System for cooling and / or heating a supplied process medium flow

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) for cooling and / or heating a supplied process medium flow (P), preferably air, from an at least substantially closed room and / or at least substantially closed circulation system, in particular an air conditioning system (1) for controlling the air temperature of buildings, in particular residential, office, administrative and / or industrial buildings, preferably according to DIN 1946 (as at October 2024), further preferably for controlling the temperature of air during the production and / or processing of food, having at least one first thermal energy storage device (2) having at least one energy storage material (3) for cooling by storing thermal energy and / or heating by releasing thermal energy, at least one second thermal energy storage device (4) having at least one energy storage material (3) for cooling by storing thermal energy and / or heating by releasing thermal energy, wherein the energy storage devices (2, 4) are arranged in such a way that, alternately and / or selectively, the process medium flow (P) is supplied to the first energy storage device (2) and, in particular simultaneously, the second energy storage device (4), in particular for reactivating the energy storage material (3), is supplied with an external medium flow (A), in particular having external air, from outside the room and / or the circulation system, or the second energy storage device (4) is supplied with the process medium flow (P) and, in particular simultaneously, an external medium flow (A), in particular having external air, is supplied to the first energy storage device (2), in particular for reactivating the energy storage material (3), from outside the room and / or the circulation system.

Description

[0001] System for cooling and / or heating a supplied process medium stream

[0002] The invention relates to a system for cooling and / or heating a supplied process medium stream, preferably air, from an at least substantially enclosed space and / or at least substantially closed circulating system, in particular an air conditioning system for the temperature control of buildings, especially residential, office, administrative and / or industrial buildings, preferably in accordance with DIN 1946 (October 2024 edition), further preferably for the temperature control of air during the production and / or processing of foodstuffs.

[0003] The invention relates in particular to the technical field of treating different media, such as air, a gaseous or liquid medium, and / or water. In particular, the present invention relates to the temperature control of media, especially the heating and / or cooling of the medium flow.

[0004] The present invention particularly preferably relates to the technical field of air handling systems, which can also be referred to as HVAC systems or ventilation systems. Air handling systems are systems that influence the condition of the room air with regard to temperature, humidity, and / or air quality. Furthermore, air handling systems are used to ensure air exchange in buildings or in rooms within buildings, optionally also involving thermal treatment of the air.

[0005] A ventilation system may have an outdoor air intake, so that (fresh) outside air is supplied to the system as an alternative or supplement to the air already present inside the building. The ventilation system is also used to remove stale or used indoor air and to clean it as needed.

[0006] The functions of air handling units (AHUs) can vary depending on their application. Besides ventilation, it is also known in the art that AHUs are used for air conditioning or thermal treatment of the air. Furthermore, AHUs can meet high air quality requirements, especially when used to provide cleanrooms or cleanroom environments. They can also be used to filter out certain hazardous substances, thereby increasing safety within the building.

[0007] In conventional HVAC systems, the use of outside air for cooling or heating has been avoided, primarily for hygienic reasons. The fear of contamination in the process stream being recirculated has led to the decision to forgo integrating outside air into the temperature control process.

[0008] Consequently, in practice, mechanical cooling or heating has been used to heat or cool the air in closed circuits.

[0009] This approach has the disadvantage that a high energy demand is required for temperature control.

[0010] This high energy demand is particularly disadvantageous in times of energy scarcity and high energy costs.

[0011] The object of the present invention is now to avoid or at least substantially reduce the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0012] The aforementioned problem is solved, at least substantially, by a system according to claim 1.

[0013] The system according to the invention is designed for cooling and / or heating a supplied process medium stream, preferably air, from an at least substantially enclosed space and / or at least substantially closed circulating system.

[0014] The terms "(process) medium flow" and "(process) medium" are used synonymously within the meaning of the present invention, whereby it is understood that the system is permeated by the medium, in particular air, whereby the medium forms the medium flow within the system. In particular, the system is designed as an air handling system for the temperature control of buildings, especially residential, office, administrative and / or industrial buildings, preferably in accordance with DIN 1946 (October 2024 edition).

[0015] The term "air handling system" (AHU) refers in particular to an AHU according to DIN 1946 (October 2024 edition). DIN 1946 comprises several parts in which AHUs for various applications are defined and specified with regard to their requirements. In particular, the AHU according to the invention is intended for installation in air purification systems for buildings.

[0016] Accordingly, an air handling unit (AHU) within the meaning of the present invention preferably does not refer to a mobile, stationary unit (also called a secondary air unit) that can be used, in particular, in a mobile or transportable manner within a room for the purpose of purifying the air present in the room. The AHU is therefore neither mobile in its assembled state nor transportable (in its installed state).

[0017] Air handling units (AHUs) belong to the technical field of air technology, which is divided into indoor air technology and process air technology according to DIN 1946 (October 2024 edition). AHUs are part of the field of indoor air technology (ventilation), which is further divided into natural ventilation systems and mechanical air handling units. AHUs exist for various applications and with and without a ventilation function. A primary function of AHUs is to supply living spaces and / or workspaces with breathable air that is free of viruses and / or bacteria. In particular, AHUs can also be referred to as ventilation systems, which can be used in the ventilation systems of office buildings or larger residential buildings. The AHUs are usually not located in a room but are integrated into the ventilation system itself. In AHUs according to the invention, outside air is preferably added to and / or supplied to the ventilation system.

[0018] In particular, the HVAC system can be designed to enable air exchange, whereby contaminated room air is preferably extracted continuously from the room or the recirculation system and tempered within the system, and, in particular, outside air (also referred to as fresh air) is supplied, which will be discussed in more detail below. Furthermore, HVAC systems can perform various tasks – for example, for the ventilation and / or air conditioning of rooms, but also, if necessary, for the extraction of hazardous substances. Air conditioning refers specifically to heating, cooling, humidifying, and / or dehumidifying the room air.

[0019] According to the invention, air handling units (AHUs) are preferably operated with a proportion of recirculated air in addition to the outside air – in so-called mixed air operation – and the subsequently treated air can then be supplied to the rooms. The recirculated air can be taken, in particular, from the exhaust air, which is preferably taken from the rooms. A portion of the exhaust air can be provided that is not fed back into the ventilation system via recirculated air and is discharged to the outside; this portion can also be referred to as exhaust air.

[0020] The system according to the invention is particularly preferred for temperature control of air during the production and / or processing of food. Advantageously, the system according to the invention can meet the hygiene requirements for food handling, but—unlike in the prior art—operates with significantly less energy. This drastically reduces energy costs, ensuring not only the economical but also the environmentally sound operation of the system.

[0021] The system according to the invention comprises at least one first thermal energy storage device comprising at least one energy storage material for cooling by storing thermal energy and / or heating by releasing thermal energy, and at least one second thermal energy storage device comprising at least one energy storage material for cooling by storing thermal energy and / or heating by releasing thermal energy.

[0022] The energy storage materials of the first and second energy storage devices can be identical or different. In particular, the energy storage material enables the efficient use of the thermal energy stored within it to temperature-control the medium flowing through the energy storage device. This allows for energy-saving temperature control.According to the invention, the energy storage devices are arranged such that the process medium flow is alternately and / or selectively supplied to the first energy storage device and, in particular simultaneously, an external medium flow, especially comprising outside air, is supplied to the second energy storage device, particularly for reactivating the energy storage material, or the process medium flow is supplied to the second energy storage device and, in particular simultaneously, an external medium flow, especially comprising outside air, is supplied to the first energy storage device, particularly for reactivating the energy storage material.

[0023] The system according to the invention differs from the prior art in that it contains two different energy storage devices, which, however, are not simultaneously supplied with the same medium flow, but are operated in two deliberately different states. Firstly, a temperature control state is provided, in which the medium flowing through the energy storage device is cooled or heated to the target temperature. Thermal energy from the energy storage device is used for cooling or heating. Secondly, a reactivation state is provided, in which the thermal energy extracted from or added to the energy storage device in the temperature control state is supplied or removed. In particular, when one energy storage device is in the temperature control state, the other energy storage device is in the reactivation state, and vice versa.

[0024] Accordingly, the temperature control and reactivation states can be used alternately to enable continuous temperature control of the process medium flow. In particular, the reactivation process of the energy storage devices can be efficiently integrated into the overall temperature control process.

[0025] Particularly preferably, the external medium flow supplied to the energy storage device in the reactivation state can also be made available to the closed-loop system or the room, especially together with the cooled or heated process medium flow. The temperature-controlled process medium flow can, in particular, be made available to the at least substantially closed room or the at least substantially closed closed-loop system together with the external medium flow leaving an energy storage device. In this way, the medium circulation process of the closed loop can nevertheless be opened.

[0026] In addition, the temperature of the external medium flow can also be used to save energy if required.

[0027] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and / or the second energy storage device is designed as a latent heat storage device.

[0028] A latent heat storage system, also known as a phase change or PCM storage system, is a heat storage device that stores a significant portion of the supplied thermal energy in the form of conversion enthalpy, formerly referred to as latent heat. This latent heat can occur, for example, during a phase change from solid to liquid. The stored energy is particularly hidden because the temperature of a substance does not continue to rise despite the addition of heat until the phase change is complete. Due to the storage of large amounts of heat within a narrow temperature range around the phase change point, latent heat storage systems can outperform heat storage systems that only utilize thermal energy, formerly referred to as sensible heat, such as hot water storage systems.

[0029] According to the invention, different materials with very different melting points can be used in the latent heat storage systems.

[0030] The design of an energy storage device as a latent heat storage system therefore enables the use of the thermal energy stored in the latent heat storage system for the desired temperature control of the process medium flow.

[0031] In this context, it is particularly preferred that the energy storage material comprises and / or consists of a phase change material (PCM). PCM materials can form a latent heat storage medium and consequently, in particular, enable the temperature control of the process medium flow in one of the energy storage devices according to the invention. Furthermore, in a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the switching of the process medium flow supply to one of the energy storage devices can be carried out depending on the thermal energy stored in the energy storage device and / or the temperature of the discharged process medium flow and / or the temperature of the discharged external medium flow.Accordingly, the change can be specifically initiated based on the prevailing conditions in the system – either by operating personnel or by equipment provided in or associated with the system, such as a control unit. Furthermore, in other embodiments, a change in the supply of the process medium flow to one of the energy storage devices can also be carried out after a predetermined time interval.

[0032] In particular, the changeover allows the process medium flow to be supplied to a different energy storage device for temperature control if the previous energy storage device can no longer adequately guarantee the desired temperature control or can only do so for a short period of time. Consequently, the preferred changeover ensures that a sufficiently "charged" energy storage device is always available for treating the process medium flow.

[0033] The "charging" or reactivation of the respective energy storage device can be achieved by treatment with the external medium flow.

[0034] A control device for controlling and / or regulating the selective supply of the process medium flow to the first or the second energy storage device is particularly preferred, especially depending on the thermal energy stored in the respective energy storage device and / or the target temperature range to be achieved for the medium flow leaving the first and / or the second energy storage device. The control device can, in particular, perform the corresponding processing operations for determining or estimating the thermal energy in the energy storage device, so that the control device can preferably also include the necessary processing means.

[0035] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the energy storage devices can be connected in parallel in terms of flow direction and / or arranged in parallel in terms of flow characteristics and / or in the flow path of the process medium stream. This arrangement is to be understood in particular as meaning that the energy storage devices are not arranged one after the other in the flow path and thus are not traversed by a medium stream sequentially (especially at the same time). In contrast, the parallel arrangement of the energy storage devices is to be understood in particular as meaning that they can be supplied separately from one another and, in particular, not simultaneously with the process medium stream. Consequently, the parallel arrangement of the energy storage devices can, in particular, enable the switching of the process medium stream supply to one of the energy storage devices.The parallel arrangement also allows for the reactivation of the energy storage devices by supplying an external medium flow as needed. This flow can then pass through the respective energy storage device for reactivation, particularly without the process medium flow or with only a small proportion of the process medium flow. Thus, fluid dynamics enable the energy storage devices to be decoupled as needed, so that, in particular, one energy storage device can only be permeated by either the process medium flow or the external medium flow. In principle, the arrangement allows both devices to be permeated by the process medium flow simultaneously, but this is prevented by appropriate means.

[0036] The latent heat storage system and / or the first and / or second energy storage device can be modularly constructed from multiple batteries. In particular, the first and / or second energy storage device comprises a plurality of batteries, especially phase-change batteries. The batteries can, in particular, contain the energy storage material, each of which can be enclosed in a casing. The casing can preferably completely surround and / or enclose the energy storage material. Thus, the casing also provides protection for the energy storage material. Furthermore, the casing ensures that the respective medium flow does not come into direct contact with the energy storage material, but rather indirectly via the casing. Contamination of the medium flow can therefore also be prevented.

[0037] In particular, the batteries of an energy storage device can be spaced apart from each other, allowing the respective medium current to flow between them. This enables the medium current to have the largest possible contact area with the batteries and to be efficiently temperature-controlled, especially by utilizing the thermal energy of all the batteries.

[0038] To regulate the temperature of the process medium flow, various systems may require the use of multiple batteries. In such cases, grouping the batteries can be advantageous, particularly to simplify installation and / or mounting. Battery blocks can be used for this purpose. Multiple batteries can be assigned to and / or arranged within a single battery block. Ideally, several battery blocks can be used in a single energy storage device, which significantly improves battery handling.

[0039] Between 2 and 50, preferably between 2 and 10, battery blocks can be provided in an energy storage device. The actual number can depend on the number of batteries arranged in the battery block and the desired temperature difference (temperature rise or temperature drop) of the process medium flow in the energy storage device. In particular, between 2 and 1000, and especially between 3 and 100, batteries can be arranged in a single battery block. The number of batteries provided in a battery block can also depend on the size of the individual batteries and the amount of energy storage material contained within them.

[0040] Preferably, the battery blocks are spaced apart from each other. Even more preferably, the batteries within a battery block are also spaced apart from each other, in particular connected to each other via suitable connecting means. Accordingly, connecting means, such as a holding frame, can be used, especially for connecting the batteries to form a battery block.

[0041] Advantageously, a battery pack can be handled as a single, integrated unit and / or forms a single unit. The unit can also be formed by connecting the individual batteries to each other via connectors, thus preferably enabling joint handling.

[0042] For the targeted inlet and outlet of the individual media flows, appropriate means can be provided, which in particular enable targeted flow guidance. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and / or the second energy storage device can have at least one first inlet and at least one first outlet for the process medium flow inlet and outlet, respectively. Alternatively or additionally, the first and / or the second energy storage device can have at least one further inlet and at least one further outlet for the external medium flow inlet and outlet. The inlet and outlet means, in particular, enable the supply of the respective medium flow via corresponding openings. These means can also be designed to allow for closure as needed.

[0043] In particular, at least one flap, especially a plurality of ventilation flaps, and / or at least one valve for opening and / or closing is assigned to the first and / or subsequent inlet means and / or the first and / or subsequent outlet means. The flap(s) or valve allows for the controlled introduction of the respective medium flow. In particular, a first and / or subsequent inlet means can also be provided simultaneously for supplying both energy storage devices. This enables a space-saving design. Furthermore, it can alternatively or additionally be provided that a first and / or subsequent outlet means is provided for discharging the medium flow from both energy storage devices.In further embodiments, a first inlet means for the first energy storage device and a second first inlet means for the further energy storage device can be provided, and two further inlet means, two first outlet means, and two further outlet means for the energy storage devices can also be provided. The provision of the respective means can be carried out, in particular, depending on the desired flow pattern and design of the system.

[0044] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a temperature control device for heating and / or cooling the external medium flow is provided for temperature control of the external medium flow before it is supplied to one of the energy storage devices.

[0045] The temperature control unit can ensure that the temperature of the external medium flow, before it enters one of the energy storage devices, is the temperature required for the efficient reactivation of the energy storage material within that device. Therefore, the temperature control unit serves primarily to regulate the thermal energy in the energy storage material. The external medium flow subsequently exiting the energy storage device can also be used to regulate the indoor climate in the building, particularly in residential, office, administrative, and / or industrial buildings.

[0046] For example, if thermal energy stored in the energy storage material is to be extracted, a cold external medium flow can be supplied to the energy storage device. This flow then releases the stored thermal energy, thus reactivating the energy storage material. Conversely, if thermal energy is to be added to the energy storage material, a warm / hot external medium flow can be supplied. This flow causes thermal energy to be stored in the energy storage material, also contributing to its reactivation. These different operating modes result from the fact that the energy storage device either cools or heats the process medium flow, depending on the process requirements.If the process medium flow is to be heated, thermal energy is extracted from the energy storage material, which can then be added back to the energy storage material via the external medium flow during the reactivation state. If the process medium flow is to be cooled, thermal energy is extracted from the process medium flow and added to the energy storage material, after which the thermal energy can then be extracted back to the energy storage material via the external medium flow during the reactivation state.

[0047] The temperature control device can preferably be designed for heating and / or cooling the external medium flow.

[0048] Preferably, the temperature control device may include at least one infrared lamp. Alternatively or additionally, the temperature control device may also include at least one heat exchanger, in particular a plate heat exchanger and / or tube heat exchanger. The plate heat exchanger and / or tube heat exchanger may, in particular, use a temperature control medium, for example water, to cool or heat the external medium flow. The heat transfer at the plates and / or tubes of the heat exchanger is used for temperature control. The at least one infrared lamp may heat the medium through the radiation it provides.

[0049] Furthermore, an injection device for injecting a liquid, in particular water and / or disinfectant, is preferably provided for humidity control of the external medium flow and / or for disinfection. The injection device can introduce liquid into the external medium flow, preferably in droplet form and / or aerosol form.

[0050] Preferably, the injection device for humidifying the air is located upstream of the temperature control device.

[0051] Furthermore, as previously explained, the liquid can contain a disinfectant or similar substance, which further improves air purification. The use of an injection system for disinfection is particularly advantageous in the catering and / or process industries. The injection system also allows the unit to regulate the humidity in the building or in individual rooms within the building. Excessively dry air poses a risk to the health of the people in the building, so humidity control can contribute to an improved indoor climate.

[0052] In a further preferred embodiment, at least one blower unit is provided for the intake and / or discharge of the process medium flow and / or the external medium flow. The blower unit can also be controlled and / or regulated by the control unit. In particular, the blower unit can draw the process medium flow from the room and / or the at least substantially closed circuit system and supply it to the system. Preferably, the blower unit can ensure the flow of the process medium flow and / or the external medium flow within the system and its supply to the respective energy storage device.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, at least one further blower unit can be provided for drawing in and / or blowing out the respective medium flow from each energy storage device. In further embodiments, only one further blower unit can be provided for only one energy storage device. Like the blower unit, the further blower unit can also ensure the desired flow direction for the medium flows in the system and also support the targeted discharge from the system. The further blower units can, in particular, be arranged such that the discharge of the respective medium flow from the respective energy storage device—i.e., the external medium flow and the process medium flow, each from an energy storage device—occurs in such a way that it can be fed into the enclosed space and / or the at least substantially closed circuit system.Furthermore, in other preferred embodiments, it can also be provided that only the process medium flow treated in the respective energy storage device can be supplied to the at least substantially enclosed space and / or the at least substantially closed circuit system, while the external medium flow leaving the energy storage device can, in particular, be discharged to the outside. Preferably, however, the external medium flow is also used for supplying the at least substantially enclosed space and / or the at least substantially closed circuit system.

[0054] Preferably, sensors are provided to determine various operating parameters of the system. Different sensor types can be used. The sensors enable the system's operation to be monitored, which in turn can be used for controlling and / or regulating the system. The measurement data acquired by the sensors can be processed, in particular, in the control unit in such a way that the control unit can initiate a change in the supply to the energy storage devices. In addition, other individual operating parameters, such as the flow rate of a medium stream, the volumetric flow rate of a medium stream, the temperature of the external medium stream supplied to an energy storage device, etc., can be controlled and / or regulated as needed.

[0055] Consequently, the sensors can be designed to record measurement data to be transmitted to the control unit.

[0056] A first temperature sensor is particularly preferred for determining the temperature of the process medium flow supplied to the system. This temperature measurement data can be used to adjust other operating parameters as needed and enables efficient temperature control of the process medium flow to the specified target temperature or within the specified target temperature range. The target temperature range can be specified externally, in particular, depending on the required temperature of the process medium flow to be supplied to the enclosed space and / or the at least substantially closed circuit system.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, a further temperature sensor can be provided to determine the temperature of the external medium flow. This temperature can then be used to regulate and / or control the operation of the temperature control unit by the control device.

[0058] Furthermore, at least one volume flow sensor can be provided to determine the volume flow rate of the process medium supplied to the system. This volume flow rate can also be used to enable more targeted operation of the system.

[0059] Finally, at least one additional volume flow sensor can also be provided to determine the external medium flow supplied to the system.

[0060] The aforementioned sensor variants are not to be understood as an exhaustive list, but rather illustrate that different sensors can be used in the system, which can enable both monitoring of the operation and control and / or regulation by the control device.

[0061] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to determine and / or ascertain and / or estimate the thermal energy stored in the respective energy storage unit based on the measurement data acquired by the sensors. The thermal energy thus determined can be used by the control unit to predetermine the time for switching the supply of the process medium flow to another energy storage unit.

[0062] In this context, it is understood that more than two energy storage devices can be present if required. In particular, the process medium flow is then not supplied to all energy storage devices simultaneously, but alternately as needed. When the process medium flow is no longer supplied to the respective energy storage device, reactivation of the energy storage material can be achieved via the external medium flow, as described previously. Therefore, even with multiple energy storage devices, the previously described switch between the reactivation state and the temperature control state can be enabled for each individual energy storage device.

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured to determine, ascertain, and / or estimate, in particular for controlling and / or regulating, the temperature of the medium flow leaving the first and / or second energy storage device. This determination can be made by the control unit, in particular, based on the measurement data acquired by the sensors.

[0064] Furthermore, the control device is specifically designed to control and / or regulate the volume flow of the respective medium flow supplied to the respective energy storage device, particularly depending on the determined temperature of the medium flow leaving the first and / or the second energy storage device.

[0065] The control unit can therefore monitor the operation of the system in various ways, not only based on the measurement data acquired by the sensors, but also, and in particular, intervene in the system's operation through targeted control and / or regulation to optimize the temperature control process. This enables efficient, long-term, and stable operation of the system for temperature control of the process medium flow.

[0066] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first cleaning device can be provided for cleaning the external medium flow before it is supplied to one of the energy storage devices. The first cleaning device can, in particular, ensure that the external medium flow is supplied to the respective energy storage device with the required purity and, if necessary, subsequently to the at least substantially enclosed space and / or the at least substantially closed circulation system. In this way, hygienic requirements can be met. Undesired contamination of the supplied medium flow in the at least substantially enclosed space and / or the at least substantially closed circulation system can also be prevented.

[0067] Furthermore, a further cleaning device for purifying the process medium flow before it is fed to one of the energy storage devices can preferably be provided. This further cleaning device can, in particular, be provided independently of the cleaning device for the external medium flow. The further cleaning device can likewise increase the purity of the process medium flow and preferably efficiently meet the hygienic requirements.

[0068] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first and / or the further cleaning device has at least one irradiation device for UV irradiation, in particular UV-C irradiation, of the medium flowing through the irradiation device, in particular air, preferably for inactivating microorganisms such as bacteria, germs, mold and / or viruses located in the medium.

[0069] The irradiation device enables, in particular, so-called UV disinfection. The term "UV disinfection" refers to a process in which microorganisms—which can also be called microbes—are killed or inactivated by treatment with UV radiation. In this context, UV disinfection, as described in the present invention, can be used for exhaust air treatment. Thus, the air can be kept "clean" or "pure."

[0070] For the purposes of the present invention, UV-C radiation is understood to mean radiation with a wavelength between 100 nm and 280 nm, in particular where UV-C radiation with a wavelength between 200 nm and 280 nm, preferably between 240 nm and 280 nm, is used in the context of UV disinfection.

[0071] UV disinfection primarily utilizes a wavelength of UV radiation between 200 and 300 nm, although any specific value within this range is possible. The emitted UV radiation has a bactericidal effect – meaning it is absorbed by DNA and / or RNA, forming thymine (DNA) or uracil dimers. This prevents the reproduction of genetic material or further multiplication. Thus, microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, yeasts, and fungi can be rendered harmless by UV radiation within a very short time, often within fractions of a second.

[0072] At sufficiently high irradiance, the UV disinfection method according to the invention is a reliable and environmentally friendly method, since in particular no addition of further chemicals is necessary. A particularly advantageous feature is that microorganisms cannot develop resistance to UV radiation. Ultimately, the UV radiation can also interrupt the reproduction of microorganisms, thereby preventing, in particular, the contamination of foodstuffs or infection in humans or animals.

[0073] The UV disinfection process can also be referred to as "Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation" (UVGI) and / or microbial disinfection, particularly when UV radiation with a wavelength of 254 nm is used. The use of UV disinfection is particularly advantageous for virus inactivation in air purification, as the invention makes it possible to remove viruses from large volumes of air.

[0074] Preferably, the irradiation device has at least one housing inlet and one housing outlet for the medium and at least one UV-emitting radiation source arranged inside the housing for irradiating the medium flowing through the housing.

[0075] The at least one radiation source can emit UV radiation in a wavelength range of at least 240 nm to 300 nm, preferably in a wavelength range of 250 nm to 285 nm, more preferably from 270 nm to 280 nm, and particularly from 254 nm ± 10% and / or from 278 nm ± 10%. Wavelengths in the aforementioned range enable efficient UV disinfection with a high degree of inactivation of bacteria, viruses, etc.

[0076] Preferably, the housing is designed on its inner surface facing the radiation source to be at least partially, and preferably fully, reflective with a reflectance of at least 0.6 for the UV radiation emitted by the radiation source, particularly where the reflectance is at least 0.7, preferably at least 0.8, and more preferably at least 0.9. The interior of the housing, or the enclosed interior space of the housing, can be considered, in particular, as a UV treatment chamber for treating the medium.

[0077] Preferably, the inner wall is a reflector, which is further preferably designed as a housing component inserted into the housing and / or replaceable.

[0078] In the context of the invention, reflectance is understood as the ratio between reflected and incident intensity as an energy quantity. The reflectance can depend, in particular, on the material of the inner wall onto which the radiation strikes and on the radiation itself.

[0079] Preferably, the housing has a length between 30 and 200 cm, more preferably between 80 and 160 cm. The housing can have a diameter, preferably an inner diameter, between 10 and 100 cm, more preferably between 15 and 50 cm. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the housing has a length between 80 and 160 cm and an inner diameter between 10 and 20 cm. With the aforementioned dimensions, efficient inactivation of microorganisms can be ensured, particularly for a medium flow with a flow velocity between 1 and 20 m / s, more preferably between 2 and 10 m / s.

[0080] Furthermore, in another preferred embodiment, the radiation source may comprise a plurality of light sources, preferably LEDs. Alternatively or additionally, the radiation source may have an at least substantially elongated and / or rod-shaped form. In particular, the radiation source may have a length of at least 5 cm, preferably between 5 cm and 30 cm, and more preferably between 10 cm and 20 cm. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the radiation source has an elongated shape with a plurality of light sources, preferably LEDs, arranged along an array.

[0081] Furthermore, the radiation source can have a diameter of at least 1 cm, preferably between 1 cm and 20 cm, more preferably between 2 cm and 10 cm, and particularly 5 cm ± 1 cm. The diameter of the radiation source can also depend on the diameter of the light source used in the radiation source.

[0082] Alternatively or additionally, the radiation source can also be designed as a low-pressure UV lamp, in particular a low-pressure mercury discharge lamp, and / or as a medium-pressure UV lamp. At least one radiation source can also be designed as an excimer lamp (excimer = excited dimer), which can be used in particular to improve the disinfection function. Preferably, alternatively or additionally, ionization and / or plasma generators and / or rods can be used in the irradiation device, which can be used in particular to further improve air disinfection.

[0083] Ultimately, the radiation source can provide the UV radiation, especially UV-C radiation, required to inactivate the microorganisms. The radiation source can achieve an intensity of between 1000 and 8000 W / m² at its surface. 2 preferably between 2000 and 6000 W / m 2and in particular of 4200 W / m 2 exhibit + / - 20%.

[0084] Furthermore, the radiation source can provide a power output of at least 100 W, preferably 190 W ± 10%. The power output in the UV-C radiation range can preferably be between 10 and 100 W, more preferably between 50 and 70 W. The intensity of the radiation emitted by the radiation source can decrease with the square of the distance. This reduction in amplitude can be counteracted by the achieved constructive interference.

[0085] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of radiation sources are arranged in the housing. In particular, the housing can contain between 2 and 10, preferably between 2 and 5, radiation sources. Each radiation source can also comprise a plurality of light sources, preferably LEDs. The multiple radiation sources provide radiation that is at least substantially uniform along the length of the housing and / or sufficient to inactivate the microorganisms.

[0086] Preferably, a pre-filter is arranged before the first inlet and / or the housing inlet. The pre-filter is preferably designed to filter out particles with a diameter greater than 1 pm, preferably greater than 0.5 pm, from the medium flow. This allows, in particular, the filtering out of particles that could cause so-called "shadowing" in the UV treatment chamber during the interaction with the UV radiation. Ultimately, it is relevant in this context that the UV radiation is in the range of 0.2 to 0.3 pm. Since the aforementioned particles, for example, dust particles or pollen, have a larger diameter than the wavelength, the wavelength cannot pass through particles with a diameter greater than 1 pm. A bacterium, for example, can have a diameter of approximately 0.3 pm.According to the invention, it has been found that while the shadowing effect is present in front of particles with a diameter of less than 0.5 pm, particularly between 0.3 pm and 0.5 pm, the resulting killing of the microorganisms is still tolerable. Thus, even those microorganisms with a diameter larger than the wavelength of the UV radiation can also be rendered harmless, since the UV radiation also strikes them.

[0087] The irradiation device preferably includes a holding device by means of which the at least one radiation source is held and / or fixed. The holding device is connected, preferably detachably, to the housing and / or the reflector. The holding device can be designed such that the central axis of the at least one radiation source forms an angle with the central axis of the reflector.

[0088] According to the invention, the central axis is understood to be, in particular, the longitudinal axis of the reflector, the housing, or the radiation source. The central axis lies or runs, in particular, at the respective center of the body and / or at the center of gravity of the respective body and preferably forms the axis of symmetry. If the body is not symmetrical, the central axis of the respective body—that is, of the reflector, the housing, and / or the radiation source—forms the approximate axis of symmetry of the body. Thus, according to the invention, central axes of such as those bodies that are not symmetrical are also included.

[0089] In particular, the central axis of the radiation source or reflector or housing passes through the center of gravity and / or the center point of the radiation source or housing. The central axis preferably runs longitudinally along the reflector or housing or the radiation source, wherein the radiation source or reflector or housing is elongated.

[0090] Longitudinal extension is to be understood in particular as meaning that the length of the body exceeds the width of the body.

[0091] According to the invention, it has been found that the aforementioned inclined arrangement between the central axis of the at least one radiation source and the central axis of the reflector or the housing increases the constructive interference and thus, in particular, improves the UV radiation dose delivered to treat the medium. That such an improvement would result from an inclined position of the radiation source was not something a person skilled in the art would have expected.

[0092] Ultimately, it has been found according to the invention that, in particular, the interference between the radiation directly reflected on the inside of the reflector and the radiation emitted by the radiation source can be controlled in a targeted manner, especially in such a way that an increase in the amplitude of the radiation intensity is achieved compared to a "straight" arrangement.

[0093] Furthermore, it may be provided that a plurality of radiation sources are held and / or fixed to the holding device. In particular, each central axis of each radiation source forms an angle, preferably of the aforementioned order of magnitude, with the central axis of the reflector.

[0094] In a further preferred embodiment, the central axes, in particular at least two central axes, more preferably at least four central axes, in particular all central axes, of the radiation sources are arranged parallel to one another. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that at least two central axes, more preferably at least three central axes, more preferably at least four central axes, of the radiation sources are each offset from one another, preferably at an angle. Accordingly, the radiation sources can also be arranged twisted, rotated, and / or twisted relative to one another. In particular, the angle between two adjacent radiation sources, in particular between the adjacent central axes of the adjacent radiation sources, can be between 1° and 120°, more preferably between 5° and 90°, more preferably between 10° and 40°.The aforementioned angle indicates, in particular, the degree of twisting between the radiation sources.

[0095] Furthermore, in another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and / or the further cleaning device may include at least one filter, in particular a HEPA filter, for separating particles from the medium flowing through the filter. The filter also serves to efficiently clean the medium flowing through it and enables a high particle separation rate.

[0096] It is further preferred that the temperature control unit is arranged upstream and / or downstream of the irradiation unit of the first cleaning device and / or the irradiation unit of the first cleaning device. The temperature control unit can therefore be arranged at various locations. The specific selection can be made, in particular, depending on the process or the available plant size.

[0097] Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of a system according to one of the previously described embodiments for air purification of buildings, in particular residential, office, administrative and / or industrial buildings, preferably for temperature control of air during the production and / or processing of foodstuffs.

[0098] With regard to advantages and / or preferred embodiments of the use according to the invention, reference may be made to the preceding explanations, which can apply equally to the use according to the invention. The explanations concerning use can also be applied in the same way to the system according to the invention.

[0099] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for cooling and / or heating a process medium stream, preferably air, supplied to a system, in particular according to one of the preceding embodiments, from an at least substantially enclosed space and / or at least substantially closed circulating system, in particular an air conditioning system for the temperature control of buildings, in particular residential, office, administrative and / or industrial buildings, preferably in accordance with DIN 1946 (October 2024 edition), more preferably for the temperature control of air during the production and / or processing of foodstuffs.

[0100] According to the invention, the process medium stream is alternately and / or selectively supplied to a first energy storage device comprising at least one energy storage material for cooling by storing thermal energy and / or heating by releasing thermal energy, and, in particular, simultaneously to a second energy storage device comprising at least one energy storage material for cooling by storing thermal energy and / or heating by releasing thermal energy, in particular for reactivating the energy storage material, or the process medium stream is supplied to the second energy storage device and, in particular, simultaneously to the first energy storage device, in particular for reactivating the energy storage material, a stream of external medium supplied from outside the room and / or the circulating system.especially containing outside air, supplied with an outside medium flow.

[0101] With regard to advantages and / or preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention, reference may be made to the preceding descriptions of the system and its use, which apply equally to the method according to the invention. The descriptions of the method can also be applied in the same way to the system and / or use according to the invention.

[0102] Furthermore, it is expressly pointed out that all the aforementioned and subsequent intervals include all intermediate intervals and individual values ​​contained therein, and that these intermediate intervals and individual values ​​are to be regarded as essential to the invention, even if these intermediate intervals or individual values ​​are not specifically specified in detail.

[0103] Further features, advantages, and applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing and the drawing itself. All features described and / or illustrated, individually or in any combination, constitute the subject matter of the present invention, irrespective of their inclusion in the claims or their cross-reference. It shows:

[0104] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a system according to the invention,

[0105] Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the system shown in Fig. 1,

[0106] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a system according to the invention,

[0107] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a system according to the invention in a first state,

[0108] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of the system shown in Fig. 4 in a second state,

[0109] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a system according to the invention,

[0110] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a system according to the invention,

[0111] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of the system shown in Fig. 7 in recirculation mode.

[0112] Fig. 9 shows a schematic perspective view of a battery according to the invention,

[0113] Fig. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of an irradiation device according to the invention,

[0114] Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of an irradiation device according to the invention and

[0115] Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of the operation of a control device according to the invention. Fig. 1 shows a system 1 for cooling and / or heating a supplied process medium stream P.

[0116] The process medium flow P is not shown in detail in Fig. 1. However, Figs. 4 and 5 show the flow pattern of the process medium flow P through the system 1 in two different states of the system 1, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0117] Air is preferably used as the process medium P. However, another gaseous or liquid medium, such as water, may be used alternatively or additionally. The process medium P originates from a space that is at least substantially enclosed and / or a closed-loop system that is at least substantially closed. Consequently, the process medium P may, in particular, comprise recirculated air and / or the process medium P may contain recirculated air and other air components from other systems or the like.

[0118] If air is specified as the process medium P, then system 1 is specifically designed as an air handling system 1 for the air temperature control of buildings. The buildings in question can be residential, office, administrative, and / or industrial buildings.

[0119] The air handling unit 1, as shown in Fig. 1, is designed according to DIN 1946 (October 2024 edition). In particular, the unit 1 shown in Fig. 1 is suitable for temperature control of air during the production and / or processing of food, although this is not shown in detail. The process medium flow P can therefore originate from food processing, and this process medium flow P can come from one room or from several rooms that are jointly supplied with air via unit 1. For example, the process medium flow P can originate from a cooling section for rolls, fries, or the like and may have an elevated temperature after the food has cooled. This temperature must be reduced in order to make the process medium flow P available again to the cooling section (not shown in detail). For this purpose, the process medium flow P can be supplied to unit 1 for cooling. Fig.Figure 1 further shows that the system 1 comprises at least one first thermal energy storage device 2 comprising at least one energy storage material 3 for cooling by storing thermal energy and / or heating by releasing thermal energy and at least one second thermal energy storage device 4 comprising at least one energy storage material 3 for cooling by storing thermal energy and / or heating by releasing thermal energy.

[0120] The energy storage devices 2 and 4 can be operated independently of each other and can be arranged in a common housing or separately. In particular, the energy storage devices 2 and 4 can be operated with different flows and can therefore be separated from each other flow-wise as required.

[0121] The energy storage devices 2, 4 can be flowed through simultaneously in the same direction or can have or allow different directions of flow.

[0122] Fig. 4 particularly clearly shows that the energy storage devices 2, 4 are arranged such that the process medium flow P is supplied alternately and / or selectively to the first energy storage device 2 and, in particular simultaneously, an external medium flow A supplied from outside the room and / or the circuit system is supplied to the second energy storage device 4, particularly for the reactivation of the energy storage material 3. Fig. 4 thus shows a first state of the system 1. The system 1 shown in Fig. 4 is in Fig.5 is shown in a further state in which the process medium flow P is no longer supplied to the first energy storage device 2, but to the second energy storage device 4 and, in particular simultaneously, to the first energy storage device 2, in particular for the reactivation of the energy storage material 3, an external medium flow A supplied from outside the room and / or the circuit system, in particular comprising outside air.

[0123] Thus, the process medium flow P can be selectively supplied to only one of the energy storage devices 2, 4. The selection of the supply can depend on the stored thermal energy and the desired temperature of the process medium flow P. The temperature of the supplied external medium flow A, which serves to reactivate the energy storage material 3, can also be selected, in particular, depending on the thermal energy to be supplied to or removed from the energy storage material. Whether thermal energy is supplied to or removed from the thermal energy storage device 2, 4 for reactivation depends on whether, in the temperature-controlled state of the respective energy storage device 2, 4, thermal energy was absorbed from the process medium flow P or transferred to the process medium flow P to heat the process medium flow P.

[0124] The enabled reactivation allows for continuous air conditioning of the process medium flow P with an energy storage material 3, which is repeatedly reprocessed or reactivated for continuous use.

[0125] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate that the energy storage devices 2, 4 can be fluidically separated from one another. This allows, in particular, the energy storage device 2, 4 in the reactivation state to be kept free of process medium flow P during reactivation. Figures 2 and 4 also show that the energy storage devices 2, 4 are subjected to at least substantially the same flow direction. In further embodiments, different flow directions within the energy storage devices 2, 4 can be used for the temperature control state and the reactivation state. Alternatively or additionally, one energy storage device 2, 4 can be subjected to the opposite flow direction or a different flow direction than the other energy storage device 2, 4 in both the temperature control and reactivation states.

[0126] The aforementioned various flow guidance options allow for the creation of a counterflow if required, which can also be advantageous from a process engineering perspective.

[0127] Furthermore, the energy storage devices 2, 4 can be arranged in close proximity to each other, as shown schematically in the figures. In other embodiments not shown in detail, the energy storage devices 2, 4 can also be arranged at a distance from each other – for example, in different housings. For example, the process medium stream P can be supplied to the system 1 shown in Figures 4 and 5 at a temperature of 95 °C. This high temperature can, for example, result from a cooling process for food products, in which cool air is initially supplied to the cooling section, which is then warmed up during the cooling of the food and then, in particular, supplied completely or only partially to the system 1 for recooling. This process medium stream is preferably cooled to 40 °C.This is achieved in the temperature-controlled state of the respective energy storage device 2, 4, whereby the energy storage material 3 absorbs the thermal energy to cool the process medium flow P. To reactivate the respective energy storage device 2, 4, a cool external medium flow A is therefore required, which absorbs the stored thermal energy and is thus also heated. For example, an external medium flow A with a temperature of 10 °C can be supplied to the respective energy storage device 2, 4, which can be heated, in particular, to 40 °C and, if required, can be supplied together with the cooled process medium flow P to the at least substantially closed circuit system.

[0128] Particularly preferably, the external medium flow A, which is tempered in the respective energy storage device 2, 4, can be made available again to the at least substantially enclosed space or the at least substantially closed circuit system together with the process medium flow P, which is also tempered in the respective energy storage device 2, 4. This is shown schematically in Fig. 6, where the hatched box is intended to represent the at least substantially enclosed space or the at least substantially closed circuit system.

[0129] Figure 6 schematically illustrates, in particular, that at least a portion of the process medium flow P supplied to the at least substantially enclosed space or the at least substantially closed circulating system can be returned to the system 1. If the system 1 is designed as an air handling unit (AHU), it is understood that this operating mode can be considered recirculated air operation. However, for the purposes of the present invention, recirculated air can also be understood to mean that a portion of the process medium flow P previously supplied to the at least substantially closed circulating system is not returned to the system 1 and is instead withdrawn from the system, and / or that, in addition to recirculated air, air from other areas, compartments, and / or containers can also be supplied to the system 1 as the process medium flow P. The first and second energy storage devices 2 and 4 shown in Figure 3 are each designed as latent heat storage devices.The latent heat storage enables targeted storage and release of thermal energy for temperature control of the medium flowing through the energy storage device 2, 4.

[0130] Regarding the operation of latent heat storage systems, it should be noted that they can achieve the desired temperature control by utilizing the enthalpy of thermodynamic state changes of a storage medium, namely, in this case, the energy storage medium 3. In particular, the phase transition between solid and liquid (freezing-melting) can be utilized. In principle, latent heat can also be stored during the evaporation and condensation of liquids.

[0131] When charging the energy storage material, special salts or paraffins can be melted to serve as the "storage medium." Discharging occurs during solidification, whereby the storage medium (therefore the energy storage material 3) releases the previously absorbed large amount of heat back into the environment as enthalpy of crystallization.

[0132] Latent heat storage devices, in particular, contain a phase change material (PCM). Accordingly, the energy storage material 3 preferably contains and / or consists of a phase change material (PCM). PCM materials ensure the previously described functionality of a latent heat storage device. Thus, PCMs (phase change materials) represent a group of materials that can be used technically by releasing or absorbing heat or cold during their phase change, which is influenced by the respective melting point and the ambient temperature. In the energy storage devices 2 and 4, the phase change from solid to liquid is utilized in particular.

[0133] The energy stored in the temperature range of the phase change is significantly greater than the energy absorbed in the same temperature range during "normal" heating (specific heat capacity). Consequently, the material offers an advantage with respect to heat storage density, especially at small temperature differences. It is not shown in detail that the switching of the process medium flow P to one of the energy storage devices 2, 4 is feasible depending on the thermal energy stored in the energy storage device 2, 4 and / or the temperature of the discharged process medium flow P and / or the temperature of the discharged external medium flow A. The respective temperatures can be determined as needed, in particular by sensors 17.

[0134] A control device 5 may be provided for controlling and / or regulating the system 1 or individual components of the system 1, which is shown schematically in the Fig.

[0135] 12 is shown.

[0136] The control unit 5 can be used to control and / or regulate the selective supply of the process medium flow P to the first or the second energy storage unit 2, 4, in particular depending on the thermal energy stored in the respective energy storage unit 2, 4 and / or the target temperature range to be achieved for the medium flow leaving the first and / or the second energy storage unit 2, 4. Figure 12 shows that the control unit 5 can be used to control various valves, which can enable the supply or discharge of different media flows, as will be discussed in more detail later.

[0137] Figures 4 and 5 clearly show that the energy storage devices 2, 4 are connected in parallel in terms of flow – at least with regard to the flow of the process medium P. Despite the parallel flow arrangement, the energy storage devices 2, 4 are not, in particular, supplied with the process medium P simultaneously, but the parallel arrangement allows, in particular, the selective supply of the process medium P to only one of the energy storage devices 2, 4.

[0138] Fig. 3 shows that the first and second energy storage devices 2, 4 comprise a plurality of batteries 6, in particular phase-change batteries. These multiple batteries 6 are arranged adjacent to one another and preferably in groups. For example, the batteries 6 can be provided in manageable modules. A passage channel is provided between adjacent batteries 6 for the medium flowing through the energy storage devices 2, 4, so that each battery 6 can contribute to temperature control as needed. Accordingly, the respective medium flow can be routed between the batteries 6.

[0139] Figure 9 shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the battery 6. The battery 6 can have a casing 7 that can enclose and / or surround the energy storage material 3. In particular, the casing 7 can completely enclose the energy storage material 3 and thus serve to protect it.

[0140] Several batteries 6 can be arranged in a battery block 8, as shown schematically in Fig. 3. Not shown in detail, the batteries 6 provided in a battery block 8, which are spaced apart from one another, can also be connected to each other via connecting means to form the battery block 8. The battery blocks 8 preferably allow for easy handling of the batteries 6 in individual units and / or each battery block 8 can form a unit 8, thus enabling simple assembly. In particular, an energy storage device 2, 4 can have several battery blocks 8, as shown schematically in Fig. 3.

[0141] Figure 3 further shows that the battery blocks 8 are spaced apart from each other. This allows the respective media current to flow between adjacent battery blocks 8 and through the battery blocks 8.

[0142] The number of batteries 6 in a battery block 8 can be specified and determined according to the intended use and the desired temperature control. The number of battery blocks 8 required can be determined in the same way. A battery block 8 can contain between 3 and 100 batteries 6. Alternatively or additionally, between 2 and 50, preferably between 2 and 10, battery blocks 8 can be provided per energy storage device 2, 4.

[0143] Fig. 1 schematically shows that the first and second energy storage devices 2, 4 have at least one first inlet means 9 and at least one first outlet means 10 for supplying and removing process medium flow.

[0144] Fig. 1 further shows that the first and / or the second energy storage device 2, 4 has at least one further inlet means 11 and at least one further outlet means 12 for supplying and discharging the external medium flow. In Fig. 1, the first outlet means 10 also forms the further outlet means 12 and is therefore not marked with a separate reference numeral.

[0145] In Figures 7 and 8, the inlet and outlet means 9-12 are specifically assigned to individual energy storage units 2 and 4. The first energy storage unit 2 has a first inlet means 9a for supplying the process medium flow P. After treatment in the first energy storage unit 2, the process medium flow P can be discharged as needed via a first outlet means 10a. A further inlet means 11a is also provided for supplying the external medium flow A to the first energy storage unit 2. After treatment in the first energy storage unit, the external medium flow A can be discharged via the first outlet means 10a. Figures 4 to 6 show a separate, further outlet means 12a and 12b for the respective energy storage unit 2 and 4 for discharging the external medium flow A.

[0146] The second energy storage device 4 can also be assigned a first inlet 9b, which can be operated independently of the first inlet 9a and is open when the first inlet 9b is closed and vice versa, as illustrated in Figures 4 to 6. Figure 7 also shows that the second energy storage device 4 has a first outlet 10b for discharging the treated process medium flow P from the second energy storage device 4. For supplying the external medium flow A for the reactivation state, the second energy storage device has a further inlet 11b. This further inlet 11b can also be operated independently of the further inlet 11a and is open when the further inlet 11a is closed and vice versa.The external medium flow A can also be discharged from the second energy storage device 4 via the first outlet medium 10b.

[0147] Figures 4 to 6 show that the first inlet means 9a, 9b can be controlled independently of each other and thus switched to two different states – in particular, open or closed. Figure 4 shows that the first inlet means 9a of the first energy storage device 2 is open and the first inlet means 9a of the second energy storage device 4 is closed. Figure 5 shows the reversed state. The respective state of the first inlet means 9a, 9b can determine the state of the further inlet means 11a, 11b and the respective outlet means 10a, 10b, 12a, 12b. With the first inlet means 9a open, the further inlet and outlet means 11a, 12a of the first energy storage device 2 can be closed and the first outlet means 10a can be open.Furthermore, this can result in the second energy storage device 4 being in the reactivation state and the further inlet and outlet means 11b, 12b being open and the first outlet means 10b of the second energy storage device 4 being closed, as shown in Fig. 4.

[0148] In contrast, if the first inlet means 9a of the first energy storage device 2 is closed, this can cause a reversal of the state of the individual means, which is shown schematically in Fig. 5.

[0149] Figure 6 is based on the system 1 shown in Figure 5, and further illustrates schematically that the medium flow discharged from the energy storage devices 2, 4 – i.e., in the state shown in Figure 6, the external medium flow A from the first energy storage device 2 and the process medium flow P from the second energy storage device 4 – is fed to an at least substantially enclosed space and / or an at least substantially closed circuit system and, if required, can then be fed back to the system 1 for temperature control, at least partially, as process medium flow P (after appropriate use or application).

[0150] Fig. 1 shows that at least one flap 13, in particular a plurality of ventilation flaps, is assigned to the first inlet means 9 and the first outlet means 10 for opening and / or closing. It is not shown in detail that, alternatively or additionally, at least one flap, in particular a ventilation flap, may be assigned to the further inlet means 11 and / or the further outlet means 12.

[0151] It is also not shown in detail that in further embodiments a valve for the respective inlet and / or outlet means 9-12 may be provided as an alternative to a flap 13.

[0152] Furthermore, the at least one flap 13 ensures in particular that, if required, the energy storage device 2, 4, which is accessible to the external medium flow A, can also be supplied with an extra portion, in particular under overpressure, of the process medium flow P, namely an airflow for reactivation, by slightly opening, preferably between 5% and 10%, the flap 13 assigned to the first inlet means 9 in the first inlet means 9 for the energy storage device 2, 4 supplied with the external medium flow A.

[0153] Figures 1 and 2 show that a temperature control device 14 is provided for heating and / or cooling the external medium flow A before it is supplied to one of the energy storage devices 2, 4. A temperature control device 14 is also shown schematically in Figures 7 and 8 for further embodiments. The temperature control device 14 can ensure that the external medium flow A is supplied to the respective energy storage device 2, 4 at a temperature or within a temperature range such that efficient reactivation of the respective energy storage device 2, 4 can be carried out, particularly within a predetermined time window. The temperature difference that already exists between the external medium flow A (which is not pre-tempered) and the process medium flow P supplied to the system 1 can be specifically utilized.This difference can also be adjusted by the temperature control unit 14 if necessary.

[0154] It is not shown in detail that the temperature control device 14 has at least one heat exchanger, in particular a plate heat exchanger and / or tube heat exchanger.

[0155] To achieve the desired circulation of the media flows in the system 1, appropriate devices can be used that can specifically control the flows, such as blower devices 15, 16.

[0156] For the supply of the process medium flow P and / or the external medium flow A, at least one blower unit 15 can be provided for intake and / or discharge. Fig. 2 shows that the external medium flow A can be supplied to the respective energy storage device 2, 4 via a blower unit 15. Furthermore, at least one additional blower unit 16 can also be provided for intake and / or discharge of the respective medium flow from the respective energy storage device 2, 4. Such additional blower units 16 are shown in Fig. 1, wherein in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, each additional blower unit 16 is assigned to an energy storage device 2, 4, and the additional blower unit 16 can also be assigned to the first outlet means 10 and / or be operatively connected to it.

[0157] Fig. 1 shows that the conditioning of the external medium flow A before it is fed to one of the energy storage devices 2, 4 can be provided in close proximity to the energy storage devices 2, 4, so that the entire system 1 can be designed to be particularly compact. However, in Fig. 1, the conditioning of the external medium flow A is not arranged in the same housing as the energy storage devices 2, 4, so that the setup shown in Fig. 1 can already be considered a separate provision for the conditioning of the external medium flow A.

[0158] However, the treatment system for the external medium flow A can also be installed externally.

[0159] Fig. 12 shows that sensors 17 are provided for determining various operating parameters of the system 1, wherein the sensors 17 are designed to receive measurement data to be transmitted to the control unit 5. Fig. 12 further shows that the sensors 17 can transmit the measurement data to the control unit 5 via appropriate transmission means. The control unit 5 can control and / or regulate the system 1 and, in particular, the selective supply of the process medium flow P to one of the energy storage devices 2, 4, especially on the basis of and / or depending on the measurement data processed, in particular, in the control unit 5.

[0160] Fig. 12 shows different sensors 17 that can be used to record the measurement data, namely in particular

[0161] • a first temperature sensor 17a for determining the temperature of the process medium flow P supplied to the plant 1;

[0162] • a further temperature sensor 17b for determining the temperature of the external medium flow A, preferably upstream of the temperature control device 14; • a volume flow sensor 17c for determining the volume flow of the process medium flow P supplied to the system 1 and / or

[0163] • a further volume flow sensor 17d for determining the external medium flow A supplied to the system 1.

[0164] The control device 5 shown in Fig. 12 can be configured to determine and / or ascertain and / or estimate the thermal energy stored in the respective energy storage unit 2, 4 based on the measurement data acquired by the sensors 17. The state of the energy storage unit 2, 4 thus determined can then be used to change the flow pattern within the system 1 as required.

[0165] Alternatively or additionally, for the purpose of determining the state of the energy storage devices 2, 4 as needed, the system 1 can also be configured by determining or estimating other parameters that likewise influence the operation of the system 1. Consequently, the control device 5 can be configured to determine and / or ascertain and / or estimate, in particular to control and / or regulate, the temperature of the medium flow leaving the first and / or the second energy storage device 2, 4. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the control device 5 is configured to control and / or regulate the volumetric flow rate of the respective medium flow supplied to the respective energy storage device 2, 4, in particular depending on the determined temperature of the medium flow leaving the first and / or the second energy storage device 2, 4.

[0166] In summary, it can be stated that the operation of the system 1 can be controlled and / or regulated by the control unit 5, so that the process medium flow P in the system 1 is tempered in an optimized manner and, if required, can be made available to the at least substantially closed circuit system or room together with the external medium flow A leaving the respective energy storage unit 2, 4.

[0167] Fig. 1 shows that a first cleaning device 18 is provided for cleaning the external medium flow A before it is supplied to one of the energy storage devices 2, 4. The cleaning device 18 ensures that the hygienic requirements for the media flows supplied to the circulation system are met. In particular, if the external medium flow A is to be supplied to the at least substantially enclosed space or the at least substantially closed circulation system after reactivation by one of the energy storage devices 2, 4, then the purity requirements for the process medium flow P can also be met by the external medium flow A, so that the external medium flow A can be supplied without concern.

[0168] However, a cleaning device 18 can be provided not only for the external medium flow A, but also, if necessary, for the process medium flow P, particularly before, but in further embodiments also after, the supply to one of the energy storage devices 2, 4. This further cleaning device 19, provided for the process medium flow P, is shown schematically in Figs. 7 and 8.

[0169] Figures 10 and 11 show different embodiments of an irradiation device 20, which can in particular be part of a cleaning device 18 and / or a further cleaning device 19. In particular, the first and / or the further cleaning device 18, 19 can also have several irradiation devices 20, as can be seen from Figure 1.

[0170] The irradiation device 20 is designed for UV irradiation, in particular UV-C irradiation, of the medium flowing through the irradiation device 20, in particular air, preferably for the inactivation of microorganisms present in the medium, such as bacteria, germs, mold and / or viruses.

[0171] Alternatively or additionally to an irradiation device 20, the first and / or the further cleaning device 18, 19 can have at least one filter 21, in particular a HEPA filter, for separating particles from the medium flowing through the filter. The use of a filter 21 in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 8 is shown schematically.

[0172] Fig. 11 shows that the irradiation device 20 comprises at least one housing 24 having a housing inlet 22 and a housing outlet 23 for the medium, and at least one UV-emitting radiation source 25 arranged inside the housing 24 for irradiating the medium flowing through the housing 24. Fig. 10 shows that a plurality of radiation sources 25 can also be provided in the housing 24. The radiation source 25 shown in Figs. 10 and 11 can emit UV radiation in a wavelength range of at least 240 nm to 300 nm, preferably in a wavelength range of 250 nm to 285 nm.

[0173] Fig. 2 shows that the temperature control device 14 is located downstream of the irradiation device 20. In further embodiments, not shown in detail, the temperature control device 14 can also be arranged upstream of the irradiation device 20 of the first cleaning device 18 and / or the irradiation device 20 of the first cleaning device 18.

[0174] The use of a system 1 according to one of the aforementioned embodiments for air purification in buildings is not described in detail. Buildings are specifically intended to be residential, office, administrative, and / or industrial buildings. Preferably, the system 1 is used for temperature control during the production and / or processing of food.

[0175] A method for cooling and / or heating a process medium stream P, preferably air, supplied to a system 1 from an at least substantially enclosed space and / or at least substantially closed circuit system, in particular an air handling system 1 for air temperature control in buildings, especially residential, office, administrative and / or industrial buildings, preferably in accordance with DIN 1946 (October 2024 edition), and further preferably for temperature control of air during the production and / or processing of foodstuffs, is also described in detail. System 1 can be configured according to any of the embodiments described above. Therefore, reference can also be made to the previous descriptions, which can apply to the process in the same way. The operation of system 1 and consequently the method have already been comprehensively discussed in connection with the description of the design of system 1.To avoid unnecessary repetition, a further reproduction is omitted, although the features of Annex 1 can readily be transferred to the method according to the invention and vice versa.

[0176] In the method not described in detail, the process medium flow P is alternately and / or selectively supplied to a first energy storage device 2 comprising at least one energy storage material 3 for cooling by storing thermal energy and / or heating by releasing thermal energy, and, in particular, simultaneously, to a second energy storage device 4 comprising at least one energy storage material 3 for cooling by storing thermal energy and / or heating by releasing thermal energy, in particular for reactivating the energy storage material, or the process medium flow P is supplied to the second energy storage device 4 and, in particular, simultaneously, to the first energy storage device 2, in particular for reactivating the energy storage material 3.An external medium stream A, supplied from outside the room and / or the circulation system, in particular consisting of outside air, is supplied. Reference symbol list:

[0177] Attachment

[0178] first energy storage device energy storage material

[0179] second energy storage device control unit

[0180] Battery

[0181] Covering

[0182] Battery pack

[0183] first admission method

[0184] a first inlet of 2

[0185] b first inlet of 4

[0186] 0 first outlet medium

[0187] 0a first outlet medium of 2

[0188] 0b first outlet medium of 4

[0189] 1 additional means of admission

[0190] 1a further means of admission of 2

[0191] 1b further admission method of 4

[0192] 2 further outlet agents

[0193] 2a further outlet means of 2

[0194] 2b further outlet medium of 4

[0195] 3 flap

[0196] 4. Temperature control unit

[0197] 5 Blower unit

[0198] 6 additional blower units

[0199] 7 sensors

[0200] 7a first temperature sensor

[0201] 7b second temperature sensor

[0202] 7c first volume flow sensor

[0203] 7d additional volume flow sensor

[0204] 8 Cleaning device

[0205] 9 additional cleaning devices

[0206] 0 Irradiation facility

[0207] 1 filter

[0208] 2. Housing inlet

[0209] 3 housing outlets 24 housings

[0210] 25 radiation source

[0211] P Process medium flow A External medium flow

Claims

Patent claims:

1. System (1) for cooling and / or heating a supplied process medium stream (P), preferably air, from an at least substantially enclosed space and / or at least substantially closed circuit system, in particular an air conditioning system (1) for air temperature control of buildings, especially residential, office, administrative and / or industrial buildings, preferably in accordance with DIN 1946 (October 2024 edition), further preferably for temperature control of air during the production and / or processing of foodstuffs, comprising at least one first thermal energy storage device (2) comprising at least one energy storage material (3) for cooling by storing thermal energy and / or heating by releasing thermal energy, and at least one second thermal energy storage device (4) comprising at least one energy storage material (3) for cooling by storing thermal energy and / or heating by releasing thermal energy. wherein the energy storage devices (2, 4) are arranged such that the process medium flow (P) is supplied alternately and / or selectively to the first energy storage device (2) and, in particular simultaneously, an external medium flow (A) supplied from outside the room and / or the circulating system, in particular comprising outside air, is supplied to the second energy storage device (4), in particular for the reactivation of the energy storage material (3), or the process medium flow (P) is supplied to the second energy storage device (4) and, in particular simultaneously, an external medium flow (A) supplied from outside the room and / or the circulating system, in particular comprising outside air, is supplied to the first energy storage device (2), in particular for the reactivation of the energy storage material (3).

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and / or the second energy storage device (2, 4) is designed as a latent heat storage device.

3. System according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the switching of the supply of the process medium flow (P) to one of the energy storage devices (2, 4) is possible depending on the thermal energy stored in the energy storage device (2, 4) and / or the temperature of the discharged process medium flow (P) and / or the temperature of the discharged external medium flow (A). and / or that a control device (5) is provided for controlling and / or regulating the selective supply of the process medium flow (P) to the first or the second energy storage device (2, 4), in particular depending on the thermal energy stored in the respective energy storage device (2, 4) and / or the target temperature range to be achieved of the medium flow leaving the first and / or the second energy storage device (2, 4).

4. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy storage devices (2, 4) are connected in parallel in terms of flow.

5. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy storage material (3) comprises and / or consists of a phase change material (PCM).

6. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or the second energy storage device (2, 4) comprises a plurality of batteries (6), in particular phase-change batteries, in each of which the energy storage material (3) is enclosed in a casing (7), in particular wherein the batteries (6) of an energy storage device (2, 4) are spaced apart from each other so that the respective medium current can be carried between the batteries (6) and / or in particular wherein a plurality of battery blocks (8) each comprising several batteries (6) are provided and / or in particular wherein the battery blocks (8) are spaced apart from each other and / or in particular wherein between 2 and 1000, preferably between 3 and 100, batteries (6) are provided in a battery block (8) and / or in particular wherein between 2 and 50, preferably between 2 and 10, battery blocks (8) are provided for each energy storage device (2, 4) and / or in particular wherein a battery block (8) is manageable as a connected assembly and / or forms an assembly.

7. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or the second energy storage device (2, 4) has at least one first inlet means (9) and at least one first outlet means (10) for has process medium flow supply or discharge and / or that the first and / or the second energy storage device (2, 4) has at least one further inlet means (11) and at least one further outlet means (12) for external medium flow supply or discharge.

8. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one flap (13), in particular a plurality of ventilation flaps, and / or at least one valve for opening and / or closing is assigned to the first and / or further inlet means (9, 11) and / or the first and / or further outlet means (10, 12).

9. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a temperature control device (14) for heating and / or cooling the external medium flow (A) is provided for temperature control of the external medium flow (A) before supply to one of the energy storage devices (2, 4), in particular wherein the temperature control device (14) has at least one heat exchanger, in particular a plate heat exchanger and / or tube heat exchanger.

10. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one blower device (15) is provided for the intake and / or discharge of the process medium flow (P) and / or the external medium flow (A). that at least one further blower device (16) is provided for suction and / or blowing out of the respective medium flow from the respective energy storage device (2, 4).

11. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that sensors (17) are provided for determining different operating parameters of the plant (1), wherein the sensors (17) are designed to receive measurement data to be transmitted to the control unit (5), in particular wherein at least one first temperature sensor (17a) is provided for determining the temperature of the process medium flow (P) supplied to the system (1) and / or in particular wherein at least one further temperature sensor (17b) is provided for determining the temperature of the external medium flow (A) and / or in particular wherein at least one volume flow sensor (17c) is provided for determining the volume flow of the process medium flow (P) supplied to the system (1) and / or in particular wherein at least one further volume flow sensor (17d) is provided for determining the external medium flow (A) supplied to the system (1).

12. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (5) is configured to determine and / or ascertain and / or estimate the thermal energy stored in the respective energy storage unit (2, 4) on the basis of the measurement data acquired by the sensors (17) and / or that the control device (5) is designed to determine and / or ascertain and / or estimate, in particular to control and / or regulate, the temperature of the medium flow leaving the first and / or the second energy storage device (2, 4). and / or that the control device (5) is designed to control and / or regulate the volume flow of the respective medium flow supplied to the respective energy storage device (2, 4), in particular depending on the determined temperature of the medium flow leaving the first and / or the second energy storage device (2, 4).

13. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first cleaning device (18) is provided for cleaning the external medium flow (A) before it is supplied to one of the energy storage devices (2, 4).

14. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a further cleaning device (19) is provided for cleaning the process medium flow (P) before it is supplied to one of the energy storage devices (2, 4).

15. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or the further cleaning device (18, 19) includes at least one irradiation device (20) for UV irradiation, in particular UV-C irradiation, of the medium flowing through the irradiation device (20), in particular air, preferably for inactivating microorganisms present in the medium, such as bacteria, germs, mold and / or viruses, and / or that the first and / or the further cleaning device (18, 19) has at least one filter (21), in particular a HEPA filter, for separating particles from the medium flowing through the filter.

16. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the irradiation device (20) comprises at least one housing (24) having a housing inlet (22) and a housing outlet (23) for the medium and at least one UV radiation emitting radiation source (25) arranged inside the housing for irradiating the medium flowing through the housing (24), in particular wherein the at least one radiation source (25) emits UV radiation in a wavelength range of at least 240 nm to 300 nm, preferably in a wavelength range of 250 nm to 285 nm, more preferably from 270 nm to 280 nm and in particular from 254 nm + / - 10 % and / or from 278 nm + / - 10 %.

17. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature control device (14) is arranged upstream and / or downstream in the irradiation device (20) of the first cleaning device (18) and / or the irradiation device (20) of the first cleaning device (18).

18. Use of a system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17 for air purification of buildings, in particular residential, office, administrative and / or industrial buildings, preferably for temperature control of air during the production and / or processing of foodstuffs.

19. Method for cooling and / or heating a process medium stream (P), preferably air, supplied to a system (1), in particular according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 17, from an at least substantially enclosed space and / or at least substantially closed circulation system, in particular an air handling system (1) for air temperature control of buildings, in particular residential, office, administrative and / or industrial buildings, preferably in accordance with DIN 1946 (October 2024 edition), further preferably for temperature control of air during the production and / or processing of foodstuffs, wherein alternately and / or optionally a first energy storage device (2) comprising at least one energy storage material (3) for cooling by storing thermal energy and / or heating by releasing thermal energy, the process medium flow (P) and, in particular, simultaneously, a second energy storage device (4) comprising at least one energy storage material (3) for cooling by storing thermal energy and / or heating by releasing thermal energy, in particular for reactivating the energy storage material, an external medium flow (A) supplied from outside the room and / or the cycle system, in particular comprising outside air, is supplied or the process medium flow (P) is supplied to the second energy storage device (4) and, in particular, simultaneously, to the first energy storage device (2), in particular for reactivating the energy storage material (3).an external medium flow (A) supplied from outside the room and / or the circulation system, in particular consisting of outside air.

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