Heat Recovery Air Handling Unit

Abstract

To provide a heat recovery air handling unit that can be installed in domestic and special-purpose buildings and used as a ventilation device, and that ensures a high level of heat exchange efficiency and high air exchange performance. A heat recovery air handling unit (1) is fabricated, comprising an external module (4) with an external supply grill and an external exhaust grill, and an internal module (2) with a plate-type heat recovery unit (5), an internal intake grill and an internal exhaust grill, a filter, an exhaust duct inlet chamber (6), an exhaust duct outlet chamber (7), an intake duct inlet chamber (8), an intake duct outlet chamber (9), a partition (10) between the inlet and outlet chambers of the exhaust duct and the intake duct, respectively, and fans (3, 11) for creating counter-current airflow, where fan (3) is located in the intake duct inlet chamber and fan (11) is located in the exhaust duct outlet chamber. The system houses a condensate removal system, and the internal module consists of an above-wall portion (2A) and an within-wall portion (2B), and the within-wall portion houses the module with the fans installed therein.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The invention relates to ventilation equipment, in particular supply and exhaust ventilation systems with heat recovery, which can be used for installation in domestic and special purpose buildings. [Background technology]

[0002] The prior art discloses a variety of technical solutions, shapes and structures designed for natural ventilation of both residential and commercial buildings.

[0003] The drive to find optimal ventilation solutions is driven by the goal of designing buildings in a way that guarantees maximum energy efficiency within the building. However, increasing a building's energy efficiency factor proportionally reduces the natural self-regulation of the indoor environment. In other words, in such buildings, the use of central heating, the operation of numerous household appliances, and other modern technological factors leads to significant indoor air dryness. This creates favorable conditions for the development of allergic diseases and respiratory complications or illnesses.

[0004] In the spring and summer, energy-efficient buildings do a poor job of removing excess humidity, preventing natural air circulation within the building and creating favorable conditions for the growth of mold and harmful microorganisms.

[0005] The above has been known for some time. Therefore, in many developed countries, medical institutions recommend frequent ventilation of buildings. Most countries have regulations in place that govern air exchange systems.

[0006] Ventilation is primarily achieved by opening windows to allow natural air circulation within a building. However, ventilation solely through opening windows causes many inconveniences. In particular, in winter, open windows significantly cool a room due to their surface area, while in summer they cause overheating. Consequently, this leads to significant energy consumption in order to maintain acceptable and comfortable working and living conditions. As a result, there is a continuous effort to develop and improve ventilation systems.

[0007] Known heat recovery air handling units (Patent Documents 1, F24F7 / 00, and F28F13 / 14, dated January 27, 2021) include a heat recovery unit with an air duct, a fan, and a heat exchanger, which are interconnected and mounted within a room wall between its outer and inner surfaces. Two straight concentric cylinders are installed in the opening between the room's outer and inner surfaces, and an Ω-shaped (cross-section) corrugated heat exchanger is fixed to the outer surface of the inner cylinder between the concentric cylinders. In addition, an external fan and an internal fan are mounted on the inner surfaces of the cylinders facing each other. The system openings are provided with corresponding external and internal covers, and the internal cover is provided with an air intake grill and an internal air outlet slot with an air diffuser. The external cover also has a condensate discharge opening extending beyond the plane of the outer wall, an air intake grill, and a corresponding grill for exhausting internal air.

[0008] The drawback of this heat recovery air handling unit is its low air heat exchange efficiency. As air passes along the heat exchange surface of the corrugated heat exchanger, the presence of notches in the heat exchanger trough reduces the heat exchange area. The low air exchange performance is caused by an unbalanced air flow within the system.

[0009] Additionally, a lack of wind load resistance is a drawback: the external modules, being open, do not provide wind protection for the exhaust ducts, and there is a risk that the unit will freeze in sub-zero temperatures.

[0010] The installation of a full-scale heating and filtering element is structurally impossible, and the power supply unit is located inside the room module. As a result, the heat recovery unit does not provide additional heating. The design of the heat exchanger would cause excessive condensation, which could lead to the system freezing.

[0011] Known heat recovery air handling units (Patent Documents 2, F24F12 / 00; F24F7 / 08; F28D21 / 00; F28F9 / 02, dated December 22, 2023; published August 21, 2024) are designed to be installed within the building's exterior wall. The system includes an interior module and an adjacent heat exchange module, which consists of a cylindrical corrugated heat exchanger with multiple heat exchange air channels arranged along the heat exchanger's axis of symmetry. These air channels have identical cross sections and are adjacent to each other, forming a continuous corrugated space of the heat exchange segment. First and second separators are provided to separate and direct the exhaust air flow and the supply air flow in opposite directions within the heat exchange air duct. The first and second separators are attached to the heat exchanger on both end faces, along the heat exchanger's axis of symmetry. A first fan and a second fan, each having a housing adjacent to the first separator and the second separator, are mounted at the ends of the separators facing away from the heat exchanger, with the axis of one fan aligned parallel to but not coaxial with the axis of the other fan.

[0012] The drawbacks of this heat recovery air handling unit are low air heat exchange efficiency and poor air exchange performance. The heat exchanger design can cause excessive condensation, limiting the use and operation of the system, or inefficient removal of condensate from the system, which can cause the system to freeze up in cold weather.

[0013] The closest analogue is considered to be a known heat recovery air handling unit (Non-Patent Document 1), which comprises an external module with an external intake grill and an external exhaust grill, and an internal module comprising a plate-type heat recoverer, an internal intake grill and an internal exhaust grill, a filter, an inlet chamber of the exhaust duct, an outlet chamber of the exhaust duct, an inlet chamber of the intake duct, an outlet chamber of the intake duct, partitions between the inlet and outlet chambers of the exhaust duct and the intake duct, respectively, and fans for creating counter-current airflow, one fan located in the inlet chamber of the intake duct and one fan located in the outlet chamber of the exhaust duct.

[0014] The drawbacks of the closest analogues are: - There is no condensate removal system, e.g., a condensate collection tank, a pump for removing condensate outside the system, or a channel for removing condensate outside the system, which can lead to excessive condensate accumulation and freezing of the system in cold climate countries. -The inlet chamber of the intake duct does not have a heater to preheat the air, which is necessary to prevent condensation. The outlet chamber of the intake duct has no heating element to post-heat the air, which is used to ensure a comfortable intake air temperature in cold climate countries. -There are no filters inside the walls of the internal modules, allowing contaminated air and insects to enter the system and building. -The design of the unit is complex for maintenance during operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0015] [Patent Document 1] Patent UA No. 146223 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application No. 23219860 [Non-patent literature]

[0016] [Non-Patent Document 1] https: / / zehnder.com.ua / decentralized-ventilation / comfoair70 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0017] The object of the present invention is to create a heat recovery air handling unit that: -A high level of air heat exchange efficiency is achieved by placing counter-flow or cross-flow type plate heat recovery devices within the internal module. -The structural arrangement of the fan ensures a high level of air exchange performance. By placing partitions between the inlet and outlet chambers of the exhaust and intake ducts in the internal module, mixing of the air flows is prevented. By locating the air pre-heating heater and the air post-heating heater completely within the intake duct inlet chamber and the intake duct outlet chamber respectively, the heat transfer from the air pre-heating heater and the air post-heating heater is maximized. Excessive accumulation of condensate in cold climate countries and subsequent freezing of the system is prevented by a condensate removal system, i.e. a condensate collection tank and a channel for removing condensate outside the system, or by a channel for removing condensate outside the system, or by a pump for removing condensate outside the system, or by a pump and a channel for removing condensate outside the system, or by an evaporator. The presence of a filter prevents contaminated air and insects from entering the system and the building. - The modules in which the fans, dampers, valves and filters are installed can be easily removed, improving maintenance of the unit during operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] The above-mentioned object is achieved as follows: A heat recovery air handling unit includes an external module having an external supply grill and an external exhaust grill, and an internal module including a plate-type heat recovery device, an internal intake grill and an internal exhaust grill, a filter, an inlet chamber for an exhaust duct, an outlet chamber for the exhaust duct, an inlet chamber for an intake duct, an outlet chamber for the intake duct, partitions between the inlet and outlet chambers of the exhaust duct and the intake duct, and fans for forming counter-current airflows, wherein a first fan is located in the inlet chamber of the intake duct and a second fan is located in the outlet chamber of the exhaust duct, wherein the system houses a condensate removal system, and the internal module includes an on-wall portion and an in-wall portion, and the in-wall portion houses the module with the fans installed therein.

[0019] In one of the embodiments that solves the above problem, the module in which the fan is installed in the heat recovery air handling unit is removable.

[0020] Another embodiment that solves the above-mentioned problem is a heat recovery air handling unit, wherein the module in which the fan is installed further comprises a mechanical damper and / or a gravity valve.

[0021] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the module in which the fan is installed in the heat recovery air handling unit further contains at least one filter.

[0022] The above mentioned problems are also solved in a heat recovery air handling unit in that the inlet chamber of the intake duct houses a heater which preheats the air.

[0023] In yet another embodiment of the invention, in a heat recovery air handling unit, the outlet chamber of the intake duct houses a heater for post-heating the air.

[0024] The above-mentioned problems are also solved by the heat recovery air handling unit in that the inner wall portion of the inner module has an outer insulating shell.

[0025] Additionally, the above-mentioned problems are solved by the fact that in the heat recovery air handling unit, the condensate removal system is a channel for removing condensate to the outside of the heat recovery air handling unit.

[0026] The above-mentioned problems are also solved by the fact that in the heat recovery air handling unit, the condensate removal system is a condensate collection tank and a channel for removing condensate to the outside of the heat recovery air handling unit.

[0027] Another embodiment that solves the above-mentioned problem is a heat recovery air handling unit, in which the condensate removal system is a pump for removing condensate external to the heat recovery air handling unit.

[0028] Yet another embodiment that solves the above problem is a heat recovery air handling unit in which the condensate removal system is a pump and a channel for removing condensate to the exterior of the heat recovery air handling unit.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the condensate removal system in the heat recovery air handling unit is a condensate collection tank equipped with an ultrasonic evaporator.

[0030] One embodiment that solves the above problem is one in which an air humidity sensor is also present in the heat recovery air handling unit.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the above-mentioned problem is also solved in that, depending on the wall thickness, the length of the inner wall portion of the inner module is adjusted by the outer insulating shell during installation.

[0032] The proposed heat recovery air handling unit differs from its closest analogues by having the following features: - A module containing fans, dampers, valves and filters that is easily removable, improving maintenance of the unit during operation without dismantling the system itself. - Full-scale heaters for pre-heating the air and heaters for post-heating the air located in the inlet chamber of the intake duct and in the outlet chamber of the intake duct, ensuring the most efficient heat transfer from the heaters. - Condensate removal system to prevent excess condensate buildup and subsequent system freezing in cold climate countries. - Filters to prevent the ingress of contaminated air and insects into the system and building. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] As a result of using the proposed invention, a heat recovery air handling unit is created that ensures high heat exchange efficiency, high air exchange performance and simplified maintenance of the unit during operation without dismantling the system itself.

[0034] The essence of the present utility model is illustrated by the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall view of a heat recovery air handling unit. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a heat recovery air handling unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a heat recovery air handling unit with additional components showing the movement of hot and cold air. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a heat recovery air handling unit undergoing system maintenance. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a view of the removable module from the opposite side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The heat recovery air handling unit 1 comprises an inner module 2 and an outer module 4. The inner module 2 typically comprises an on-wall portion 2A and an in-wall portion 2B. The in-wall portion 2B of the inner module 2 is surrounded by an external insulating shell 17, which is used to reduce heat transfer to the surrounding structure (wall) and improve the noise canceling characteristics of the system (see FIG. 1). The in-wall portion 2B of the inner module 2 also houses a module 20 in which are installed fans 3, 11, mechanical dampers 12 and / or gravity valves 13, and at least one filter 28.

[0037] The vertically mounted modules 20 are removable and can be maintained from the front of the system 1 after removing the service panel. As a result, routine maintenance of the system 1 can be performed from inside the room without disassembling the system 1 itself.

[0038] The heat recovery air handling unit 1 is equipped with a condensate removal system which can have different designs, for example a condensate collection tank 19 and channels 18 for removing condensate outside the system 1, or channels 18 for removing condensate outside the system 1, or a pump 26 for removing condensate outside the system 1, or pump 26 and channels 18 for removing condensate outside the system 1, or a condensate collection tank 19 with an ultrasonic evaporator 25.

[0039] The inlet chamber 8 of the intake duct houses an air preheating heater 14. This heater 14 is used to preheat the air to combat condensation. The outlet chamber 9 of the intake duct houses an air postheating heater 15. The postheating element 15 is used to ensure a comfortable intake air temperature in countries with cold climates.

[0040] In the wall-mounted section 2A of the inner module 2, there is a filter 16 in the inlet chamber 6 of the exhaust duct, just before the plate heat collector 5. In the wall-mounted section 2B of the inner module 2, a filter 28 is located in the module 20, in the inlet chamber 8 of the intake duct. These filters 16 and 28 are used to protect the counter-flow or cross-flow plate heat collector 5 and the radial fans 3 and 11 from contaminated air and insects entering them and the building. The filters 16 and 28 can be treated with an antibacterial agent.

[0041] The wall upper portion 2A of the inner module 2 has an inner supply grill 21 and an inner exhaust grill 22, and the outer module 4 has an outer supply grill 23 and an outer exhaust grill 24.

[0042] Depending on the wall thickness, the length of the intra-wall portion 2B of the internal module 2 is adjusted by the external insulating shell 17 during installation by cutting a portion thereof from the street side using any cutting tool.

[0043] Additionally, the design of the heat recovery air handling unit further comprises an air humidity sensor (not shown in the drawings) that can control the humidity of the supply air and / or exhaust air depending on the task.

[0044] By plate heat recoverer 5 is meant a heat exchanger pack (not shown in the drawings) consisting of a certain number of thin plates (not shown in the drawings) arranged parallel to one another and forming an integral pack with separated airtight channels for the movement of two air streams towards each other.

[0045] 2 and 3 show diagrammatically the flow of hot air (dashed lines) and cold air (solid lines) through the heat recovery air handling unit 1. FIG.

[0046] The heat recovery air handling unit 1 operates as follows: After the heat recovery air handling unit is switched on, the exhaust fan 11 and intake fan 3 start up, initiating air exchange within the system. Spent warm air from inside the building passes through the internal exhaust grille 22 and enters the upper wall section 2A of the internal module 2, flows through the inlet chamber 6 of the exhaust duct, and enters the plate heat recuperator 5, where the air heats the plate heat recuperator 5. After that, the air leaves the plate heat recuperator 5 and enters the inner wall section 2B of the internal module 2, enters the outlet chamber 7 of the exhaust duct, passes through the exhaust fan 11, enters the external module 4, and is discharged to the outside via the external exhaust grille 24.

[0047] Simultaneously with the movement of warm air, fresh, cool air is supplied. The cool air from outside enters the external module 4 through the external intake grille 23, then passes through the inner wall section 2B of the internal module 2, the inlet chamber 8 of the intake duct, the filter 28, and the intake fan 3, before entering the upper wall section 2A of the internal module 2 where the plate heat collector 5 is located. Before entering the plate heat collector 5, the cool air is warmed by the heater 14, which preheats the air. Upon leaving the plate heat collector 5, the fresh, but warmed, air passes through the outlet chamber 9 of the intake duct and then through the internal supply grille 21 and enters the building. In cold climates, the fresh, but warmed, air leaving the plate heat collector 5 and entering the outlet chamber 9 of the intake duct can be warmed to a higher temperature by the heater 15, which postheats the air, before entering the building through the internal supply grille 21.

[0048] To prevent mixing of the air flows, partitions 10 are placed between the inlet chamber 8 of the intake duct and the outlet chamber 7 of the exhaust duct, as well as between the inlet chamber 6 of the exhaust duct and the outlet chamber 9 of the intake duct. As a result of the operation of the heat recovery air handling unit, heat exchange takes place between the hot and cold air without mixing of the air flows.

[0049] Figure 2 shows a schematic of a heat recovery air handling unit. Figure 3 shows a schematic of a heat recovery air handling unit with additional components, depicting the movement of hot and cold air.

[0050] Figure 4 shows a schematic of a heat recovery air handling unit during system maintenance, i.e., removal or installation of a removable module, and Figure 5 shows the opposite side of the removable module.

[0051] The examples provided are merely illustrative of possible implementations of the invention and are not intended to be limiting.

[0052] Operation of the heat recovery air handling unit is performed using a control panel on the side panel of the system, via an infrared remote control, and via a mobile application (not shown in the drawings and not included in the claims) over a wireless Wi-Fi network.

[0053] The heat recovery air handling unit is designed to be easily disconnected from the ventilation shaft of the in-wall portion of the inner module, which houses the easily removable module with the fan, mechanical damper, gravity valve, and filter installed within, thereby simplifying maintenance during repairs or preventative maintenance. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1 Heat Recovery Air Handling Unit 2 Internal Modules 2A Internal module wall top 2B Inner module wall 3, 11 Fan 4 External Modules 5 Plate type heat recovery unit 6. Exhaust duct inlet chamber 7. Exhaust duct outlet chamber 8. Inlet chamber of intake duct 9. Intake duct outlet chamber 10 dividers 12 Mechanical damper 13 Gravity Valve 14 Air preheating element 15 Post-heating element 16, 28 filters 17 External insulation shell 18 Channel for removing condensate 19 Condensate collection tank 20 modules 21 Internal air intake grille 22 Internal exhaust grille 23 External air intake grille 24 External exhaust grille 25 Ultrasonic Evaporator 26 Pump for removing condensate

Claims

1. an external module (4) having an external intake grill (23) and an external exhaust grill (24); an internal module (2) including a plate-type heat recovery unit (5), an internal intake grill (21) and an internal exhaust grill (22), a filter (16), an inlet chamber (6) of an exhaust duct, an outlet chamber (7) of the exhaust duct, an inlet chamber (8) of an intake duct, an outlet chamber (9) of the intake duct, a partition (10) between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber of each of the exhaust duct and the intake duct, and fans (3) and (11) for forming counter-current airflows, the fan (3) being disposed in the inlet chamber (8) of the intake duct and the fan (11) being disposed in the outlet chamber (7) of the exhaust duct; A heat recovery air handling unit (1) comprising: The heat recovery air handling unit (1) houses a condensate removal system, the internal module (2) comprises an above-wall portion (2A) and an inside-wall portion (2B), and the inside-wall portion (2B) houses a module (20) in which the fan (3) (11) is installed.

2. 2. The heat recovery air handling unit of claim 1, wherein said module (20) is removable.

3. 2. A heat recovery air handling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the module (20) further houses a mechanical damper (12) and / or a gravity valve (13).

4. 2. The heat recovery air handling unit of claim 1, wherein the module (20) further houses at least one filter (28).

5. 2. A heat recovery air handling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the inlet chamber (8) of the air intake duct houses a heater (14) for preheating the air.

6. 2. A heat recovery air handling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the outlet chamber (9) of the intake duct houses a heater (15) for post-heating the air.

7. 2. Heat recovery air handling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the wall-internal portion (2B) of the inner module (2) has an external insulating shell (17).

8. 2. Heat recovery air handling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the condensate removal system is a channel (18) for removing condensate to the exterior of the heat recovery air handling unit (1).

9. 2. The heat recovery air handling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the condensate removal system is a condensate collection tank (19) and a channel (18) for removing condensate outside the heat recovery air handling unit (1).

10. 2. A heat recovery air handling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the condensate removal system is a pump (26) for removing condensate outside the heat recovery air handling unit (1).

11. 2. The heat recovery air handling unit of claim 1, wherein the condensate removal system is a pump (26) and a channel (18) for removing condensate outside the heat recovery air handling unit (1).

12. 2. Heat recovery air handling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the condensate removal system is a condensate collection tank (19) equipped with an ultrasonic evaporator (25).

13. 10. The heat recovery air handling unit of claim 1 further housing an air humidity sensor.

14. 2. Heat recovery air handling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the length of the inner wall portion (2B) of the inner module (2) is adjusted by an external insulating shell (17) during installation.

Images