An insulation element for use in an air handling unit frame

Abstract

The invention relates to an insulation element (40) in an air handling unit frame (10) comprising at least one panel (20) and at least one profile (30) section, in order to prevent the formation of a thermal bridge between at least one profile inner sheet (32) and at least one profile outer sheet (31) of the profile (30). The novelty of the invention lies in that the profile inner sheet (32) and the profile outer sheet (31) each comprise at least one cut edge (33) on the sides facing each other so as to form an open end; that the insulation element (40) comprises at least one first inner arm (41) and at least one second inner arm (42) on the side facing the profile inner sheet (32); at least one first outer arm (43) and at least one second outer arm (44) on the side facing the profile outer sheet (31); that each of the mentioned first inner arm (41), second inner arm (42), first outer arm (43), and second outer arm (44) comprises at least one groove (45) for positioning the cut edges (33) of the profile (30); and that it comprises a narrowed waist section (46) between the arms to reduce heat transfer.

Description

[0001] AN INSULATION ELEMENT FOR USE IN AN AIR HANDLING UNIT FRAME

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to an insulation element for use in an air handling unit frame comprising at least one panel and at least one profile section, in order to prevent the formation of a thermal bridge between at least one profile inner sheet and at least one profile outer sheet of the mentioned profile.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] An air handling unit is a ventilation and air conditioning device used to improve indoor air quality and to control temperature, humidity, and air distribution. This device generally consists of an air processing unit, fans, filters, cooling and heating coils, as well as air humidification or dehumidification components. Air handling units take in air from the external environment, clean it, bring it to the specified temperature and humidity levels, and then distribute it to indoor spaces to provide a comfortable environment. The design and maintenance of the unit are of great importance in terms of optimizing energy efficiency and air quality.

[0006] The application numbered WO2012097908 A1 known in the literature relates to an enclosure system with a thermal barrier for HVAC air handling units (AHU). This system is designed to address the problem of thermal bridge formation in conventional sheet metal structures. The invention includes the use of insulated panels containing polyurethane foam filling and extruded plastic thermal barriers. The insulated panels minimize energy loss by preventing direct contact between inner and outer metals. While the frame structure provides thermal insulation with integrated plastic barriers, H-profile extrusions and rubber plugs enhance air tightness and reduce the need for sealing materials during assembly.

[0007] In air handling units, the frame is the main structural framework that ensures the structural integrity of the system and enables the assembly of all components. However, in cases where the frame design or material selection is inadequate, significant heat loss may occur. These losses generally result from the poor insulation properties of the materials used in the frame, the lack of sealing at connection points, or heat transfer occurring through the surface. Additionally, in cases of high temperature differences, the frame acts as a thermal bridge, leading to energy loss and reduced system efficiency.

[0008] Such heat losses increase the energy consumption of the system and lead to instability in indoor comfort conditions. In particular, when low-quality insulation materials are used or when thermal bridges are not sufficiently minimized in the frame design, the adverse effect of the external ambient temperature on the indoor air increases. Therefore, in frame design, the selection of materials with high insulation performance, the improvement of sealing properties at connection points, and the elimination of thermal bridges are of critical importance in reducing energy losses and improving system performance.

[0009] As a result, all of the problems mentioned above have made it necessary to introduce an innovation in the relevant technical field.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention relates to an insulation element intended to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and to introduce new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0012] One objective of the invention is to provide a PVC-based insulation element that optimizes thermal insulation, provides sound and vibration insulation, and can be easily positioned between the profile inner and outer sheets.

[0013] Another objective of the invention is to provide an insulation element that fits tightly onto the profile inner and outer sheets, minimizes energy losses, has a groove structure suitable for cut edges, and offers high efficiency with a thinned waist section to reduce heat transfer. In order to achieve all the objectives mentioned above and those that will emerge from the following detailed description, the present invention is an insulation element in an air handling unit frame comprising at least one panel and at least one profile section, intended to prevent the formation of a thermal bridge between at least one profile inner sheet and at least one profile outer sheet of the mentioned profile. Accordingly, its novelty lies in that the profile inner sheet and the profile outer sheet each comprise at least one cut edge on the sides facing each other so as to form an open end; that the insulation element comprises at least one first inner arm and at least one second inner arm on the side facing the profile inner sheet; that it comprises at least one first outer arm and at least one second outer arm on the side facing the profile outer sheet; that each of the mentioned first inner arm, second inner arm, first outer arm, and second outer arm comprises at least one groove for positioning the profile cut edges; and that it has a narrowed waist section between the arms in order to reduce heat transfer.

[0014] In another possible embodiment of the invention, the insulation element is made of a PVC-based material and essentially has an X-shaped form. Thus, the insulation element both minimizes heat conduction to prevent the formation of a thermal bridge and provides vibration and sound insulation, thereby increasing the energy efficiency and performance of the air handling unit. The PVC-based material, with its flexible structure, offers ease of installation and enables continuous production by extrusion.

[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 shows a representative top sectional view of the air handling unit frame on which the insulation element according to the invention is positioned.

[0017] Figure 2 shows a representative sectional view of the insulation element according to the invention.

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In this detailed description, the subject matter of the invention is explained solely with examples intended to provide a better understanding of the subject, without creating any limiting effect.

[0019] A representative top sectional view of the air handling unit frame (10) on which the insulation element (40) according to the invention is positioned is shown in Figure 1 . Accordingly, the air handling unit frame (10) is the main structural framework that supports and holds together all the components of the system and is generally manufactured from durable materials such as steel or aluminum. The air handling unit frame (10) enhances both the mechanical integrity of the air handling device and the insulation between the outer section (12) and the inner section (11 ), thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0020] The inner section (11 ) of the air handling unit frame (10) is the area where the air is processed and brought to the specified temperature, humidity, and clean air conditions. This area is generally formed with aerodynamic designs optimized to ensure uninterrupted airflow. The materials used in the inner section (11 ) comply with hygienic requirements, and the smooth surfaces minimize contact of the air with dust and particles while allowing for easy cleaning. The outer section (12) refers to the environmental conditions outside the air handling unit frame (10). The air handling unit frame (10) is a structure that provides strength between the outer section (12) and the inner section (11) while reducing thermal bridges.

[0021] The air handling unit frame (10) comprises at least one panel (20) on its lateral walls and at least one profile (30) at the junctions of the panels (20). The panels (20) form the main barrier between the inner section (11 ) and the outer section (12) of the air handling unit. The panel (20) has a double-walled structure, comprising at least one panel inner sheet (21) on the side facing the inner section (11 ) and at least one panel outer sheet (22) on the side facing the outer section (12). A filler material (23) is provided between the mentioned panel inner sheet (21) and panel outer sheet (22) to ensure insulation. The panel inner sheet (21 ) forms the surface that is in direct contact with the airflow in the inner section (11 ) of the air handling unit. The panel outer sheet (22), on the other hand, constitutes the part that provides protection against external factors. The panel outer sheet (22) increases the resistance of the air handling unit to environmental conditions and completes the aesthetic appearance of the system. Additionally, the panel outer sheet (22) contributes to structural stability, increasing the durability of the device. The filler material (23) between the panel inner sheet (21 ) and the panel outer sheet (22) typically consists of materials such as rock wool, polyurethane, or polystyrene. This filler material (23) increases energy efficiency by reducing heat conduction and prevents external noise from reaching the interior environment.

[0022] The profiles (30) used at the corners of the panels (20) are elements designed to enhance the structural integrity of the air handling unit. These profiles (30), which are generally made of high-strength materials such as aluminum or steel, enable the panels (20) to be joined tightly and in a sealed manner. The corner profiles (30) also improve the ease of assembly of the air handling unit frame (10). The profile (30) essentially comprises two main parts-at least one profile outer sheet (31 ) and at least one profile inner sheet (32)-and at least one insulation element (40) positioned between them.

[0023] The profile outer sheet (31 ) on the profile (30) is the component that faces the outer section (13) of the air handling unit and provides protection against environmental factors. This profile outer sheet (31 ) is larger in size than the profile inner sheet (32) and completely covers the outer portion (13) of the profile (30), thereby enhancing mechanical durability. The profile outer sheet (31 ) is typically manufactured from galvanized steel, aluminum, or similar durable materials and is coated with a protective layer. The profile outer sheet (31 ) has a square cross-section and is designed with one open corner, and the edges extending toward this open corner are defined as cut edges (33). The cut edges (33) provide a suitable space for the placement of the insulation element (40) and help maintain the structural integrity of the profile (30), thereby preventing energy losses.

[0024] The profile inner sheet (32) is the surface that faces the inner section (11) of the air handling unit frame (10) and is in direct contact with the airflow. The profile inner sheet (32) is smaller in size than the profile outer sheet (31) and is generally made of stainless steel or galvanized sheet with a smooth surface to meet hygienic conditions. The profile inner sheet (32) also has a square cross-sectional structure and includes an open corner and cut edges (33). The open corner is positioned to face the open corner of the profile outer sheet (31 ). The cut edges (33) in this section ensure the proper placement of the insulation element (40) and are assembled in a way that prevents air leakage or energy loss in the profile (30).

[0025] A representative sectional view of the insulation element (40) according to the invention is shown in Figure 2. Accordingly, the insulation element (40), which is positioned at the cut edges (33) between the profile inner sheet (32) and the profile outer sheet (31 ), is configured to increase energy efficiency and prevent the formation of thermal bridges. This insulation element (40), preferably made from materials with high insulation performance such as PVC, is located between the cut edges (33) extending toward the open corners of the profile (30). This insulation element (40) not only prevents heat losses but also enhances sound and vibration insulation, thereby improving the overall performance of the air handling unit. The cross-section of the insulation element (40) generally resembles an X shape and enables it to fit properly into the cut edges (33) of the profile (30) and provide a stable connection.

[0026] On the side of the insulation element (40) facing the profile inner sheet (32), there is at least one first inner arm (41 ) and at least one second inner arm (42), while on the side facing the profile outer sheet (31), there is at least one first outer arm (43) and at least one second outer arm (44). These arms increase the strength of the connection by expanding the contact surfaces between the insulation element (40) and the profile (30). Each arm comprises at least one groove (45). The mentioned groove (45) is an inward recess formed on the arms. These grooves (45) enable at least partial engagement and insertion of the cut edges (33) of the profile (30). The grooves (45) allow the insulation element (40) to fit tightly into the profiles (30), thereby increasing mechanical strength and ensuring sealing. The insulation element (40) comprises at least one waist section (46) in the middle. This waist section (46) is optimized to significantly reduce heat transfer due to its thin structure. This narrowed form provides both thermal resistance and structural stability, increasing the overall efficiency of the insulation element (40). The scope of protection of the invention is defined in the claims attached hereto and shall by no means be limited to the examples described in this detailed description. It is evident that a person skilled in the art may develop similar embodiments in light of the above explanations without departing from the main concept of the invention.

[0027] REFERENCE NUMBERS GIVEN IN THE FIGURES

[0028] 10 Air Handling Unit Frame

[0029] 11 Inner Section

[0030] 12 Outer Section

[0031] 20 Panel

[0032] 21 Panel Inner Sheet

[0033] 22 Panel Outer Sheet

[0034] 23 Filler Material

[0035] 30 Profile

[0036] 31 Profile Outer Sheet

[0037] 32 Profile Inner Sheet

[0038] 33 Cut Edge

[0039] 40 Insulation Element

[0040] 41 First Inner Arm

[0041] 42 Second Inner Arm

[0042] 43 First Outer Arm

[0043] 44 Second Outer Arm

[0044] 45 Groove

[0045] 46 Waist Section

Claims

CLAIMS1. An insulation element (40) in an air handling unit frame (10) comprising at least one panel (20) and at least one profile (30) section, in order to prevent the formation of a thermal bridge between at least one profile inner sheet (32) and at least one profile outer sheet (31 ) of the profile (30), characterized in that; the profile inner sheet (32) and the profile outer sheet (31 ) each comprise at least one cut edge (33) on the sides facing each other so as to form an open end, the insulation element (40) comprises at least one first inner arm (41 ) and at least one second inner arm (42) on the side facing the profile inner sheet (32), at least one first outer arm (43) and at least one second outer arm (44) on the side facing the profile outer sheet (31 ), each of the mentioned first inner arm (41 ), second inner arm (42), first outer arm (43), and second outer arm (44) comprises at least one groove (45) for positioning the cut edges (33) of the profile (30), and it comprises a narrowed waist section (46) between the arms to reduce heat transfer.

2. The insulation element (40) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that it is made of a PVC-based material.

3. The insulation element (40) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that it essentially has an X-shaped form.

Images