Device for cooling air indirectly by evaporation

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for cooling air indirectly by evaporation, the device being designed to blow cooled air into a room and comprising a stack of plates. Each plate defines channels configured to allow heat exchange to cool air. The device has an intake channel extending along the stack, from an intake opening. The section of the intake channel decreases with distance from the intake opening.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: Indirect evaporative air cooling device

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The technical field of the invention is an air cooling device by indirect evaporative cooling.

[0005] EARLIER ART

[0006] Indirect evaporative air coolers, also known as indirect adiabatic dew point coolers, have been known for several decades.

[0007] The principle of such coolers is illustrated in Figure 1. It is based on the use of an evaporative heat exchanger, in which the incoming air (dashed Dien arrow in Figure 1) is cooled, without humidification, potentially down to its dew point. The cooling is produced by air circulating in contact with a plate Pi, called the cooling plate, which is cooled by water evaporation. The cooling plate has a dry side, against which the air to be cooled flows, and a wet side, which is moistened with water, the water being represented by circles in Figure 1. In Figure 1, the dashed arrow represents the air to be cooled, the dashed arrow represents the air that has been cooled or is being cooled, and the solid arrow represents the air circulating in the wet channel, the evaporation of which cools the plate. This nomenclature is retained upon request.

[0008] Part of the cooled air, in contact with the dry side of the cooling plate, is exhausted to cool a room: arrow D2. Another part of the cooled air is reintroduced into the cooler and directed to flow into contact with the wet side of the cooling plate: arrow D3. The reintroduced air heats up as it evaporates the water present on the wet side of the cooling plate: arrow D4. This results in a drop in the temperature of the cooling plate. The warmed air, now laden with humidity, is then exhausted outside the room.

[0009] Compared to most common air conditioning systems, a significant advantage of these coolers is the absence of refrigerant. These devices require only water for cooling. This results in a more favorable environmental impact than conventional air conditioners, which rely on compressed refrigerant. Refrigerants are known to have harmful effects on the environment.

[0010] Examples of indirectly cooled devices have been described in WO2022184871, as well as in WO2024 / 023193 and W02024 / 052508. Another example of a device has been described in US6338258.

[0011] JPH10122550 describes a heat exchanger for heating air. The device comprises a stack of plates that alternately define channels through which hot air from an incinerator flows, and channels through which air to be heated flows. The air to be heated is admitted and discharged laterally within the stack, while the hot air flows along a longitudinal axis.

[0012] The invention described below describes a cooling device with a different configuration from those previously described. The geometric configuration promotes a compact device while allowing for homogeneous airflow through it.

[0013] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] One object of the invention is an indirect air cooling device by evaporation, the device being intended to blow cooled air into a room, the device comprising:

[0015] - at least one air intake channel, intended to admit air to be cooled, extending from an intake opening along an intake axis and presenting, perpendicular to the intake axis, an intake section;

[0016] - at least one air outlet, configured to blow cooled air into the room;

[0017] - at least one stack, comprising a plurality of plates, the plates being spaced from each other along a transverse axis, each plate comprising

[0018] • a dry face, delimiting a dry channel, configured to receive air to be cooled;

[0019] • a wet face, defining a wet channel, configured to be wetted by a liquid to humidify a portion of the air that has flowed through the dry channel; the device being such that

[0020] - the plates are arranged to form an alternation between dry and wet channels, along a transverse axis, each dry channel being adjacent to a wet channel;

[0021] - Each dry channel extends, between the air intake channel and the air exhaust channel, along a longitudinal axis; each wet channel is configured to receive a portion of the air flowing into the dry channel; the device being characterized in that:

[0022] - the intake section decreases, along the intake axis, as a function of an increasing distance from the intake opening.

[0023] In one scenario, the device includes an exhaust duct extending along an exhaust axis and forming the air outlet. The exhaust duct has an exhaust cross-section perpendicular to the exhaust axis, and the duct opens into an exhaust vent. The exhaust cross-section can increase along the exhaust axis with decreasing distances from the vent.

[0024] According to one possibility, the device comprises several adjacent stacks, arranged along a linear or curved alignment axis, and forming a group of stacks, each stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the stack along the alignment axis, from the inlet opening, the stacks of the group of stacks being arranged between the same air inlet channel and the same air outlet.

[0025] The alignment axis can be straight, and form, in the same transverse plane, perpendicular to the transverse axis, an acute inlet angle with the inlet axis and / or an acute outlet angle with the outlet axis.

[0026] In one embodiment, the device comprises:

[0027] - a first stack, extending between the inlet channel and a first outlet;

[0028] - a second stack, extending between the inlet channel and a second outlet, separate from the first outlet;

[0029] - the inlet channel extending between the first and second stacks. In one possibility, the device comprises:

[0030] - a first group of stacks, comprising first stacks arranged along a first alignment axis, each first stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the first stack along the first alignment axis, from the inlet opening, the first group of stacks extending between the inlet channel and the first outlet; - a second group of stacks, comprising second stacks arranged along a second alignment axis, each second stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the second stack along the second alignment axis, from the inlet opening, the second group of stacks extending between the inlet channel and the second outlet;

[0031] - the inlet channel extends between the first group of stacks and the second group of stacks;

[0032] - the intake section of the intake channel decreases, along the first group of stacks and the second group of stacks, according to increasing ranks.

[0033] Depending on one possibility, the system includes:

[0034] - a first drainage channel, extending along a first drainage axis, and forming the first drainage, up to a first drainage opening, the first drainage channel presenting, perpendicular to the first drainage axis, a first drainage section;

[0035] - a second drainage channel, extending along a second drainage axis, and forming the second drainage, up to a second drainage opening, the second drainage channel presenting, perpendicular to the second drainage axis, a second drainage section;

[0036] - the first evacuation section and / or the second evacuation section increase, respectively along the first group of stacks and the second group of stacks, according to the increasing ranks.

[0037] According to one possibility, the first alignment axis and the second alignment axis are straight, converge, and are angularly separated by an acute angle.

[0038] In one embodiment, the device comprises:

[0039] - a first stack, extending between a first intake channel and the air outlet, the first intake channel extending, from a first intake opening, along a first intake axis, and presenting, perpendicular to the first intake axis, a first intake section;

[0040] - a second stack, extending between a second intake channel, distinct from the first intake channel, and the air outlet, the second intake channel extending, from a second intake opening, along a second intake axis, and presenting, perpendicular to the second intake axis, a second intake section; the device being such that:

[0041] - the first inlet section and / or the second inlet section decreases, respectively along the first inlet axis and / or the second inlet axis, according to an increasing distance from the first inlet opening or the second inlet opening;

[0042] - the air evacuation extends between the first stack and the second stack.

[0043] Depending on one possibility, the device includes:

[0044] - a first group of stacks, comprising first stacks arranged along a first alignment axis, each first stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the first stack along the first alignment axis, from the inlet opening, the first group of stacks extending between the first inlet channel and the air outlet;

[0045] - a second group of stacks, comprising second stacks (arranged along a second alignment axis, each second stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the second stack along the second alignment axis, from the intake opening, the second group of stacks extending between the second intake channel, and the air outlet;

[0046] - the air evacuation extends between the first group of stacks and the second group of stacks;

[0047] - the inlet section of the first inlet channel and the second inlet channel decreases, along the first group of stacks and the second group of stacks respectively, according to increasing ranks.

[0048] The first alignment axis and the second alignment axis can be straight, convergent, and are angularly separated by an acute angle.

[0049] In one embodiment, the device comprises:

[0050] - a first stack, extending between a first intake channel and a first exhaust channel, forming a first air exhaust;

[0051] - a second stack, extending between a second inlet channel, separate from the first inlet channel and a second outlet channel, separate from the first outlet channel, forming a second air outlet;

[0052] - the second inlet channel and the first outlet channel extending between the first stack and the second stack; the device being such that: - the first inlet channel extends, from a first inlet opening, along a first inlet axis, and presents, perpendicular to the first inlet axis, a first inlet section, the first inlet section decreasing, along the first inlet axis, as a function of an increasing distance from the first inlet opening;

[0053] - and / or the second intake channel extends, from a second intake opening, along a second intake axis, and presents, perpendicular to the second intake axis, a second intake section, the second intake section decreasing, along the second intake axis, as a function of an increasing distance from the second intake opening.

[0054] According to one possibility:

[0055] - the first drainage channel extends, up to a first drainage opening, along a first drainage axis, and presents, perpendicular to the first drainage axis, a first drainage section, the first drainage section increasing, along the first drainage axis, according to a decreasing distance from the first drainage opening;

[0056] - and / or the second drainage channel extends, up to a second drainage opening, along a second drainage axis, and presents, perpendicular to the second drainage axis, a second drainage section, the second drainage section increasing, along the second drainage axis, according to a decreasing distance from the second drainage opening.

[0057] The first intake axis and the second intake axis can be parallel.

[0058] Depending on one possibility, the device includes:

[0059] - a first group of stacks, comprising first stacks arranged along a first alignment axis, each first stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the first stack along the first alignment axis, from the inlet opening, the first group of stacks extending between the first inlet channel and the first outlet channel;

[0060] - a second group of stacks, comprising second stacks arranged along a second alignment axis, each second stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the second stack along the second alignment axis, from the inlet opening, the second group of stacks extending between the second inlet channel, the second outlet channel; - the inlet section of the first inlet channel and / or the second inlet channel decreases, along the first group of stacks and / or the second group of stacks respectively, according to the increasing ranks;

[0061] - the evacuation section of the first evacuation channel and / or the second evacuation channel increases, along the first group of stacks and / or the second group of stacks respectively, according to the increasing ranks.

[0062] The first alignment axis and the second alignment axis can be parallel.

[0063] Depending on one possibility, the stack(s) comprise:

[0064] • at least one conduit, into which each wet channel of the stack opens, the conduit extending along the transverse axis;

[0065] • a collector, into which each duct of the stack opens, so as to collect the humid air flowing from each duct;

[0066] • the stack extends, along the transverse axis, between a first transverse end and a second transverse end;

[0067] • the collector extends, along first transverse end and / or second transverse end, along a flow axis, to an extraction opening.

[0068] The collector can extend perpendicularly to the flow axis, along a cross-section, said cross-section increasing at a decreasing distance from the extraction opening.

[0069] According to one possibility, with the transverse axis being vertical, the collector is placed below the stack, the collector forming a water reservoir.

[0070] The invention will be better understood by reading the explanation of the examples of embodiment presented, in the continuation of the description, in connection with the figures listed below.

[0071] FIGURES

[0072] Figure 1 describes the principles of adiabatic cooling.

[0073] Figure 2 shows an example of stacked plates, forming dry channels and wet channels.

[0074] Figure 3 shows an example of stacking plates.

[0075] Figure 4A represents a first embodiment of the invention.

[0076] Figure 4B shows a variant of the first embodiment of the invention.

[0077] Figure 4C illustrates a variant of the first embodiment of the invention. Figure 4D shows a variant of the first embodiment of the invention.

[0078] Figures 5A and 5B show a second embodiment of the invention, called the "V" embodiment.

[0079] Figures 6A and 6B show a variant of the second embodiment of the invention. Figures 7A and 7B show a third embodiment of the invention, known as the "W" embodiment. Figures 8A and 8B show a variant of the third embodiment of the invention. Figures 9A, 9B, and 9C show a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0080] Figure 9D shows a variant of the fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0081] Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A and 9D are cross-sectional views of the device, along a cutting plane P X Y transverse.

[0082] PRESENTATION OF SPECIFIC IMPLEMENTATION METHODS

[0083] Figure 2 shows a detail of a stack of 11 plates of a device that is the subject of the invention. The device is intended to blow cooled air into a room.

[0084] By room, we mean an enclosure whose air we wish to cool. The room can be a room in a building, such as a residential or industrial building, or a room in a means of transport, for example a vehicle cabin.

[0085] The stack geometry is similar to that described in application WO2022184871. Figure 2 shows four plates. The stack can consist of several dozen or even hundreds of plates, for example, between 30 and 1000 plates 100. The plates 100 are arranged parallel to each other, perpendicular to a transverse axis Z. Each plate 100 extends parallel to a plane PXY. Each plate extends, parallel to a longitudinal axis X, by a length l, and, parallel to a lateral axis Y, by a width L. The stack extends, parallel to the transverse axis Z, by a height H. The height h depends on the number of plates. The length l, the width L, and the height H are shown in Figure 3. The stack extends, along the transverse axis Z, between a first transverse end lli, z and a second transverse end 112, zThe stacking extends, along the lateral axis Y, between a first lateral end lli, y and a second lateral end ll2, y -

[0086] Each plate 100 has one wetted side 100 w and a dry face 100d. The dry and wet faces of the same plate are opposite, in the sense that they are separated by the plate's thickness. The thickness of each plate, along the Z-axis, is as small as possible, taking into account mechanical strength constraints. The thickness depends on the material forming the plate. The thickness can range from 10 µm to 1 mm, or even from 10 µm to 500 µm. The invention exploits heat conduction along the Z-axis through each plate 100.

[0087] The stacking is such that the wet (respectively dry) faces of two consecutive plates are opposite each other. Two wet faces 100 wFacing each other, and belonging to two adjacent plates, they delimit a wet channel 102 w . Two dry faces 100d, facing each other, and belonging to two adjacent plates, delimit a dry channel 102d.

[0088] Each wet side 100 w is intended to be moistened with water as regularly as possible.

[0089] During operation of the device, the transverse axis Z is preferably vertical, oriented upwards, to within ±30° or ±10°. This allows water to flow by gravity from the upper plate to the lower plate, as described in application FR2303722. The transverse axis can be oriented differently, for example horizontally, in which case the water flow is adapted. When the transverse axis is horizontal, the water can, for example, flow by gravity along the wetted surfaces.

[0090] In Figure 2, each plate 100 has been assigned a rank n, where n is a natural number. n is incremented between two successive plates along the Z-axis, in the opposite direction to the Z-axis. Thus, the plates 100 have been represented n 100 n+ i, 100 n+ 2 and 100 n+ 3. Each plate has a wetted side, indicated by the index w, and a dry side, indicated by the index d. The wetted sides 100 n , w 100 n+ i,w, of the respective plates 100 n 100 n+i delimit a wet canal 102 w The dry surfaces 100 n +i,d, 100 n +2,d, of the respective plates 100 n +i, 100 n +2 delimit a dry channel 102d.. The wetted faces 100 n +2,w, 100 n +3,w, of the respective plates 100 n +2, 100 n +3 delimit a wet channel 102 w .

[0091] Thus, the stack is formed by an alternation between dry channels 102d and wet channels 102 w Each dry channel extends, along the longitudinal axis X, between a hot inlet 102d,in, through which the hot air to be cooled flows, and a cold outlet 102d. O The ventilation system is configured to allow airflow through both dry and wet ducts. The cold outlet is 102d. ou t may be intended to be connected to a cooled air exhaust, configured to blow cooled air into the room.

[0092] The air to be cooled is drawn into or supplied to the device by a ventilation system, not shown in Figure 2, through an inlet, described below. The ventilation system comprises one or more fans. In the example in Figure 2, the air to be cooled is admitted parallel to a longitudinal axis X. The inlet allows distribution of the air to be cooled to each hot inlet 102d,in of each dry channel 102 <j.

[0093] Each dry channel 102d is connected to a wet channel 102 w adjacent by a fluidic junction 102'. Each wet channel 102 w extends, along the longitudinal axis X, between the fluidic junction 102' and a wet outlet 102 w , ou t. The fluidic junction 102' is arranged between the hot inlet 102dj n and the cold outlet 102d, ou t, or at the cold outlet 102d, OThe fluidic junction 102' is advantageously closer to the cold outlet 102d, ou t than the hot inlet 102d,in. Thus, considering the direction of air flow in the dry channel, the fluidic junction 102' is disposed in the dry channel 102d, upstream of the cold outlet 102d, ou t or at the cold outlet level, the latter case corresponding to the example shown.

[0094] Device 1 is such that, under the effect of the ventilation system, a portion of the air flowing through a dry channel 102d is admitted into a wet channel 102 w being adjacent to it through the fluidic junction 102'. The fluidic junction 102' can be formed by a simple opening made in the plate separating the wet channel from the dry channel.

[0095] The stack extends, along the X-axis, between a first longitudinal end lli, x, at the hot inlet of each dry channel, and a second longitudinal end 112, x , at the cold outlet of each dry channel.

[0096] In the examples shown, the fluidic junction 102' is formed at the second longitudinal end ll2, x of the stack. Part of the cooled air is then drawn into at least one wet channel 102 w adjacent to the dry channel 102d, at the cold outlet 102d, out-The airflow in the wet channel 102 w is adjusted by the device's ventilation system. This is facilitated by the fact that the flow in each dry channel is preferentially carried out in a laminar regime, with the air velocity being, for example, between 0.5 ms 1 and 3 ms -1 .

[0097] The fluidic junction 102', coupled to the ventilation system, can be such that 50 to 75% of the airflow flows towards the cold outlet 20d, ou t, while 25% to 50% of the airflow passes through the fluidic junction, towards the wet channel 102 w Note that the airflow through each wet channel 102 w The flow, represented by solid arrows in Figure 2, is carried out in the opposite direction to the airflow in the adjacent dry channel, the latter being represented by a dashed arrow in Figure 2. The device is thus configured to operate counter-currently. The cooled air, emanating from each dry channel, is represented by a dashed arrow. The cold outlets 102d, ou t from each dry channel forms an air outlet, towards the room to be cooled.

[0098] In the example shown, the wet outlets 102 wThe outlets of each wet channel are connected to at least one conduit 104. The conduit 104 extends parallel to the transverse axis. The conduit 104 is open at the wet outlet of each wet channel, so as to collect humid air. The conduit 104 extends through each dry channel 102. <j en étant obturé. Ainsi, dans chaque canal sec 102d, l'air chaud et sec s'écoule de part et d'autre du conduit 104.

[0099] In the figures that follow, the legend associated with the arrows, representing the flows, is identical: dashed arrow for dry air, mixed dashed arrows for cooled air, and solid line arrows for humid air.

[0100] The stack length l can be between 5 cm and 1 m, and preferably between 10 cm and 30 cm. The length l is preferably:

[0101] - less than the width L, for example at least 1.5 times less, or even at least 2 times less or at least 3 times less than the width L.

[0102] - and / or less than the height h, for example at least 1.5 times less, or even at least 2 times less or at least 3 times less than the height h.

[0103] Two adjacent plates 100 n 100 n+i are spaced apart from each other, parallel to the Z-axis, by a distance preferably less than 2 cm, or even less than 1 cm or 0.5 cm. The spacing between two adjacent plates can advantageously be between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

[0104] Figure 3 shows a stack of 100 plates, alternately delimiting dry and wet channels. Figure 3 visualizes the stack from the cold outlet side 102d,out of each dry channel in the stack.

[0105] Each wet channel is connected to ducts 104, called wet ducts, which collect the humidified air in contact with the wetted faces of each wet channel. Each duct 104 is located at the first longitudinal end lli, x of the stacking, and forms a conduit extending parallel to the transverse axis Z. Examples of wet conduit configurations are described in WO2022184871, WO2024023193 or W02024052508.

[0106] First method of implementation

[0107] Figure 4A shows a first embodiment. It is a cross-section along a transverse plane, perpendicular to the transverse axis Z. According to this embodiment, the device comprises a stack 11. The stack 11 extends between an inlet 10 and an outlet 10. ou t. A particular feature of the device is that the admission 10 days n forms a channel, extending around an A10i intake axis nThe intake shaft is a central axis of the intake channel 10i n The 10j intake channel n extends from a 10'in inlet opening, along stack 11. Perpendicular to the inlet axis A10 in The inlet channel 10jn extends along a cross-section through which the air to be cooled flows. The inlet cross-section decreases with increasing distance from the inlet opening 10'. in This means that the further one moves away from the inlet opening, the smaller the inlet cross-section becomes. In the example shown, the inlet cross-section decreases gradually. Alternatively, the decrease in the inlet cross-section could be non-continuous with distance from the inlet opening.

[0108] The reduction of the admission section, depending on the distance from the admission opening 10'i nThis allows for balancing the flow rate in the dry channels of stack 11. In the part of the stack adjacent to the inlet opening 10'i n The intake section is wide, regardless of the flow position along the transverse axis Z. As one progresses through the intake channel, moving away from the intake opening 10'i n Part of the air flows into the dry channels of the stack. Reducing the cross-section helps maintain a flow rate as constant as possible along the inlet channel 10 in , from the first lateral end lli, y up to the second lateral extremity ll2, yof stack 11. Air tends to flow at approximately the same speed in the intake channel, regardless of its position relative to the intake opening. The flow velocity tends to be independent of, or less dependent than in the absence of a decreasing cross-section, the distance from the intake opening.

[0109] This promotes uniform airflow through each dry channel of the stack, along the Y-axis. The airflow in each dry channel is kept as constant as possible, or as independent as possible, of its position along the Y-axis (or its distance from the 10'i inlet opening). nHowever, the stack 11 is designed to allow optimal heat exchange between the air circulating in the dry channels 102d and the plates 100, due to the evaporation of water induced by the air circulating through the wet channels. Heat exchange is optimal for a uniform airflow in the wet channels. Reducing the cross-section of the inlet channel allows for a more uniform flow rate, close to the optimal flow rate, in each dry channel, from the first lateral end 11. y up to the second lateral end 112, y .

[0110] Thus, reducing the inlet cross-section allows for a near-uniform flow rate in the dry channels along the lateral axis, within a compact design. This results in a hydrodynamic pressure along the hot inlet 102d,in of each dry channel that can be considered constant.

[0111] The device defines an alignment axis A10, which is parallel here to the lateral axis Y of the stack 11. In the same transverse plane, the intake axis A10i n forms an acute angle 0i n with axis A10. The angle 0i n for example, it can be between 5° and 25°.

[0112] Figure 4B shows a variant of the first embodiment, in which the device comprises a group 10 consisting of a first stack 11, a second stack 12, a third stack 13, and a fourth stack 14. The stacks are arranged along an alignment axis A10. In this example, the alignment axis A10 is straight. The alignment axis A10 can be straight or curved. Each stack is assigned a rank, which corresponds to the stack's position relative to the inlet opening 10'. in The rank is lower the closer the stacking is to the 10' inlet opening. inThe inlet channel 10 extends along each stack, successively, according to increasing ranks. The inlet section decreases, continuously or discontinuously, as the rank increases.

[0113] Regardless of the embodiment, the number of stacks forming a group of stacks is preferably between 2 and 10.

[0114] In the examples illustrated in figures 4A and 4B, the cold air flows downstream of the stack, or of each stack, parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0115] Figures 4C and 4D illustrate respective variants of the embodiments of Figures 4A and 4B, in which the evacuation 10 ou t forms a drainage channel, which extends around a central drainage axis A10 ou t. The drain channel opens into a 10'out drain opening. The 10' drain channel out presents, perpendicular to the drainage axis, a drainage cross-section. Preferably, the drainage cross-section increases with decreasing distance from the drainage opening 10'out-. This means that the closer one gets to the drainage opening, the larger the drainage cross-section becomes. In the example shown, the drainage cross-section increases gradually. Alternatively, the increase in the drainage cross-section is non-continuous with increasing proximity to the drainage opening.

[0116] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4C:

[0117] - the admission opening 10' in is adjacent to a first lateral extremity lli, y of stacking 11;

[0118] - the 10' evacuation opening ou t is adjacent to a second lateral end ll2, y , opposite of the first lateral end, of stack 11.

[0119] The A10 evacuation route ou t forms an acute angle 0 ou t with the alignment axis A10. The angle 0 ou t can, for example, be between 3° and 25°.

[0120] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4D:

[0121] - the admission opening 10' in is adjacent to a first lateral end 10i, y of the stacking group 10;

[0122] - the 10' evacuation opening ou t is adjacent to a second lateral end 102, y , opposite of the first lateral end, of the stacking group 10.

[0123] Increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust duct as one approaches the exhaust opening serves the same purpose as that described in relation to the narrowing of the inlet duct: it involves accommodating the increasing volume of air exiting the stack as one approaches the exhaust opening. This increase in cross-sectional area near the exhaust opening allows for a flow rate that is as uniform as possible at the outlet of the dry ducts. The increase in cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust duct can be continuous or discontinuous, and this applies to all embodiments.

[0124] The combination of an inlet cross-section that decreases with distance from the inlet opening, and an outlet cross-section that increases with distance from the outlet opening, tends to uniformize the flow rate in the dry channels of the stack, regardless of their position. This allows the device to be placed under optimal, predetermined flow rate conditions, thus maximizing heat exchange in the dry channels.

[0125] Second embodiment

[0126] Figures 5A and 5B show an embodiment, called V-shaped, in which the device comprises: - a first group 10 of adjacent stacks 11, 12, 13, 14, arranged along a first alignment axis A10, whose respective ranks are 1, 2, 3 and 4;

[0127] - a second group 20 of adjacent stacks 21, 22, 23, 24, arranged along a second alignment axis A20, whose respective ranks are 1, 2, 3 and 4;

[0128] - a first intake channel 10 in extending from a first 10'i intake opening n , around a first intake axis A10i n The first inlet channel 10 extends opposite the first group of stacks 10. As in the first embodiment, the inlet cross-section of the first inlet channel decreases as the distance from the first inlet opening increases. The first inlet channel narrows with increasing ranks along the first stacks.

[0129] - a second intake channel 20 in , distinct from the first intake channel 10 in extending from a second 20' admission opening in , around a second A20i intake axis nThe second intake channel 20j n extends opposite the second group of stacks 20. As in the first embodiment, the inlet cross-section of the second inlet channel decreases as the distance from the second inlet opening 20' increases. The second inlet channel narrows with increasing ranks along the second stacks.

[0130] - a drainage channel 10 ou t, (or 20 ou t), common to both stacking groups. The drainage channel acts as both the first and second drainage channels. The drainage channel extends to a common drainage opening 10' ou t (or 20' ou t), around an evacuation axis A10 ou t (or A20 out). As in the first embodiment, the discharge cross-section of the discharge channel increases as the distance from the discharge opening decreases. The discharge channel widens along the stacks, according to their increasing ranks.

[0131] In this embodiment:

[0132] - the first group of stacks 10 extends between the first inlet channel 10 in and the common drainage channel;

[0133] - the second stacking group 20 extends between the second inlet channel 20j n and the common drainage channel;

[0134] - the first 10' intake opening in is adjacent to a first lateral end 10i, y of the first stacking group 10; - the second inlet opening 20'i n is adjacent to a first lateral end 20i, y of the second group of stacks 20;

[0135] - the common evacuation opening 10' ou t, (or 20' ou t) is adjacent to each second lateral end 102, y 202, y , opposite the first lateral end 10i, y 20i, y of each group of stacks.

[0136] In the example shown, the first alignment axis A10 and the second alignment axis A20 are straight. In configurations not shown, the first alignment axis A10 and / or the second alignment axis A20 may be curved.

[0137] When axes A10 and A20 are straight, they form alignment axes along which the respective stacks of the first group 10 and the second group 20 are aligned. The alignment axes A10 and A20 of two adjacent stacking groups are angularly separated by an acute angle α, such that 5° < α < 90°, α being preferably less than or equal to 60°, or 45°, or 30°. This feature also applies to the third embodiment described below.

[0138] According to this configuration, the first group of stacks 10 extends between the first inlet channel 10 and the common outlet channel 10 ou t, 20 ou t- The second group of stacks 20 extends between the second inlet channel 20 and the common outlet channel 10 ou t, 20 ou t-

[0139] Figure 5B schematically illustrates the implementation method in 3 dimensions.

[0140] Figures 6A and 6B represent a variant of the V-shaped embodiment, which includes a first and second group of stacks as described in relation to Figure 5A. In this variant, the device comprises:

[0141] - a 10i intake channel n (or 20), common to both stacking groups 10 and 20. The common inlet channel acts as both the first and second inlet channels. The inlet channel extends from an inlet opening 10' in (or 20' i n ), around an A10i intake axis n (or A20i) n As in previous embodiments, the inlet cross-section of the inlet channel decreases with distance from the inlet opening. The inlet channel narrows along the stacks, according to their increasing ranks.

[0142] - a first drainage channel 10 out, extending from a first evacuation opening 10' ou t, around a first evacuation axis A10 ou t. The first drainage channel 10 ou t extends opposite the first group of stacks 10. As in the first embodiment, the evacuation cross-section of the first evacuation channel increases as the distance from the first evacuation opening decreases. The first evacuation channel narrows with increasing rows along the first group of stacks.

[0143] - a second drainage channel 20 ou t, distinct from the first drainage channel 10 ou t, extending from a second evacuation opening 20' ou t, around a second evacuation axis A20 ou t- The second drainage channel 20 out extends opposite the second group of stacks 20. As in the first embodiment, the discharge cross-section of the second discharge channel increases as the distance from the second discharge opening decreases. The second discharge channel widens along the second group of stacks, according to their increasing ranks.

[0144] In this variant:

[0145] - the first group of stacks 10 extends between the common inlet channel 10 in 20 days n and the first drainage channel 10 ou t;

[0146] - the second group of stacks 20 extends between the common inlet channel 10j n 20 days n and the second drainage channel 20 ou t;

[0147] - the 10'i intake opening n (or 20'j n ) is adjacent to a first lateral end 10i, y , 20i, yof the first group of stacks 10 and of the second group of stacks 20;

[0148] - the first evacuation opening 10' ou t is adjacent to a second lateral end 102, y , opposite the first lateral end 10i, y , from the first group of stacks 10;

[0149] - the second 20' evacuation opening ou t is adjacent to a second lateral end 202, y , opposite the first lateral end 20i, y , from the second group of stacks 20;

[0150] In the example shown, the first alignment axis A10 and the second alignment axis A20 are straight. In configurations not shown, the first alignment axis A10 and / or the second alignment axis A20 may be curved.

[0151] Figure 6B schematically illustrates the implementation method in 3 dimensions.

[0152] The configurations of the second embodiment are called "V-shaped", because when the first axis A10 and the second axis A20 are straight, the axes converge and form an acute angle a, preferably between 5° and 90° or 60°, depending on the space constraints, in particular the length-to-width ratio of the device.

[0153] Third mode of implementation

[0154] Figures 7A and 7B show one embodiment, called W. The device comprises four groups of stacks 10, 20, 30, 40. In the example shown, each group of stacks comprises two stacks aligned along an axis.

[0155] The first group of stacks 10 comprises two stacks 11 and 12;

[0156] The second group of stacks 20 comprises two stacks 21 and 22;

[0157] The third group of stacks 30 comprises two stacks 31 and 32;

[0158] The fourth group of stacks 40 comprises two stacks 41 and 42.

[0159] The third embodiment is a combination of the two "V-shaped" configurations described above:

[0160] - Stacking groups 10 and 20 are arranged as described in relation to Figure 6A: they share the same inlet channel. The same applies to stacking groups 30 and 40. The characteristics described in relation to Figure 6A apply to stacking groups 10 and 20 as well as 30 and 40;

[0161] - Stacking groups 20 and 30 are arranged as described in relation to Figure 5A: they share the same discharge channel. The characteristics described in relation to Figure 5A apply to stacking groups 20 and 30.

[0162] According to this embodiment, the device comprises:

[0163] - a first drainage channel 10 out, as described in relation to figure 6A;

[0164] - a common intake channel 10 (or 20), extending around an intake axis A10i n (or A20 in ) acting as the first and second common intake channel for groups 10 and 20, as described in relation to the intake channel in Figure 6A;

[0165] - a common drainage channel 20 ou t (or 30 ou t), extending around an evacuation axis A20 ou t (or A30 ou t) acting as a second and third common evacuation channel for groups 20 and 30, analogous to the evacuation channel described in connection with figure 5A;

[0166] - an intake channel 30 (or 40), extending around an A30i intake axis n (or A40 in ) and acting as a third and fourth common inlet channel for groups 30 and 40, analogous to the inlet channel described in connection with Figure 6A;

[0167] - a fourth drainage channel 40 ou t, as described in relation to the first drainage channel: see Figure 6A. According to this embodiment:

[0168] - the first group of stacks 10 extends between the first discharge channel 10 ou t and the first intake channel 10i n , confused with the second 20j intake channel n (common admission channel 10 in 20 in )

[0169] - the second group of stacks 20 extends between the second discharge channel 20 ou t, confused with the third drainage channel 30 ou t (common drainage channel 20 O ut, 30 O ut), and the common inlet channel 10i n ,20i n ;

[0170] - the third group of stacks 30 extends between the common drainage channel 20 ou t, 30 ou t and the third intake channel 30i n, confused with the fourth intake channel 40j n (common inlet channel 30i) n 40 days n ) the fourth stacking group 40 extends between the common inlet channel 30i n , 40i n and the fourth drainage channel 40 ou t ;

[0171] - the cross-section of each intake channel decreases as one moves away from the opening of said channel;

[0172] - the cross-section of each drainage channel increases as one approaches the opening of said channel

[0173] Figure 7B represents a 3D view of the third embodiment.

[0174] Figures 8A and 8B are a variant of the third embodiment, in W, in which:

[0175] - Stacking groups 10 and 20 are arranged as described in relation to Figure 5A: they share the same discharge channel. The same applies to stacking groups 30 and 40. The characteristics described in relation to Figure 5A apply to stacking groups 10 and 20 as well as 30 and 40;

[0176] - Stacking groups 20 and 30 are arranged as described in relation to Figure 6A: they share the same inlet channel. The characteristics described in relation to Figure 6A apply to stacking groups 20 and 30.

[0177] According to this embodiment, the device comprises:

[0178] - a first intake channel 10i n , as described in connection with figure 5A;

[0179] - a common drainage channel 10 ou t (or 20 ou ), extending around an AlOout (or A20) evacuation axis out) acting as the first and second common discharge channels for stack groups 10 and 20, as described in the linked discharge channel of Figure 5A; - a common inlet channel 20 (or 30i) n ), extending around an A20in intake axis, (or A30 in ) acting as a second and third common inlet channel for groups 20 and 30, analogous to the inlet channel described in connection with Figure 6A;

[0180] - a 30 drainage channel ou t (or 40 ou t) , extending around an evacuation axis A30 ou t, (or A40 ou t) and acting as a third and fourth common drainage channel for groups 30 and 40, analogous to the drainage channel described in connection with Figure 5A;

[0181] - a fourth intake channel 40, as described in relation to the first intake channel: see figure 5A.

[0182] According to this embodiment:

[0183] - the first group of stacks 10 extends between the first inlet channel 10m and the first outlet channel 10 ou t, confused with the second drainage channel 20 ou t (common drainage channel 10 ou t, 20 ou t)

[0184] - the second stacking group 20 extends between the second inlet channel 20 in , confused with the third intake channel 30 in (common admission channel 20 in 30 in ), and the common drainage channel 10 O ut,20 O ut;

[0185] - the third group of stacks 30 extends between the common inlet channel 20m, 30j n and the third drainage channel 30 ou t, confused with the fourth drainage channel 40 ou t (common drainage channel 30 ou t, 40 ou (t) the fourth group of stacks 40 extends between the common drainage channel 30 ou t, 40ou tet the fourth intake channel 40m ;

[0186] - the cross-section of each intake channel decreases as one moves away from the opening of said channel;

[0187] - the cross-section of each drainage channel increases as one approaches the opening of said channel

[0188] Figure 8B represents a 3D view of the third embodiment.

[0189] Compared to the V configuration, the W configuration allows for a device with a greater width and a smaller length.

[0190] Fourth mode of implementation

[0191] Figures 9A to 9D show a fourth embodiment, which corresponds to an embodiment in which modules, according to the first embodiment (see Figure 4C), are juxtaposed. Figures 9A to 9C show a configuration in which four groups of stacks 10, 20, 30, and 40, each comprising two stacks, are juxtaposed. Figure 9D shows an embodiment obtained by juxtaposing three stacks.

[0192] According to this embodiment, the stacking groups can be aligned along alignment axes parallel to each other.

[0193] Each stacking group spans between:

[0194] - an n ième intake channel (n between 1 and 4), whose cross-section decreases with distance from its opening, called the intake opening. Each intake channel 10j n 20 days n 30 days n40 extends around an A10i intake axis n , A20i n , A30i n , A40 in .

[0195] - an n lème drainage channel (n between 1 and 4), whose cross-section increases as the distance from its opening, called the drainage opening, decreases. Each drainage channel 10 ou t, 20 ou t, 30 ou t, 40 ou t extends around an AlOout / A20 evacuation axis O ut, A30 ou t, A40 ou t-

[0196] The n inlet channels are distinct from each other. The n outlet channels are distinct from each other. The n inlet shafts are parallel to each other. The n outlet shafts are parallel to each other.

[0197] According to this embodiment, the inlet axes and the outlet axes can be parallel to each other.

[0198] Humid air collector.

[0199] Regardless of the embodiment, each stack comprises at least one conduit 104, into which each wet channel 102 opens w of the stack. The duct preferably extends along the transverse axis. Each stack may include a collector 105, into which each duct of the stack opens, so as to collect the humid air flowing from each duct. The collector 105 extends along the first transverse end and / or along the second transverse end of the stack.

[0200] The manifold is configured to extract the humid air exiting each wet channel to the outside of the room to be cooled. Each manifold 105 extends along a flow axis to a humid air extraction opening 106 at one lateral end of the stack, or group of stacks. Preferably, the cross-section of the manifold 105 increases as it approaches the humid air extraction opening 106, as shown in Figure 9C. This allows for a balance of flow rates in each wet channel, taking into account the increasing amount of collected humid air exiting each duct 104 as one approaches the humid air extraction opening.

[0201] This variant can be applied to all embodiments. It is understood that a better balance of flow rates in wet channels, along the lateral Y axis, also promotes a balance of flow rates in dry channels, along the lateral Y axis.

[0202] According to one possibility, when the transverse axis Z is vertical and the humid air collector extends below a stack, or group of stacks, the humid air collector may have a low point, forming a water reservoir. The water, used to humidify each wetted face of each stack, may flow by gravity and / or capillary action along the stack, along the transverse axis, until it reaches the water reservoir. The reservoir may optionally allow for the collection of water formed by condensation of the humid air in the collector 105.

[0203] Inlet / exhaust openings

[0204] Regardless of the configuration, the flow rate of cold air extracted through an exhaust opening is less than the flow rate of hot air admitted through an intake opening. The size of each exhaust opening can be adjusted to account for the difference in flow rates. In the first and fourth embodiments, the size of an exhaust opening coupled to a stack, or group of stacks, is preferably smaller than the size of the intake opening coupled to the same stack, or group of stacks.

[0205] In V-shaped configurations (see Figure 5A), the size of the exhaust opening, to which a stack or group of stacks is coupled, is preferably smaller than the combined size of the two inlet openings. In the configuration described in connection with Figure 6A, the combined size of the exhaust openings, to which the stacks or group of stacks are coupled, is preferably smaller than the size of the common inlet opening.

[0206] The invention makes it possible to obtain a device in which the airflows (dry air and / or humid air) tend to be uniform, along the lateral axis Y of each stack or group of stacks, due to the variable sections of the inlet channels and / or outlet channels as well as, where applicable, the humid air collectors.

[0207] The invention also provides a device with optimized dimensions based on length or width constraints. The device can be installed under a roof, in a false ceiling, or in an attic, with each intake and / or exhaust duct connected to a duct to supply one or more rooms. Each intake duct can be connected to an air intake duct for the air to be cooled. Each exhaust duct can be connected to a duct for directing the cooled air to the room to be cooled. The geometric configuration (length, width, V or W shape) allows for adaptation to space constraints, particularly the length and width of the device.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Indirect evaporative air cooling device (1), the device being intended to supply cooled air into a room, the device comprising: - at least one air intake channel (10 in 20 in 30 in 40 in ), designed to admit air to be cooled, extending from an inlet opening (10' in 20' in , 30' in , 40' in ), along an intake axis (A10i n , A10i n , A30i n , A40i n ) and presenting, perpendicular to the intake axis, an intake section; - at least one air vent (10 ou t, 20 ou t, 30 ou t, 40 ou t), configured to blow cooled air into the room; - at least one stacking (11, 12, 13, 14, 21, 22, 23, 24), comprising a plurality of plates (100), the plates being spaced from each other along a transverse axis (Z), each plate comprising • a dry face (100d), delimiting a dry channel (102d), configured to receive air to be cooled; • a wet side (100 w ), delimiting a wet canal (102 w ), configured to be wetted by a liquid to humidify a portion of the air that has flowed through the dry channel; the device being such that - the plates are arranged so as to form an alternation, along the transverse axis (Z), between dry channels and wet channels, each dry channel being adjacent to a wet channel; - the stack extends, along a longitudinal axis, between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end; - each dry channel extends, along the longitudinal axis (X), between the first longitudinal end, forming a hot inlet, connected to the air intake channel, and the second longitudinal end, forming a cold outlet, connected to the air exhaust, - Each wet channel is configured to receive a portion of the air flowing into the dry channel; the device being characterized in that: - the intake section decreases, along the intake axis, according to an increasing distance from the intake opening, so as to promote a uniformity of airflow through each dry channel.

2. Device according to claim 1, comprising a discharge channel (10 ou t), extending along an evacuation axis (A10 ou t, A20 ou t, A30 ou t, A40 out), and forming the air evacuation, the evacuation channel having, perpendicular to the evacuation axis, an evacuation section, the evacuation channel opening onto an evacuation opening (10' ou t, 20' out / 30' out / 40' out)- 3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the evacuation section increases, along the evacuation axis, and the lateral axis, as a function of a decreasing distance from the evacuation opening.

4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises several adjacent stacks arranged along a linear or curved alignment axis (A10, A20, A30, A40), forming a group of stacks (10, 20, 30, 40), each stack being assigned a rank corresponding to a position of the stack along the alignment axis, starting from the inlet opening (10' in 20' in , 30' in , 40' in) the stacks of the stacking group being arranged between the same air intake channel (10j n , 20, 30, 40) and the same air evacuation (10 ou t, 20 ou t, 30 ou t, 40 ou t).

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

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

7. Device according to claim 6, comprising: - a first group of stacks (10), comprising first stacks (11, 12, 13, 14) arranged along a first alignment axis (A10), each first stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the first stack along the first alignment axis, from the inlet opening, the first group of stacks extends between the inlet channel and the first outlet; - a second group of stacks (20), comprising second stacks (21, 22, 23, 24) arranged along a second alignment axis (A20), each second stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the second stack along the second alignment axis, from the inlet opening, the second group of stacks extending between the inlet channel, and the second outlet; - the intake channel (10 days n) extends between the first group of stacks (10) and the second group of stacks (20); - the intake section of the intake channel decreases, along the first group of stacks and the second group of stacks, according to increasing ranks.

8. Device according to claim 7, comprising: - a first drainage channel (10 ou t), extending along a first drainage axis, and forming the first drainage, up to a first drainage opening (10' ou t), the first drainage channel having, perpendicular to the first drainage axis, a first drainage section; - a second drainage channel (10 ou t), extending along a second drainage axis, and forming the second drainage, up to a second drainage opening (20' out), the second drainage channel having, perpendicular to the second drainage axis, a second drainage section; - the first evacuation section and / or the second evacuation section increase, respectively along the first group of stacks and the second group of stacks, according to the increasing ranks.

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

10. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: - a first stack (11), extending between a first inlet channel (10j n ) and the air exhaust, the first intake channel extending from a first intake opening (10'i n), along a first intake axis, and presenting, perpendicular to the first intake axis, a first intake section; Tl - a second stack (21), extending between a second inlet channel (20j n ), separate from the first intake channel, and the air exhaust, the second intake channel extending from a second intake opening (20' i n ), along a second intake axis, and presenting, perpendicular to the second intake axis, a second intake section; the device being such that: - the first inlet section and / or the second inlet section decreases, respectively along the first inlet axis and / or the second inlet axis, according to an increasing distance from the first inlet opening or the second inlet opening; - the air evacuation extends between the first stack and the second stack.

11. Device according to claim 10, comprising: - a first group of stacks (10), comprising first stacks (11, 12, 13, 14) arranged along a first alignment axis (A10), each first stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the first stack along the first alignment axis, from the inlet opening, the first group of stacks extending between the first inlet channel and the air outlet; - a second group of stacks (20), comprising second stacks (21, 22, 23, 24) arranged along a second alignment axis (A20), each second stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the second stack along the second alignment axis, from the inlet opening, the second group of stacks extending between the second inlet channel, and the air outlet; - the air evacuation extends between the first group of stacks and the second group of stacks; - the inlet section of the first inlet channel and the second inlet channel decreases, along the first group of stacks and the second group of stacks respectively, according to increasing ranks.

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

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

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

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

16. Device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, comprising: - a first group of stacks (10), comprising first stacks (11, 12, 13, 14) arranged along a first alignment axis (A10), each first stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the first stack along the first alignment axis, from the inlet opening, the first group of stacks extending between the first inlet channel and the first outlet channel; - a second group of stacks (20), comprising second stacks (21, 22, 23, 24) arranged along a second alignment axis (A20), each second stack being assigned a rank, corresponding to a position of the second stack along the second alignment axis, from the inlet opening, the second group of stacks extending between the second inlet channel, the second outlet channel; - the intake section of the first intake channel and / or the second intake channel decreases, along the first group of stacks and / or the second group of stacks respectively, according to increasing ranks; - the evacuation section of the first evacuation channel and / or the second evacuation channel increases, along the first group of stacks and / or the second group of stacks respectively, according to the increasing ranks.

17. Device according to claim 16, wherein the first alignment axis (A10) and the second alignment axis (A20) are parallel.

18. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stack or stacks comprise: • at least one conduit (104), into which each wet channel of the stack opens, the conduit extending along the transverse axis; • a collector (105), into which each conduit of the stack opens, so as to collect the humid air flowing from each conduit; • the stack extends, along the transverse axis, between a first transverse end and a second transverse end; • the collector extends along the first transverse end (lli, z ) and / or a second transverse end (ll 2 z ), along a flow axis, up to an extraction opening (106).

19. Device according to claim 18, wherein the collector extends, perpendicular to the flow axis, along a cross-section, said cross-section increasing along a decreasing distance from the extraction opening.

20. Device according to any one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the transverse axis being vertical, the collector is disposed below the stack, the collector forming a water reservoir.

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