thus the entrance canopy may also be referred to as a building entrance module, which can be connected to the building.

[0003] Traditional residential porches are either formed as an integral part of the main structure of the house or incorporated into it, and are often referred to as such. However, in recent years, some porches are manufactured separately and supplied virtually as a finished product or module that is attached to the wall of the house and extends above the door. These may be add-on products or they may be procured and installed when the building is first constructed (although the wall itself is virtually finished). Such porch products may be relatively lightweight structures that attach to the wall of the building, for example, with some form of metal bracket attached to the wall structure. Such porches may be formed as elongated boxes that project roughly horizontally from the wall above the door when in use, but may have one or more legs or side walls that are attached to the wall of the building and extend to the ground. If legs or side walls are provided, they may also serve as support for the overhead portion. While such porch products may, in principle, be removed from the building later, it is more common for porches to be installed and left in place for their entire lifespan.

[0004] In many cases, entrance canopies, including those formed as products or modules that are attached to or ready to be attached to a building, may support exterior lighting. However, entrance canopies typically have no further function. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The objective of certain embodiments of the present invention is to at least partially solve, mitigate, or avoid at least one of the problems and / or drawbacks of the prior art. The particular embodiments aim to provide at least one of the advantages described below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is a canopy for a building entrance or a canopy configured to be installed near a building entrance, the canopy housing or supporting an intake or exhaust port of a building ventilation system, or at least one component of a building heating or cooling system.

[0007] Because entrance canopies are located outside the building structure, they offer the advantage of easy access for contractors who need to inspect or repair components of ventilation, heating, or cooling systems that are supported by or housed within the canopy. Therefore, there is no need to enter the building or disturb the residents. When entrance canopies are installed on rental properties, landlords benefit from being able to request maintenance on the property's ventilation or heating systems without having to arrange for prior entry into the residence.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a building is provided that includes an entrance and an entrance canopy according to the first aspect of the present invention, which is configured near the entrance of the building.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention provides a building construction method comprising installing an entrance canopy according to the first aspect of the present invention near the entrance of a building, and connecting an intake or exhaust port to a duct system inside the building for a building ventilation system, or connecting at least one component of a building heating or cooling system to a part of the building heating or cooling system located inside the building.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method for operating an entrance canopy according to the first aspect of the present invention installed near the entrance of a building, the method comprising taking in fresh air into a building ventilation system through an air intake, expelling old air from the building ventilation system through an exhaust port, or heating or cooling the building using a building heating or cooling system that includes at least one component of the building heating or cooling system within the entrance canopy.

[0011] Further aspects of the present invention are described in the appended claims.

[0012] Further disclosures include entrance canopies near a building entrance or entrance canopies configured to be installed near a building entrance, which house or support intake or exhaust vents for a building ventilation system. The entrance canopies may be attached to or installable to the building.

[0013] The entrance canopy may further include a filter configured to filter the air that is taken into the building's ventilation system through the intake when in use. The filter may be detachably attached to the intake so that it can be removed from the entrance canopy. The entrance canopy may house or support the intake or exhaust vents of the building's ventilation system.

[0014] Further disclosed are an entrance canopy near a building entrance or an entrance canopy configured to be installed near a building entrance, the entrance canopy housing or supporting at least one component of an air-source heat pump. The entrance canopy may further housing or supporting an intake or exhaust port of a building ventilation system. At least one component of the air-source heat pump may include an evaporator configured to absorb heat from the surrounding environment.

[0015] Further disclosed are an entrance canopy near a building entrance or an entrance canopy configured to be installed near a building entrance, the entrance canopy housing or supporting at least one evaporator of an air source heat pump, the evaporator configured to absorb heat from the surrounding environment, and the evaporator configured to be connected to an exhaust port of a building ventilation system, which is arranged to guide air discharged from the building during use to pass across or through the evaporator.

[0016] The evaporator may be partially or entirely housed within the entrance canopy. Alternatively, the evaporator may be partially or entirely exposed to the outside of the entrance canopy. The evaporator may form part or all of the weather-resistant outer surface of the entrance canopy.

[0017] By incorporating the evaporator in this way, it becomes unnecessary to add a roof layer in addition to the evaporator, which reduces the weight of the entrance canopy and potentially lowers its cost.

[0018] The entrance canopy may further include a fan configured to guide the surrounding air across or through the evaporator. Air discharged from the building through the exhaust vents of the ventilation system may be guided across or through the evaporator.

[0019] An advantage is that the heat remaining in the exhaust air from the building becomes warmer than the ambient temperature outside the building. In winter, this flow of warm air prevents the evaporator from freezing. This can eliminate or reduce the need for heating elements for freeze prevention, or the need to periodically reverse-run the heat pump to warm the evaporator.

[0020] The entrance canopy may further house or support a compressor, pump, or condensate outlet for an air-source heat pump.

[0021] Further disclosed are entrance canopies near the entrance of a building or entrance canopies configured to be installed near the entrance of a building (for example, attached to or installable on a building above the entrance of a building), the entrance canopies housing or supporting exhaust vents of a building ventilation system, the exhaust vents configured to guide the air discharged from the building across the entrance of the building to form an air curtain.

[0022] At building entrances, especially when the doors are open, air curtains have the advantage of creating a barrier between the internal environment and the outside of the building. This prevents air, heat, and airborne pollutants (allergens and contaminants) from moving through the entrance when the doors are open, while allowing people to move freely through the entrance. Air curtains can also reduce the building's energy consumption by reducing the mixing of outdoor and indoor air. When air mixes, it becomes necessary to deal with the building by using extra heating or cooling.

[0023] The entrance canopy may additionally house or support an intake or exhaust vent for a building ventilation system. The entrance canopy may additionally house or support at least one component of an air-source heat pump.

[0024] The porch roof may further house or support the evaporator of an air source heat pump, the evaporator being configured to absorb heat from the ambient environment, and during use air from the building being selectively discharged across the building entrance to form an air curtain, or discharged across or through the evaporator. In response to a sensor signal indicating that the door is open, air is selectively discharged across the building entrance to form an air curtain.

[0025] The porch roof may have an overhead portion configured or arranged to serve as a shelter or sunshade for a person outside the building entrance during use. The overhead portion may be at least partially supported by being attached to the building during use. Alternatively, the overhead portion may be at least partially supported by one or more legs, walls, or side structures.

[0026] The porch roof may further include a photovoltaic panel placed on the outer surface or forming part of the outer surface. The porch roof may house or support at least one environmental sensor, camera, or lighting.

[0027] The porch roof may define a housing, the housing including at least one opening and closing compartment for maintenance access to the components and systems housed therein.

[0028] Furthermore, a building is disclosed and provided that includes an entrance and a porch roof attached to the building above the entrance, the porch roof being as described in any one of claims 1 to 19.

[0029] The building may include a building ventilation system having an intake duct connected to an intake port housed or supported by the porch roof. The building ventilation system may include a heat recovery mechanical ventilation (MVHR) system.

[0030] Furthermore, a building construction method is disclosed, which includes attaching an entrance canopy to the wall of a building above the entrance of the building, the entrance canopy housing or supporting an intake or exhaust port for a building ventilation system, and connecting the intake or exhaust port for the building ventilation system to a duct system inside the building.

[0031] Furthermore, a method for operating a canopy attached to a building above the entrance of the building is disclosed, the canopy housing or supporting an intake or exhaust port of a building ventilation system, the method including bringing fresh air into the building ventilation system through the intake port or expelling old air from the building ventilation system through the exhaust port.

[0032] Furthermore, a building entrance module is disclosed, which includes at least one wall incorporating an exterior door, the building entrance module being configured to connect to a portion of a building that includes an entrance (also referred to herein as a passageway opening), and when the building entrance module and that portion of the building are connected as a whole, the two together define a closed entrance space and an exterior door, the building entrance defining a passageway into the building through the entrance space, and the building entrance module further includes a first service cabinet thermally isolated from the thermal envelope defined by the closed entrance space, and a second service cabinet inside the thermal envelope defined by the closed entrance space.

[0033] The first service cabinet and the second service cabinet may have a single service cabinet compartment that is thermally isolated.

[0034] The building entrance module may further include an external service cabinet door that allows access to the first or second service cabinet from outside the building entrance module, or an internal service cabinet door that allows access to the first or second service cabinet from a closed entrance space.

[0035] The first service cabinet may house at least one component of an air-source heat pump outdoor unit, a gas supply meter, or a power supply meter. The second service cabinet may house at least part of a building ventilation system, at least part of a building heating system, at least part of an air-source heat pump indoor unit, a gas boiler, a hot water cylinder, a gas supply meter, or a power supply meter.

[0036] Furthermore, a building entrance module is disclosed which includes at least one wall incorporating an exterior door, and the building entrance module is configured to be connected to a part of a building which includes a building entrance, so that when the building entrance module and that part of the building are connected together, the two define a closed entrance space and an exterior door, the building entrance defines a passageway into the building through the entrance space, and the building entrance module may house or support at least one component of an air source heat pump outdoor unit.

[0037] At least one component of the air-source heat pump outdoor unit may be housed in a service cabinet defined as part of the building entrance module, or at least one component of the air-source heat pump may be supported outside the building entrance module.

[0038] The service cabinet may have a first service cabinet that is thermally isolated from the insulated envelope defined by a closed entrance space and houses at least one component of an air-source heat pump, and a second service cabinet located inside the insulated envelope defined by the closed entrance space.

[0039] The first service cabinet and the second service cabinet may have a single service cabinet compartment that is thermally isolated.

[0040] The second service cabinet may further house at least part of a building ventilation system, at least part of a building heating system, at least part of an air source heat pump indoor unit, a gas boiler, a hot water cylinder, a gas supply meter, or a power supply meter.

[0041] The building entrance module may further include an external service cabinet door that allows access to the service cabinet or one of the service cabinets from outside the building entrance module, or an internal service cabinet door that allows access to the service cabinet or one of the service cabinets from a closed entrance space.

[0042] The building entrance module may further include a roof section configured to define an open structure on one side in cooperation with at least one wall, such that an entrance space is defined when the open side is connected to a building section surrounding the passageway opening or to a building section adjacent to the passageway opening, or a roof section and an interior door such that the roof section, an interior door, and at least one wall define an entrance space.

[0043] The walls or roof portion of the building entrance module may be insulated so that the entrance space is thermally isolated from the environment outside the building entrance module.

[0044] Furthermore, a building is disclosed that includes a first building portion defining a building entrance, and the aforementioned building entrance module connected to the first building portion.

[0045] The building entrance may have a door positioned such that the building entrance module is connected to the wall of the first building section around the door, or an opening in the wall of the first building section (inside or around this opening to which the building entrance module is connected).

[0046] The thermal insulation envelope defined by the first building portion may extend to a closed entrance space, or the closed entrance space may be thermally isolated from the thermal insulation envelope defined by the first building portion.

[0047] Furthermore, a building construction method is disclosed, which includes providing a first building portion that defines a building entrance, and connecting the aforementioned building entrance module to the first building portion.

[0048] The building entrance may have a door, and the connection process includes connecting the building entrance module to the wall of the first building portion around the door, or the building entrance may have an opening in the wall of the first building portion, and the connection process includes connecting the building entrance module in or around the opening.

[0049] The method may further include connecting at least one component of a building ventilation, heating, or cooling system housed in a building entrance module to yet another system component within the first building portion.

[0050] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0051] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an entrance canopy according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is installed on a building above the building's entrance and incorporates an air intake for a ventilation system. [Figure 2] This is a plan cross-sectional view of an entrance canopy according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is attached to a building and incorporates intake and exhaust vents for a building ventilation system. [Figure 3] This is a partially cut perspective view of an entrance canopy according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, which is installed on a building and incorporates intake and exhaust vents for a building ventilation system, as well as an evaporator for an air source heat pump. [Figure 4]This is a partially cut-out perspective view of an entrance canopy according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, which is attached to a building, and shows that the evaporator of an air-source heat pump forms part of the exterior of the entrance canopy. [Figure 5] This is a partially cut perspective view of an entrance canopy according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, which is installed on a building and incorporates intake and exhaust vents for a building ventilation system, an evaporator for an air source heat pump, and an air curtain exhaust vent. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing an outdoor unit of an air-source heat pump connected to the exhaust vent of a building ventilation system. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of a building entrance module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, connected to a first building portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the building entrance module and the first building section. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of a building entrance module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, connected to a first building portion according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the building entrance module and the first building section. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of a building entrance module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, connected to a first building portion according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 11 shows the building entrance module and the first alternative cross-sectional view of the first building section. [Figure 13] Figure 11 shows a second alternative cross-sectional view of the building entrance module and the first building section. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0052] Referring first to Figure 1, which shows an entrance canopy 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the entrance canopy 101 is shown mounted on the wall 102 of building 103 above the building entrance 104 (in this case, the exterior door 104). More generally, according to the present invention, the entrance canopy 101 is installed near the building entrance 104 or configured to be installed therein. The entrance canopy 101 may be installed on or mountable to building 103, but in some embodiments it can be freestanding and separate from the building itself, yet close enough to provide a canopy or sunshade for people waiting outside the door 104. Building 103 may be suitable to be a house, but the present invention is not limited to any particular type of building. The wall 102 may be formed in a conventional manner. The entrance canopy 101 may be formed as a separate product or module before being delivered to the site and may be mounted to the wall 102 using, for example, brackets that are initially attached to the wall 102 and then concealed within the body of the entrance canopy 101, but the present disclosure is not limited to any particular mounting mechanism.

[0053] The entrance canopy 101 is shown as an elongated "box"-shaped structure extending from the building 103 along a first axis indicated by arrow 105 and located above the entrance 104. The entrance canopy 101 extends along a second axis indicated by arrow 106 across both sides of the entrance 104. It will be understood that the specific size and shape of the entrance canopy along the first and second axes 105, 106 may vary, as long as at least a portion of the entrance canopy 101 is located above the entrance 104 along a third depth axis indicated by arrow 107.

[0054] The upper surface 108 of the entrance canopy 101 is configured to provide protection from rain or sun. The upper surface 108 may be horizontal or sloped to allow rainwater to flow (a rainwater drainage channel may also be provided, but is not shown). It will be understood that the entrance canopy according to the present invention may need to comply with local regulations when sold. For example, in the UK, entrance canopies or porches must be at least 1.2m high to adequately protect persons with disabilities. 2It is necessary to ensure sufficient coverage area (whether installed as an open-type canopy as shown in Figure 1, or as a closed-type module as shown in Figure 7).

[0055] All entrance canopies in Figure 1 and subsequent drawings of entrance canopies may include one or more side walls as shown in Figure 4. In some embodiments, the entrance canopy may be configured as a porch (as shown in Figure 7) including a roof, two side walls, and a front wall including a door. That is, the entrance canopy may be open at the rear, but when attached to a building wall near a door, the building wall and the entrance canopy define a completely enclosed space having a first door formed in the building wall and opening into the building, and a second door leading from the porch to the outside of the building. Such enclosed entrance canopies or porches may continue to be offered as products or modules that are procured in a substantially finished form and attached to the building wall during the construction or renovation of the building.

[0056] As described below, according to the present invention, an entrance canopy incorporates elements of a building's ventilation, heating, or cooling system, but an entrance canopy is not limited to a specific form of building ventilation system. In the context of this specification, it will be understood that the term ventilation system may also encompass a building system that includes one or more elements of heating and air conditioning as well as ventilation. A ventilation system is defined as an HVAC system of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

[0057] One specific type of HVAC system (or component or subsystem within an HVAC system) is a heat recovery mechanical ventilation (MVHR) system. MVHRs are a type of mechanical ventilation system used in residential and commercial buildings that supplies fresh air while recovering heat from exhaust. Old air leaving the building is sent through an initial duct network to a heat exchanger, which transfers the heat from the outgoing air to fresh air entering the building through intakes. This air is then distributed back into the building through another duct network. This process is useful for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature while reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. MVHR systems are also useful for improving indoor air quality by reducing the accumulation of pollutants and excess moisture through the continuous exchange of old air with fresh air.

[0058] The porch canopy may incorporate elements of an air-source heat pump (ASHP). In other embodiments, the porch canopy may house or support a portion of an air conditioning system (in addition to or instead of a portion of the ASHP). The elements of these systems incorporated into, housed in, or supported by the porch canopy may be pre-installed so that the installer of the porch canopy only needs to install the porch canopy in the building, make appropriate connections to the building's internal duct systems, and supply power as needed. The porch canopy may incorporate appropriate sealing materials so that, when installed in the building, a weather-resistant seal is formed between the porch canopy and the wall, particularly from the building's ventilation or heating systems, or around the duct systems extending from the porch canopy to the wall. When the porch canopy according to the present invention is provided as a fully enclosed entrance module (also referred to as a porch or porch module) that can be installed in a building, this can be a significant practical advantage for the building's occupants. That is, the porch canopy serves as a boundary between the outdoors and indoors for storing shoes, coats, and parcels. The entrance canopy provides insulation and airtightness, reducing heat loss from the building through the exterior door.

[0059] Entrance canopies are sometimes referred to as canopy modules or canopy modules, which are modules attached to a building or building module. Entrance canopies may be supplied from the factory in a substantially finished state, ready to be attached to a building and, if necessary, ready to be connected to the building's ventilation or heating system. For this reason, they may also be referred to as modules that incorporate one or more elements of a ventilation system, such as an MVHR system, or one or more elements of a heating or cooling system, such as an ASHP. In the case of a closed entrance canopy as described above, this is a module that includes a first door, and when the first door is connected to the building near the second door, a closed module with two doors is formed.

[0060] Figure 1 further shows that the entrance canopy 101 has an intake 109 for the building ventilation system. The building ventilation system may preferably be an MVHR system, and in particular, a distributed MVHR system configured to perform air exchange only within the building portion closest to the intake and exhaust locations. Furthermore, the intake 109 includes a filter 110 that filters the air drawn into the building ventilation system. The filter 110 plays a role in reducing the entry of contaminants into the building ventilation system. In some examples, the filter 110 may be a relatively coarse filter designed to remove the largest contaminants, and the building ventilation system may include a finer second intake filter that functions as a primary system filter and may be located within the building, for example, in the building's plant room. For example, in the case of an MVHR system, the primary system filter may be designed to filter and remove particulate matter larger than 2.5 μm. The filter 110 installed on the entrance canopy 101 may be selected to filter and remove larger contaminants, for example, contaminants larger than 5 μm or 10 μm (or even larger). The filter 110 may play a role in extending the life of the main system filter by reducing the possibility of coarse contaminants passing through the main system filter and causing clogging, and in reducing the overall pressure drop of the main system filter during its lifespan.

[0061] A benefit of the filter 110 is that it may be removable from the air intake 109 for maintenance or replacement. Any suitable mounting mechanism may be used to provide a removable filter 110. For example, the air intake 109 may have a hinged filter cover that can be opened and closed to access the filter 110. Installing the filter in an external location allows maintenance technicians to easily access it.

[0062] The air intake 109 and filter 110 may be located on the underside of the entrance canopy 101 as shown in the illustration. This is advantageous for preventing rainwater from entering. However, the air intake 109 and filter 110 may be located in any suitable or desired location on the entrance canopy 101, as long as they are open to the outside of the building and accessible for maintenance. In particular, if the entrance canopy 101 has one or more side walls or other elements (not shown), the air intake 109 and filter 110 may be located in those locations. The specific dimensions and shape of the air intake 109 shown in the illustration should not be interpreted as limiting. Rather, the minimum size of the air intake 109 is determined by the specifications of the building ventilation system, in particular the outside air flow rate, the required filtration level, and the maximum pressure drop that can be allowed in the filter 110 (which determines the dimensions of the filter).

[0063] Inside the entrance canopy 101 (not shown in Figure 1), air taken in through the filter 110 enters the intake duct, which passes through a hole formed in the wall 102 and connects to the building ventilation system (either the intake duct inside the entrance canopy 101 extends through the wall and connects to the building's duct, or the building's duct extends through the wall 102 and connects to the entrance canopy intake duct).

[0064] Moving on to Figure 2, this shows a plan section of an alternative entrance canopy 201 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, which is attached to the wall 102 of the building 103 and incorporates an air intake 204 and an exhaust 205, both of which are connected to a building ventilation system 206 that is at least partially installed within the building 103. Figure 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the entrance canopy 201 when it is attached to the building, similar to Figure 1. The ventilation system 206 is shown as an MVHR system in which fresh air taken into the building 103 is sent through an intake duct 207 to a heat exchanger 208, where it is heated by old air being discharged from the building 103 through an exhaust duct 209. The MVHR system 206 may be a centralized system in which the air intake 204 and exhaust 205 are connected via a duct system to a central MVHR unit, which delivers heated fresh air throughout the building and accepts old air from one or more locations of the old air intake. Alternatively, the MVHR system 206 may be a distributed MVHR system in which the system is provided as a unit located approximately opposite the wall 102 of the entrance canopy 201. However, this disclosure is not limited to the entrance canopy 201 connected to the MVHR system, and the intake 204 and exhaust 205 may be connected to any form of ventilation system. The intake 204 is shown with a filter 210, which may be the same as the one described above for the entrance canopy in Figure 1. The exhaust 205 does not have a filter shown, but it may have a filter or grate to prevent animals from entering the exhaust duct 209.

[0065] Similar to Figure 1, it may be appropriate to install the air intake 204 and exhaust 205 on the underside of the entrance canopy 201 (not evident from the cross-sectional view) to prevent rainwater from entering. However, the location, shape, and dimensions of the air intake 204 and exhaust 205 shown in the figure should not be interpreted as limiting. Depending on the situation, it may be desirable to place the air intake 204 and exhaust 205 apart to prevent old air from recirculating within the building.

[0066] Moving on to Figure 3, which shows a plan section view of another alternative entrance canopy 301 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the entrance canopy is attachable to a building and incorporates an intake 302 (which may or may not include a filter) and exhaust 303 of a building ventilation system, as well as an evaporator 304 of an air source heat pump (one particular example of a building heating or cooling system). Furthermore, overall, the entrance canopy 301 accommodates or supports at least one component of an air source heat pump (ASHP), but a particular example is shown in which it accommodates an evaporator 304. Figure 3 further shows the canopy 301 having a vestibulous side structure 310 that accommodates other components of the ASHP, such as a compressor 311.

[0067] ASHP is a heating and cooling system that transfers thermal energy between the air outside a building and the air inside a building. In heating mode, ASHP works by using a refrigerant to absorb heat from the outside air and then transferring that heat into the building to provide heating. In cooling mode, this process is reversed, with the refrigerant absorbing heat from the indoor air and releasing it outside. Typically, the main components of an ASHP are an outdoor unit, mounted on the building wall or supported on the ground near the building, and a corresponding indoor unit (and the appropriate ducting system connecting the two). In particular, the outdoor unit usually contains a compressor and an evaporator. The compressor compresses the refrigerant and sends the compressed refrigerant into the system. In heating mode, the refrigerant expands and evaporates as it passes through the evaporator in the outdoor unit, absorbing latent heat from the air surrounding the outdoor unit. Thus, the evaporator acts as a heat exchanger, transferring heat from the surrounding environment to the refrigerant (or vice versa when operating the system in reverse in cooling mode). To accelerate this process, a fan may blow air onto the evaporator. The hot refrigerant then passes through a heat exchanger (usually located in the indoor unit), where it transfers heat to another air circuit, circulating the warmed air within the building. The cooled refrigerant returns to the compressor in a closed loop. In this way, the refrigerant circuit and the air circuit are separated from each other but exchange heat via the heat exchanger.

[0068] The heated air is distributed throughout the building via a duct system or through equipment in individual rooms (or optionally, just one room near the entrance canopy 301). Air from colder parts of the building is drawn in using a pump and sent to a heat exchanger to be heated. Alternatively, a refrigerant transfers heat to a water circuit within the heat exchanger, and that water is sent to a hot water cylinder to supply hot water to heating equipment such as faucets or radiators or underfloor heating pipes. Other liquids may be used instead of water when used for heating. Another option is to use the heat captured through the ASHP to heat a portion of the building's steel structure, allowing the steel structure to radiate heat through the building's structure.

[0069] The inventors have noticed that entrance canopies, which are attached to or can be attached to the walls of a building near the entrance, offer a convenient location for installing some or all of the components of an ASHP (optionally, alongside another outdoor unit housing the remaining components). Figure 3 shows an ASHP evaporator 304 housed within or supported on an entrance canopy 301 to absorb heat from the surrounding environment outside the building. However, in other embodiments, alternative components of the ASHP, such as a compressor, refrigerant pump, heat exchanger, condensate outlet, or other components typically found in an ASHP outdoor unit, may be incorporated into the entrance canopy in addition to, or instead of, the evaporator 304. Figure 3 is a partially cut perspective view of an entrance canopy with an additional side wall 310 to the overhead “box” in the configuration shown in Figure 1. A second side wall may be provided, or the entrance canopy may be installed in the closed configuration as described above. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that a substantially larger storage volume may be provided within the side wall or closed canopy to accommodate further other ASHP components. For example, if side walls are provided, they may be relatively deep to accommodate the ASHP compressor. Furthermore, an entrance canopy that incorporates at least one wall in contact with the ground may be able to support the weight of all the components of the ASHP more effectively than an overhead entrance canopy attached to the house wall (e.g., with bolts).

[0070] The evaporator 304 may be entirely housed within the entrance canopy 301. Alternatively, the evaporator 304 may be partially or entirely exposed to the outside of the entrance canopy 301. A fan (not shown) may be configured to conventionally guide ambient air across or through the evaporator to enhance the transfer of latent heat from the air to the refrigerant. Furthermore, Figure 3 shows that the exhaust port 303 for old air of a ventilation system (e.g., an MVHR system) is configured to guide the air discharged from the building across or through the evaporator 304. This is advantageous because it allows residual heat from inside the building (which is not transferred to the fresh air entering the heat exchanger) to be transferred to the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 304. Moreover, this warm, old heat can help prevent frost from forming on the evaporator 304 in cold weather. In other words, it may not be necessary to install an electric defrosting circuit or periodically reverse the ASHP to warm the evaporator 304.

[0071] The functions of MVHR and ASHP may be combined so that the ASHP heat exchanger transfers heat from the refrigerant circuit to the outside air intake of the MVHR (and, for example, downstream of the point where heat is exchanged from old air to fresh air within the MVHR heat exchanger). This can serve as an alternative to the heated air of the ASHP heat exchanger that is recirculated within the building.

[0072] Figure 3 further shows the refrigerant intake port 305 and cooling exhaust port 306 of the evaporator 304 connected to the compressor 311.

[0073] Moving on to Figure 4, which shows an alternative entrance canopy 401 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, in which the ASHP evaporator 402 forms part or all of the weather-resistant outer surface of the entrance canopy 401. In particular, the evaporator 402 in Figure 4 is formed as a substantially or completely enclosed fixture and forms part or all of the roof portion 403 above the entrance 401. As illustrated, the evaporator 402 may form the entire roof of the entrance canopy 401 and may be configured to be in close contact with the building wall when the entrance canopy 401 is installed. However, the evaporator may be smaller in shape than the entire roof of the entrance canopy 401. As described with respect to Figure 3, air may be discharged from the exhaust port of a building ventilation system (not shown) across or through the evaporator 402 to prevent freezing and to utilize the residual air in the building. Similarly, a fan (not shown) may be provided to increase the amount of air around the building 103 flowing across or through the evaporator 402.

[0074] Figure 4 further shows a canopy 401 having at least one side wall 404 in addition to the roof section 401. The side wall 404 is shown in partial cross-section and houses other components of the ASHP. In particular, the side wall 404 houses a compressor 405 connected to an evaporator 402 via refrigerant ducts 406, 407. The side wall 404 further includes refrigerant ducts 408, 409 configured to connect to an indoor ASHP unit when the canopy 401 is installed in the building. The advantage of housing the compressor 405 and the other parts of the cooling circuit within the canopy outside the building is that the risk to building occupants in the event of a refrigerant leak is reduced. The advantage of housing or supporting the evaporator 402 in contact with the inside or outside surface of the canopy is that condensate usually forms in the evaporator, requiring a condensate outlet. The condensate outlet may be incorporated into a rainwater outlet that drains rainwater falling on the overhead portion of the canopy.

[0075] Referring now to Figure 5, this shows an alternative entrance canopy 501 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, which is attached to the wall 102 of the building 103. The entrance canopy 501 has an air intake 502 configured to connect to a building ventilation system (not shown), which includes the aforementioned filter 503. Furthermore, the canopy 501 is equipped with an ASHP evaporator 504 (this evaporator may be housed internally as described with respect to Figure 3, or may form the roof of the canopy 501 as described with respect to Figure 4).

[0076] The evaporator 504 is connected to the old air exhaust vent of the building ventilation system via valve 505 and functions as described in Figures 3 and 4. However, valve 505 is configured to guide the old airflow across or through the evaporator 504 or through the air curtain 506. An air curtain is a device that creates an air barrier separating two different environments on either side of a typically open inlet or outlet. An air curtain works by blowing a high-speed airflow downward across the entire width of the inlet or outlet, creating a “curtain” of moving air that acts as a barrier between the inside and outside of a building or room.

[0077] The air curtain 506 has elongated nozzles mounted horizontally above the exterior doors of a building. The air curtain 506 guides airflow across the door when it is open, preventing air, temperature, and airborne pollutants from passing through the entrance while allowing people to move freely between the two spaces. Air curtains are widely used in commercial and industrial facilities such as retail stores, restaurants, and manufacturing facilities to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and block insects, dust, smoke, allergens, and other outdoor pollutants. Air curtains can also help reduce energy consumption by preventing heating or cooling losses when doors are frequently opened and closed. However, they have not been commonly used in residential settings until now.

[0078] Valve 505 may be controlled by a sensor (not shown) that detects whether the door is open or not. The sensor may be any commonly known type, such as a Hall effect sensor. Valve 505 may be controlled to direct old air to the evaporator 504 when the door is closed and to direct old air to the air curtain 506 when the door is open.

[0079] An entrance canopy according to an embodiment of the present invention may further comprise one or more photovoltaic panels arranged on or forming part of the exterior surface. That is, the photovoltaic panels may be configured to form a weather-resistant surface of the entrance canopy without requiring an additional weather-resistant layer. The photovoltaic panels can effectively form the exterior material of the canopy. The exterior of the canopy may be formed using arrays of photovoltaic panels provided as individual parts or tiles. The photovoltaic panels may be formed on an ASHP evaporator or installed on separate parts of the entrance canopy.

[0080] An entrance canopy according to an embodiment of the present invention may further house or support additional equipment that is typically installed on the exterior of a building, such as environmental sensors, security cameras, or streetlights. In some examples, a charging unit for an electric vehicle may be appropriately mounted, for example, on a part of the wall of the entrance canopy for easy access. In some examples, an emergency shutoff device for one or more building utilities, such as gas, electricity, or water, may be installed on the exterior or interior of the entrance canopy for easy access in an emergency.

[0081] As described above, the entrance canopy according to the embodiment of the present invention may house equipment that may require periodic access for maintenance. Therefore, the entrance canopy may be formed as a housing having at least one openable compartment for access for maintenance of the components and systems housed therein.

[0082] Moving on to Figure 6, an ASHP outdoor unit 601 is further disclosed and shown, positioned in contact with the building wall 102. The housing of the outdoor unit 601 is shown partially cut off. The ASHP outdoor unit 601 includes an evaporator 603, which is positioned to be connected to an exhaust port 604 of the building's ventilation system (not shown) to prevent the evaporator from freezing and to remove residual heat from the old air discharged from the building (as previously mentioned with respect to Figure 3). The outdoor unit 601 further includes additional ASHP components, such as a compressor 605. Advantageously, the benefits of combining the ASHP evaporator with the exhaust port of the building's ventilation system are not limited to the evaporator being integrated into the entrance canopy.

[0083] The entrance canopies described in Figures 1 to 5 are primarily open in the sense that they do not form a closed entrance space when connected to the building. The entrance canopy may consist only of an overhead portion that connects to the building above an entrance such as an exterior door. Alternatively, it may have one or more side walls and remain at least partially open. "Open" means that the building entrance can be accessed from the outside without first having to access the closed portion of the entrance canopy. However, as mentioned above, in some cases the entrance canopy may have a closed building entrance module that defines a closed entrance space when connected to the building. Examples of such entrance modules (also referred to as porches or porch modules) according to embodiments of the present invention are shown in Figures 7 and onward. It will be understood that such entrance modules may include some or all of the features or functions of the entrance canopies in Figures 1 to 5, even if they are not specifically illustrated or described. For example, the entrance module in Figure 7 may include one or more components of the building's ventilation, heating, or cooling system.

[0084] Next, moving to Figures 7 and 8, Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a building entrance module 700 connected to a first building section 701 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the building entrance module 700 and the first building section 701 of Figure 7. The cross-section in Figure 8 is a horizontal plane along a line 8:8 in the direction of the arrow.

[0085] As is best seen in Figure 8, the first building portion 701 has walls 702 and a building entrance 703 (also referred to as a passageway opening in Figures 7 and later). In the embodiments of Figures 7 and 8, the passageway opening is a door 703. The first building portion 701 may be a complete building, meaning that it can substantially function as, for example, a residence, with or without the building entrance module 700. Alternatively, the first building portion 701 may be a building module that forms a complete building when connected at the construction site with other building modules or a second building portion constructed at the site (for example, it may be constructed elsewhere). The present invention does not impose any limitations on the nature of the first building portion 701, in particular on the method or materials used to construct the first building portion.

[0086] In some embodiments, the building entrance module 700 may be located on an insulated slab adjacent to the first building section 701, such as an insulated concrete slab. This may be separate from or an extension of the insulated slab on which the first building section is located or constructed. If the building entrance module 700 houses or supports an air-source heat pump outdoor unit (described later), it may be desirable to install this outdoor unit directly on the insulated slab to minimize the transmission of vibrations to the building entrance module 700 and the first building section 701.

[0087] If the building entrance module 700 is connected to an existing building, for example, a first building section 701 including an already occupied residence, the door 703 may have an external door to the first building section 701. The effect of connecting the building entrance module to the first building section 701 is that the external door 703 becomes substantially an internal door 703. This is best illustrated in Figure 8, which shows that a closed entrance space 704 is defined by the connection between the building entrance module 700 and the first building section 701. Figure 8 further shows the interior of the first building section 705 and the exterior of the building 706 (including the exterior of the building entrance module 700).

[0088] If the building entrance module 700 is connected to the first building section 701 during the initial construction of the building, the door 703 may be configured as an interior door from the outset. Interior doors are typically less robust than exterior doors, which are required to prevent outsiders from entering the building.

[0089] Similar to the entrance canopy described above in this patent specification, the building entrance module 700 in Figures 7 and 8 may be installed on a construction site or may be connected to an existing building as a substantially finished product. The building entrance module 700 has at least one wall 707 into which an exterior door 708 is incorporated. In the embodiments of Figures 7 and 8, the building entrance module 700 further includes a roof 709, but the specific shape or configuration of the building entrance module 700 is not required, as long as at least one wall 707 (incorporating the exterior door 708) can be connected to a portion of a first building section 701 that incorporates a passageway (e.g., a door) 703 so as to define a closed entrance space 704. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to specific materials or techniques used in the construction of the building entrance module 700, nor is it limited to specific connection techniques for connecting the building entrance module 700 to the first building section 701. However, it will be understood that a secure and weather-resistant connection is desirable. The building entrance module 700, before being connected to the first building section 701, may have at least a partial opening on the side facing the first building section, such that an entrance space 704 is defined when the opening side is connected to the first building section 701.

[0090] As can be seen in Figure 8, when the building entrance module 700 and the first building section 701 are connected as a single unit, the exterior door 708 and the passageway opening (i.e., door) 703 define a passageway through the closed entrance space 704, following the arrow 710, into and out of the building.

[0091] The building entrance module 700 in Figures 7 and 8 further defines at least one service cabinet 711, which is shown housing an air-source heat pump outdoor unit 712. However, in other embodiments, the service cabinet 711 may be omitted, and the air-source heat pump outdoor unit 712 may be supported by the building entrance module 700 by, for example, mounting to the roof 709 or wall 707. For the air-source heat pump to operate, the outdoor unit 712 is exposed to the surrounding environment outside the building. Therefore, in the embodiments of Figures 7 and 8, the service cabinet 711 is located outside the thermal insulation envelope 713 of the building entrance module 700, which is shown as a thick line in Figure 7. In Figure 7, the portion of the building entrance module 700 including the service cabinet 711 is shown as a dotted line, with a portion cut out to reveal the air-source heat pump outdoor unit 712. However, it will be understood that this distinction may not be visible from the outside. The building entrance module 700 may appear as a uniform volume. A service cabinet located outside the insulated envelope 713 may be realized by constructing the exterior wall of the service cabinet 711 from a material thinner than the rest of the building entrance module 700 (which may include insulation). In fact, the exterior wall of the service cabinet 711 may incorporate vents or, for example, louvered panels to facilitate air exchange with the outside 706 of the building entrance module 700.

[0092] To inspect the air-source heat pump outdoor unit 712, the building entrance module may further include a single-leaf or double-leaf service cabinet door 714 that opens from the inside of the enclosed entrance space 704 toward the service cabinet 711. Since the service cabinet door 714 is defined on the inside of the thermal envelope of the building entrance module 700, it will be understood that it needs to be insulated to thermally isolate the enclosed entrance space 704 from the service cabinet 711.

[0093] Although not specifically shown in Figures 7 and 8, the service cabinet 711 may include a first service cabinet thermally isolated from the insulated envelope defined by the enclosed entrance space 704, and the building entrance module 700 may further include a second service cabinet inside the insulated envelope defined by the enclosed entrance space 704 (inside the thick lines in Figure 7). For example, the first and second service cabinets may have a single service cabinet compartment that is thermally isolated, with the second service cabinet positioned above the service cabinet 711 and accessible from the enclosed entrance space 704 via a service cabinet door 714.

[0094] For simplicity, Figures 7 and 8 do not show further details of the air-source heat pump outdoor unit 712, including the piping connections through the wall 702 to the interior 705 of the first building section 701. The structure, connections, and operation of the air-source heat pump outdoor unit 712 may be entirely conventional (except for its location) and will be easily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0095] Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, Figure 9 is a perspective view of a building entrance module 900 connected to a first building section 901 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a cross-section of the building entrance module 700 and the first building section 901 of Figure 9. The cross-section in Figure 10 is a horizontal plane along approximately line 10:10 in the direction of the arrow. The building entrance module 900 and the first building section 901 are substantially the same as the building entrance module 700 and the first building section 701 of Figures 7 and 8. Unless otherwise noted, the descriptions of Figures 7 and 8 also apply to Figures 9 and 10. Corresponding features are identified by adding 200 to the corresponding reference numeral.

[0096] In addition to the exterior door 908, the building entrance module 900 incorporates a service cabinet door 920 that allows access to the service cabinet 911, for example, to the air-source heat pump outdoor unit 912. A cross section in Figure 10 shows an interior wall 921 within the building entrance module 900, which separates the service cabinet 911 from the enclosed entrance space 904, and the service cabinet 911 is outside the thermal insulation envelope of the building entrance module 900, which includes the enclosed entrance space 904. Figure 10 also shows the rear wall 922 of the service cabinet 911 abutting against the wall 902 of the first building portion 901. However, this is not mandatory, and the rear of the service cabinet 911 may be defined by the wall 902. Similarly, although Figure 8 does not show a rear wall corresponding to the wall 922, it will be understood that in some embodiments the service cabinet 711 may have a rear wall.

[0097] Although not specifically shown in Figures 9 and 10, the service cabinet 911 may have a first service cabinet on the outside of the thermal envelope of the building entrance module 900, and the building entrance module 900 may further have a second service cabinet on the inside of the thermal envelope, as previously mentioned with respect to Figures 7 and 8. A service cabinet door 920 may provide access to the first service cabinet or the second service cabinet (or both), and this door may sometimes be called an external service cabinet door. There may also be an internal service cabinet door accessed from a closed entrance space 904, which corresponds to the (one or more) service cabinet doors 714 shown in Figure 8 that provide access to the first service cabinet or the second service cabinet (or both). If the external service cabinet door 920 leads to a second service cabinet on the inside of the thermal envelope of the building entrance module 900, it will be understood that at least that portion of the door 920 is insulated. The first service cabinet, located outside the thermal insulation envelope of the building entrance module 900, is exposed to the surrounding environment through, for example, a thin wall structure or vents, as previously described with respect to Figures 7 and 8. The structure of the service cabinet's exterior wall is preferably designed to protect from weather and vandalism while maximizing air exchange with the external environment.

[0098] In the building entrance modules 700 and 900 shown in Figures 7 to 10, if at least one service cabinet is located outside the thermal insulation envelope of the building entrance module, the service cabinet is generally exposed to the ambient environment and, in the presented example, houses at least one component of an air-source heat pump outdoor unit, optionally the entire outdoor unit. However, in addition to or instead of this, such a service cabinet may house a gas supply meter, a power supply meter, or other part of building equipment that is conventionally located outside the thermal insulation envelope of the building or may be adapted to be located outside the thermal insulation envelope of the building.

[0099] In the building entrance modules 700 and 900 shown in Figures 7 to 10, if at least one service cabinet is located inside the thermal insulation envelope of the building entrance module, such service cabinet may house at least part of the building ventilation system, at least part of the building heating system, at least part of the indoor unit of the air source heat pump, a gas boiler, a hot water cylinder, a gas supply meter, or a power supply meter.

[0100] Figures 7 to 10 show various configurations of building entrance modules 700, 900 configured to connect to the first building sections 701, 901, with the building entrance modules being in close contact with the passageway openings 703, 903, for example, the walls 702, 902 around the doors. Moving on to Figures 11 to 13, Figure 11 is a perspective view of a building entrance module 1100 connected to the first building section 1101 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is a first alternative cross-section of the building entrance module 1100 and the first building section 1101 of Figure 11. Figure 13 is a second alternative cross-section of the building entrance module 1100 and the first building section 1101 of Figure 11. The cross-sections in Figures 12 and 13 are horizontal planes along the line 12:12 in the direction of the arrows. The building entrance module 1100 and the first building section 1101 are substantially the same as the building entrance module 700 and the first building section 701 in Figures 7 and 8 (and in fact substantially the same as the building entrance module 900 and the first building section 901 in Figures 9 and 10). Unless otherwise noted, the descriptions in Figures 7 and 8 also apply to Figures 11-13. Corresponding features are identified by adding 400 to the corresponding code.

[0101] The building entrance module 1100 is defined by a wall 1107, an exterior door 1108, and a roof 1109. The building entrance module 1100 is configured to connect around a passageway opening 1103 of the first building section 1101. However, unlike the embodiments in Figures 7 to 10, in Figures 11 to 13, instead of doors 703 and 903, the passageway opening 1103 has a larger opening in the building wall 1102 that is substantially the same size as the building entrance module 1103. The cross section in Figure 12 shows the wall 1107 of the building entrance module 1100 connecting to the exterior surface of the building wall 1102 around the passageway opening 1103. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the building entrance module 1100 may be located inside the passageway opening 1103.

[0102] As shown in the cross-section of Figure 12, the building entrance module 1100 has an opening on at least a portion of its rear side facing the first building section 1101, as indicated by the dotted line 1130. Thus, the enclosed entrance space 1104 forms a space continuous with the interior of the first building section 1105. Alternatively, the rear side facing the first building section 1101 may be partitioned by a wall, and the building entrance module 1100 may include an interior door (not shown) so that the enclosed entrance space 1104 is thermally isolated from the interior 1105. Thus, the enclosed entrance module 1104 may either have an extension of the thermal insulation envelope of the first building section 1101, or be thermally isolated (and since the building entrance module 1100 is insulated but not necessarily heated, this actually involves compromise with the surrounding environment 1106). It will be understood that the building entrance modules 700 and 900 in Figures 7 to 10 are also thermally isolated from the interiors 705 and 905 of the first building sections 701 and 901.

[0103] Figure 12 shows a building entrance module 1100 including a service cabinet 1111. Optionally, there may be two or more service cabinets. At least one service cabinet may be located inside the thermal envelope of the building entrance module 1100. At least one service cabinet may be located outside the thermal envelope of the building entrance module 1100. The cross section of Figure 12 shows a service cabinet 1111 with its rear defined by a wall 1122. One or more service cabinet doors or doors 1114 are provided, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, to allow access from the enclosed entrance space 1104. In addition to or instead of these, there may be one or more external service cabinet doors, as shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0104] Moving on to Figure 13, which shows an alternative example to Figure 12, the service cabinet 1111 is defined by a side wall 1131 and is accessible through one or more service cabinet doors 1132 leading to the interior 1105 of the first building section 1101.

[0105] As described above, building entrance modules according to various embodiments of the present invention may be retrofitted to existing houses or formed as part of a new building. In the latter case, building utilities (particularly water, gas, electricity, or data connections) may be provided through the foundation slab on which the building entrance module is installed, so that these utilities terminate in a service cabinet within the building entrance module, from which connection to the first building portion may be possible. In some embodiments, sewage pipes (or other drainage devices) or sewage vents may be routed from inside the main building through the building entrance module.

[0106] The building entrance module may further include storage space for, for example, coats, shoes, and mail or parcels.

[0107] Although Figures 7 to 13 are not specifically described, those skilled in the art will understand that the building entrance module according to the present invention may have any of the functional features of the entrance canopy described above with respect to Figures 1 to 5. This includes, but is not limited to, providing an intake or exhaust port for a building ventilation system within the building entrance module, or providing an accessible filter for maintenance outside the building entrance module without the need to provide access to a closed entrance space. It may also include combining the exhaust port of the building ventilation system with the outdoor unit of an air-source heat pump so that old air inside the building passes through the heat pump evaporator for freeze protection and waste heat removal. It may also include providing an air curtain over the entire exterior door of the building entrance module by connecting to the exhaust port of the building ventilation system.

[0108] Throughout this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and their derivatives mean “including but not limited to,” and are not intended to exclude (and do not exclude) other components, integers, or processes. Throughout this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless the context specifically requires otherwise. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, unless the context specifically requires otherwise, this specification should be understood to assume both the singular and plural forms. Throughout this specification, the term “about” is used to give flexibility to the endpoint of a range by specifying that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint of the range. The degree of flexibility of this term is determined by certain variables and may be determined based on experience and relevant explanations in this specification.

[0109] Any features, integers, or characteristics described in relation to a particular aspect or embodiment of the present invention should be understood to be applicable to other aspects or embodiments described herein, insofar as they do not contradict each other. Any feature disclosed herein, and / or any step of any method or process disclosed herein, may be combined in any combination, except for any combination in which at least a portion of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The present invention is not limited to the details of the embodiments described herein. The present invention extends to any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein. It should also be understood throughout this specification that the general form of the phrase “X for Y” (where Y is some action, activity, or step, and X is some means for performing that action, activity, or step) includes, but is not exclusive to, means X that are specifically adapted or configured for doing Y.

[0110] Each feature disclosed herein may be replaced by an alternative feature that serves the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly specified otherwise. Accordingly, unless expressly specified otherwise, each disclosed feature is merely an example of a general list of equivalent or similar features.

[0111] Readers should take note of any articles and documents filed concurrently with or prior to this specification in connection with this application and made available to the public together with this specification, and the contents of any such articles and documents should be incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An entrance canopy near the entrance of a building or an entrance canopy configured to be installed near the entrance of a building, characterized in that the entrance canopy houses or supports an intake or exhaust port of a building ventilation system, or at least one component of a building heating or cooling system.

2. The entrance canopy according to claim 1, characterized in that the entrance canopy is attached to or can be attached to a building above the entrance of the building.

3. The entrance canopy according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a filter configured to filter the air taken into the building ventilation system through the air intake when in use, wherein the filter is optionally detachably attached to the air intake so as to be removed from the entrance canopy.

4. The entrance canopy according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one component of the building heating system comprises an air source heat pump evaporator configured to absorb heat from the surrounding environment.

5. The entrance canopy according to claim 4, characterized in that the evaporator is partially or entirely housed within the entrance canopy, partially or entirely exposed to the outside of the entrance canopy, or the evaporator forms part or all of the weather-resistant outer surface of the entrance canopy.

6. The entrance canopy according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the air discharged from the building ventilation system through the exhaust port during use is guided to cross or pass through the evaporator, or to cross the building entrance to form an air curtain.

7. The entrance canopy according to claim 6, characterized in that, in response to a sensor signal indicating that the entrance of the building is open, air is selectively guided to cross the entrance of the building to form an air curtain.

8. The entrance canopy according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the entrance canopy has an overhead portion that is configured or positioned to serve as a canopy or sunshade for people outside the entrance of the building when in use.

9. The entrance canopy according to claim 8, characterized in that the overhead portion is at least partially supported by being attached to the building when in use, or at least partially supported by one or more legs, walls, or side structures.

10. The entrance canopy according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the entrance canopy houses or supports at least one of the following: a solar power generation panel placed on or forming part of the exterior surface, a charger for electric vehicles, an emergency shutoff device for at least one supply facility provided in the building, an environmental sensor, a camera, or lighting.

11. An entrance canopy configured as a building entrance module having at least one wall into which an exterior door is incorporated, wherein the building entrance module is configured to be connected to a part of a building that includes the building entrance, and thereby, when the building entrance module and the building part are integrally connected, the two define a closed entrance space, and the exterior door and the building entrance define a passage that leads into the building through the entrance space, according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The entrance canopy according to claim 11, further characterized in that the building entrance module has a first service cabinet thermally isolated from the insulating envelope defined by the closed entrance space, and a second service cabinet inside the insulating envelope defined by the closed entrance space.

13. The entrance canopy according to claim 12, characterized in that the first service cabinet and the second service cabinet have a single service cabinet compartment that is thermally isolated.

14. The aforementioned building entrance module further, An external service cabinet door that allows access to the first or second service cabinet from outside the building entrance module, or an internal service cabinet door that allows access to the first or second service cabinet from the enclosed entrance space. The entrance canopy according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by having the following features.

15. The entrance canopy according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the first service cabinet houses one or more components of an air source heat pump outdoor unit, a gas supply meter, or a power supply meter.

16. The entrance canopy according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the second service cabinet houses one or more of the following: a building ventilation system, a building heating or cooling system, an air source heat pump indoor unit, a gas boiler, a hot water cylinder, a gas supply meter, or a power supply meter.

17. The entrance canopy according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that at least one component of the air source heat pump outdoor unit is housed in a service cabinet defined in part of the building entrance module, or at least one component of the air source heat pump is supported outside the building entrance module.

18. The entrance canopy according to any one of claims 11 to 17, further comprising a roof portion configured such that it cooperates with the at least one wall to define a structure with one side open, and the entrance space is defined when the open side is connected to the building portion around the passage opening or the building portion abutting the passage opening, or a roof portion and an interior door such that the roof portion, the interior door and at least one wall define the entrance space.

19. The entrance canopy according to any one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that the wall or roof portion of the building entrance module incorporates insulating material so that the entrance space is thermally isolated from the environment outside the building entrance module.

20. A building comprising an entrance and an entrance canopy according to any one of claims 1 to 19, which is located near the entrance of the building.

21. The building according to claim 20, wherein the building includes a building ventilation system having intake ducts connected to intake ports housed in or supported in the entrance canopy, and optionally the building ventilation system includes a heat recovery mechanical ventilation (MVHR) system.

22. The building according to claim 20 or 21, as dependent on claim 11, characterized in that the building entrance has a door arranged such that the building entrance module is connected to the wall of the first building portion around the door, or an opening in the wall of the first building portion (inside or around the opening to which the building entrance module is connected).

23. The building according to claim 22, characterized in that the thermal insulation envelope defined by the first building portion extends to the enclosed entrance space, or the enclosed entrance space is thermally isolated from the thermal insulation envelope defined by the first building portion.

24. A building construction method comprising installing an entrance canopy according to any one of claims 1 to 19 near the entrance of a building, and connecting the intake port or exhaust port to a duct system inside the building for the building ventilation system, or connecting at least one component of the building's heating or cooling system to a part of the building's heating or cooling system located inside the building.

25. A method for operating an entrance canopy according to any one of claims 1 to 19, which is installed near the entrance of a building, wherein the entrance canopy houses or supports an intake or exhaust port of a building ventilation system, and the method is To bring fresh air into the building ventilation system through the intake port, to discharge old air from the building ventilation system through the exhaust port, or to heat or cool the building using a building heating or cooling system that includes at least one component of the building heating or cooling system within the entrance canopy. A method characterized by including

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