Air conditioning system
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2026/057799
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-20
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-24
Smart Images
Figure EP2026057799_24092026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present invention relates to the general technical field of air treatment, particularly inside buildings, more specifically to provide heating or, conversely, air conditioning.
[0004] The present invention relates more specifically to an air conditioning system for modifying the air temperature within an enclosed space, said air conditioning system comprising an air network.
[0005] PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE
[0006] Air conditioning systems, which provide cooling and / or heating for a room in a building, have been around for a long time. In particular, there are air conditioning / heating systems that use a reversible heat pump consisting of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. In heating mode, the outdoor unit extracts heat from the outside air using an evaporator. A refrigerant contained in a refrigeration circuit that connects the outdoor and indoor units evaporates into a gaseous state. The gas is then compressed to increase its temperature and pressure. The indoor unit is equipped with a condenser where the gas condenses and releases its heat into the room air. The warmed air is then blown into the room by the indoor unit. The heat pump can switch to cooling mode by reversing the process using a reversing valve.The indoor unit then absorbs heat from the room, while the refrigerant carries this heat outside. Cool air is then blown into the room by the indoor unit.
[0007] Such devices are widespread and generally satisfactory. However, they do have some drawbacks.
[0008] Thus, known reversible heating / air conditioning systems prove to be poorly, if at all, suited to ensuring adequate thermal comfort at an acceptable cost in large premises, and in particular premises with high ceilings (for example, on the order of 4 m or more), especially when the premises in question are poorly insulated thermally.
[0009] This is particularly true for gymnasiums, sports halls, and other converted buildings intended, for example, for racquet sports (tennis, padel, etc.) or ball sports (futsal, basketball, etc.), or for hosting shows or other events. Due to the high ceilings of these buildings, which are often poorly insulated, achieving acceptable thermal comfort in both summer and winter using conventional reversible air conditioning / heating systems would require oversized, and therefore extremely expensive, equipment, which would also generate exorbitant electricity consumption, ultimately resulting in a mediocre level of thermal comfort at best.
[0010] This is why these poorly insulated high-rise buildings are mostly not equipped with a proper heating / air conditioning system, which leads to indoor temperatures that can be freezing in winter and scorching in summer, complicating the operation of these buildings and potentially jeopardizing their business model.
[0011] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The objects assigned to the present invention therefore aim to remedy the various drawbacks set out above and to propose a new air conditioning system to modify the air temperature within an enclosed space, which makes it possible to ensure excellent thermal comfort, summer and winter, at a lower cost and with controlled energy consumption.
[0013] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new air conditioning system capable of destratifying the atmosphere within an enclosed space to be heated or cooled. Another object of the invention aims to provide a new air conditioning system based on a particularly simple construction, with standard and proven components.
[0014] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new air conditioning system that allows an enclosed space to be heated or cooled quickly with minimal energy consumption.
[0015] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new air conditioning system which quickly provides optimal thermal comfort in all seasons after its start-up.
[0016] Another object of the invention is to propose a new air conditioning system of extremely simple, robust and inexpensive construction.
[0017] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new air conditioning system that can switch from a summer mode (air conditioning) to a winter mode (heating) and vice versa, very easily and very quickly.
[0018] Another object of the invention is to propose a new air conditioning system that is particularly compact and lightweight.
[0019] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new, quiet air conditioning system.
[0020] Another object of the invention is to propose a new, particularly efficient air conditioning system.
[0021] Another object of the invention is to propose a new air conditioning system which has a modular character and is easily adaptable to multiple room configurations.
[0022] SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of an air conditioning system for modifying the air temperature within an enclosed space, said air conditioning system comprising an air network which includes at least one vertically rising suction duct provided with suction openings distributed over a first height, a supply duct provided with supply openings intended to open into said enclosed space, an intermediate duct fluidly connecting said suction and supply ducts, a heat source, as well as a fan for drawing air into the enclosed space through said suction openings, circulating it through the air network in order to modify its temperature by means of the heat source, and expelling the air whose temperature has thus been modified into the enclosed space through at least said supply openings.said air conditioning system including a first duct having first orifices and a second duct having second orifices smaller than said first orifices and / or closer together than said first orifices, said air conditioning system being provided with a device for adapting the operating configuration to switch said air conditioning system from a heating configuration, in which said supply openings are formed by at least said first orifices while the heat source is configured to heat the air, to a cooling configuration, in which said supply openings are formed by at least said second orifices while the heat source is configured to cool the air.
[0023] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent and will be described in more detail upon reading the following description, with reference to the attached drawings, which are given purely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting, including:
[0024] - Figure 1 illustrates, according to a schematic side view, an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment of the invention, which is based in substance on a modular construction with a main sub-assembly which rests for example on the ground and on which is intended to be mounted, to ensure the blowing, either a first chimney module for the heating configuration, or a second chimney module for the cooling configuration, said main sub-assembly, first module and second chimney module being all represented, spaced apart from each other, in Figure 1;
[0025] - Figure 2 illustrates the air conditioning system of Figure 1 in cooling configuration, according to a schematic side view;
[0026] - Figure 3 illustrates, according to a schematic top view, the air conditioning system of Figure 2;
[0027] - Figure 4 illustrates, according to a schematic side view, the air conditioning system of Figure 1 in heating configuration;
[0028] - Figure 5 illustrates, according to a schematic side view, an air conditioning system according to a second embodiment of the invention;
[0029] - Figure 6 illustrates, according to a schematic side view, an air conditioning system according to a third embodiment of the invention;
[0030] - Figure 7 illustrates, according to a schematic top view, the trajectory of the air jets blown by the first orifices of the first duct of the blowing duct of the air conditioning system of the previous figures in heating configuration;
[0031] - Figure 8 illustrates, in a schematic side view, the trajectory of the air jets blown from the first openings of the first duct of the heating duct of an air conditioning system conforming to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and
[0032] - Figure 9 illustrates, according to a schematic side view, a detail of the blower duct illustrated by Figure 8.
[0033] BEST WAY TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION The invention relates to an air conditioning system 1 for modifying the air temperature within an enclosed space 2, with the aim of ensuring thermal comfort in all seasons within said enclosed space 2. The enclosed space 2 in question is, for example, formed by an enclosed room, with a floor 2A, a ceiling 2B and side walls, preferably vertical, which connect the floor 2A to the ceiling 2B. Preferably, the enclosed space 2 is formed by a room having a high ceiling, with, for example, a distance between the floor 2A and the ceiling 2B greater than or equal to 3 m, preferably greater than or equal to 4 m, even more preferably greater than or equal to 5 m or 6 m, or even greater than or equal to 10 m, or even 30 m. The enclosed space 2, for example, forms a sports practice area, such as a gymnasium or covered field, intended for the practice of a racket sport (tennis, padel...) or ball (futsal, basketball, handball...). The invention also relates as such to the assembly formed by the enclosed space 2 and the air conditioning system 1, which is preferably located inside said enclosed space 2.
[0034] The air conditioning system 1 comprises an air duct network forming an air circuit. This air duct network includes at least one suction duct 3, that is, a pipe intended to be placed inside the enclosed space 2 to draw air from it. The suction duct 3 rises vertically, for example, between a base 3A and a peak 3B. The suction duct 3 is further provided with suction openings that are distributed, regularly or irregularly, over a first height H1. This first height H1 advantageously corresponds to the height of the suction duct 3. The invention is not limited to a particular distribution of the suction openings, which may vary from one application to another. This could be, for example, an equal distribution, a distribution only at the top and / or bottom, or a distribution only over an intermediate height at a distance from the base and the top of the suction duct.In the example illustrated in the figures, the suction duct 3 comprises a first lower casing 30, which preferably has a parallelepiped shape and is made, for example, of sheet metal, mounted on a frame, the latter being, for example, tubular. The suction duct 3 further advantageously comprises a cylindrical wall 31 which advantageously covers the first lower casing 30, as illustrated in the figures. Advantageously, a plurality of said suction openings are provided through the cylindrical wall 31, preferably substantially along its entire height.Advantageously, the plurality of suction openings is provided through the cylindrical wall 31 in a distribution that allows air to be drawn around said cylindrical wall 31 in an angular sector of at least 90°, preferably at least 180°, and even more preferably 360° (i.e., primarily the perimeter of the cylindrical wall 31). The cylindrical wall 31 preferably has a cylindrical shape with a circular base. However, it is perfectly conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, that it may instead have a cylindrical shape with a polygonal base (for example, hexagonal or octagonal). The cylindrical wall 31 is advantageously made of sheet metal.The first lower box 30 preferably has a closed horizontal lower wall (solid, not perforated) corresponding in this case to the base 3A of the suction duct 3, and an opposite horizontal upper wall through which is provided an opening which leads into the interior of the cylindrical wall 31. The latter thus advantageously extends between an open lower end connected to the opening of the upper horizontal wall of the first lower box 30, and a closed upper end corresponding in this case to the top 3B of the suction duct 3. The first lower box 30 further comprises at least two lateral walls which extend vertically, perpendicular to the said upper and lower horizontal walls.Preferably, the side walls in question are pierced with openings that advantageously form some of the suction openings of the suction duct 3, in addition to the plurality of suction openings provided through the cylindrical wall 31. It is also entirely conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, that all the suction openings be provided solely through the cylindrical wall 31, and that the first lower chamber 30 not be provided with suction openings. However, for rapidly and efficiently changing the temperature of the enclosed space 2 in which the air conditioning system 1 is installed, it is preferable to implement suction openings distributed (uniformly or not) on both the first lower chamber 30 and the cylindrical wall 31.The suction openings provided through the cylindrical wall 31 are preferably distributed over the entire height and circumference of the cylindrical wall 31, so that the suction openings are advantageously distributed over substantially the entire cylindrical surface of the latter, as in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 5. Alternatively, as in the embodiment of Figure 6, the suction openings provided through the cylindrical wall 31 may be present only towards each of the upper and lower ends of the cylindrical wall 31, as will be described in more detail below.It is also conceivable, in a particular embodiment of the invention, that the suction openings provided in the lower part of the suction duct 3, i.e. through the side walls of the lower box 30, are of a different size, preferably larger, than that of the orifices forming the suction openings provided in the cylindrical wall 31. Preferably, the air conditioning system 1 includes a first porous layer 6, for example textile or fibrous, which covers said suction openings to filter the air drawn in by the latter.
[0035] The air distribution system also includes a supply duct 4 with supply openings leading into the enclosed space 2. The supply duct 4 thus allows air to be blown into the enclosed space 2 through the supply openings, as will be further explained in the following description. Advantageously, the supply duct 4 rises vertically, preferably between a base 4A and a top 4B. The supply duct 4 thus forms a supply column that rises parallel to the suction duct 3, which advantageously forms a suction column. However, it is perfectly conceivable, in certain embodiments of the invention and / or in certain configurations of the air conditioning system 1, that the supply duct 4 rises not vertically but in another direction, for example, horizontally.
[0036] The air distribution system further includes an intermediate duct 5 that fluidly connects the aforementioned suction ducts 3 and supply ducts 4. In other words, the intermediate duct 5 forms a conduit connected on one side to the suction duct 3 and on the other to the supply duct 4, allowing air to circulate within the air distribution system between the suction duct 3 and the supply duct 4 via the intermediate duct 5. The intermediate duct 5 preferably extends substantially horizontally between the suction duct 3 and the supply duct 4, as illustrated in the figures. In particular, the intermediate duct 5 advantageously connects to the first lower chamber 30 on one side and to a second lower chamber 32 on the other.The first lower box 30 includes, for example, on the one hand, a front wall extending vertically through which an opening is provided for the intermediate duct 5, and on the other hand, a rear wall extending vertically parallel to the front wall and perpendicular to the aforementioned vertical side walls. The second lower box 32 is advantageously of similar construction to the first lower box, with at least one solid horizontal lower wall corresponding to the base 4A of the supply duct 4, and a front wall extending vertically through which an opening is provided for the intermediate duct 5.
[0037] The air distribution system also includes a heat source 7 designed to modify the temperature of the air circulating within the system. The heat source can be a hot source, a cold source, or preferably a reversible device capable of alternately forming a hot and a cold source, as required by the user. Advantageously, the heat source 7 includes an electrically powered, reversible heat pump that can switch from heating to cooling mode, and vice versa. Advantageously, the air distribution system includes a compartment 8 in which the heat source 7 is housed. This compartment 8 is advantageously provided with an air intake port 8A intended, for example, to draw air from the interior of the enclosed space 2, or alternatively, to draw outside air from the exterior of the enclosed space 2.Compartment 8 is, for example, in the form of a metal box in which are housed the required elements of a heat pump (evaporator, condenser) which advantageously forms the thermal source 7. The air intake port 8A is formed by an opening (possibly fitted with a grid and / or a filter formed for example by a filter cloth) which opens for example into the interior of the enclosed space 2 in which the air conditioning system 1 is installed, which allows the intake of indoor air into the enclosed space 2 in the air network, according to this particular configuration.In a particular embodiment (particularly suited for example to the configuration of figure 6), the air inlet port 8A (which preferably includes calibrated orifices protected by a filter cloth) opens not outside the enclosed space 2, but inside the latter, to supply compartment 8 with air present in the enclosed space 2. In this case, the heat source 7 is a heating or cooling unit supplied for example by a heat transfer fluid or refrigerant (for example a cryogenic fluid) from an external source (for example a cooling unit located outside the enclosed space 2).
[0038] Compartment 8 also preferably includes an opening to which the first box 30 is advantageously connected, in order to connect the interior of compartment 8, which contains the thermal source 7, to the rest of the air network.
[0039] The air distribution system also includes a fan 9 for:
[0040] - to draw air into the enclosed space 2, through at least the aforementioned suction openings of the suction duct 3 (and also preferably through the openings of the air intake port 8A),
[0041] - to circulate the air thus drawn in through the air distribution system, in order to modify its temperature by means of the heat source 7,
[0042] - and push back into the enclosed space 2, through at least the said blowing openings of the blowing duct 4, the air whose temperature has thus been modified.
[0043] The fan 9 thus creates a negative pressure at the suction openings of the suction duct 3, so that ambient air is drawn into the suction duct 3 and then flows through the intermediate duct 5 to reach the supply duct 4, where it is discharged into the enclosed space 2 through the supply openings of said supply duct 4. The fan 9 is advantageously housed within the intermediate duct 5, as illustrated in the figures. Preferably, said fan 9 is an axial fan, with a fan impeller rotating about an axis of rotation that is preferably horizontal. Advantageously, the heat source 7 is located upstream of the fan 9 with respect to the direction of airflow in the air distribution system.For example, compartment 8 is fluidly connected to the suction duct 3, preferably at its base 3A, upstream of the intermediate duct 5 relative to the direction of airflow in the ductwork, as illustrated in the figures. In this preferred embodiment, which proves particularly practical in terms of installation and maintenance, compartment 8 is provided with an opening that communicates with the interior of the suction duct 3, preferably at its base 3A, while the suction duct 3 itself communicates with the intermediate duct 5, which is fluidly connected to the supply duct 4. Preferably, this opening in compartment 8 that communicates with the suction duct 3 is calibrated and adapted to regulate the airflow passing through compartment 8, which then mixes with the airflow from the suction stack 3.The fan 9 can thus draw in cold or hot air from compartment 8 (which itself is supplied with air preferably from inside the enclosed space 2 via the intake port 8A), in which the heat source 7 is installed, while drawing in air from inside the enclosed space 2 through the suction openings of the suction duct 3, and mix this air drawn in through the suction duct 3 with the cold or hot air from compartment 8, to obtain cooled or heated air which then circulates to the blowing duct 4, inside the latter, to be expelled into the enclosed space 2 through the blowing orifices of the blowing duct 4.However, it is perfectly conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, that the thermal source 7 is arranged differently from what is illustrated in the figures, for example downstream of the fan 9, or both upstream of the fan 9 and downstream of the suction duct 3.
[0044] According to the invention, the air conditioning system 1 includes a first duct 10 provided with first orifices 100 and a second duct 11 provided with second orifices 110. These second orifices 110 are smaller than the first orifices 100 and / or are closer together than the first orifices 100. Each of the first duct 10 and second duct 11 advantageously takes the form of a tube, for example made of sheet metal, pierced with orifices preferably along its entire height and / or around its entire circumference. The tube in question may be cylindrical, preferably with a circular or polygonal base.The air conditioning system 1 is further equipped with a configuration-adaptive device to switch the air conditioning system 1 from a heating configuration, in which the supply air openings are formed by at least the first orifices 100 while the heat source 7 is configured to heat the air in the air distribution circuit, to a cooling configuration, in which the supply air openings are formed by at least the second orifices 110 while the heat source 7 is configured to cool the air in the air distribution network. In other words, in the heating configuration, the supply air duct 4 is formed by at least the first duct 10, while in the cooling (air conditioning) configuration, the supply air duct 4 is formed by at least the second duct 11.Thanks to this feature, it is possible to implement different supply air openings depending on whether the desired function is to heat or cool the enclosed space 2. This allows for supply air openings with an optimal configuration (size, shape, distribution, etc.) for the intended function (heating or cooling). It has been demonstrated that it is possible to heat much more efficiently, and in particular more quickly and uniformly, by using larger and / or more widely spaced supply air openings than those used for air conditioning (cooling). Conversely, using smaller supply air openings closer together proves to allow for more efficient cooling.The invention is based on the idea of adapting the configuration of the supply openings according to the type of air conditioning desired (heating or cooling), in a very specific construction using opposite suction ducts 3 and supply ducts 4 connected aeraulically to each other, as illustrated in the figures.
[0045] Advantageously, the first duct 10 comprises a cylindrical wall (preferably with a circular or polygonal base) through which the first orifices 100 are provided, arranged to allow heated air to be blown around said cylindrical wall in an angular sector of at least 90°, preferably at least 180°, and even more preferably 360° (in which case the heated air is blown over the entire perimeter of the first duct 10, in all directions around it). In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the first duct 10 terminates, at the apex 4B, with a solid, flat terminal wall. However, it is perfectly conceivable that the terminal wall may be neither flat nor solid, without departing from the scope of the invention.For example, in a preferred embodiment (not illustrated), the terminal wall is in the form of a dome, for example hemispherical, conical, or frustoconical, which is positioned as an extension of the cylindrical wall and is pierced with orifices forming part of the first 100 orifices. The use of a terminal dome, particularly a hemispherical one, equipped with air outlets, is especially advantageous because it allows for a significant increase in the number of air outlets. It is indeed possible to equip the hemispherical dome with a number of outlets per square meter. 2 more important than on the cylindrical wall, due to the curvature of the dome which helps to promote the divergence of the airflows blown through the first 100 openings made through the dome. This, moreover, constitutes an invention in itself, independent of the other features described here.
[0046] Advantageously, the first orifices 100 are distributed over a second height H2 which is greater than the first height H1. In this case, the supply duct 4, which is formed at least by the first conduit 10, is preferentially higher than the intake duct 3, so that the supply air is delivered, at least in part, at a higher altitude than the intake air. This feature allows for particularly efficient and rapid heating, especially in rooms with high ceilings. For example, the second height H2 represents at least 50% of the ceiling height of the space 2 to be heated, and possibly at least 75% of the ceiling height, thus ensuring excellent thermal comfort.The main advantage of using a sufficiently large height H2 is to provide a supply duct 4 with a surface area large enough to accommodate supply vents spaced far enough apart to produce effective air conditioning. Therefore, one could alternatively consider a supply duct 4 that is not vertical but horizontal or inclined, and of a sufficiently long length.
[0047] Conversely, the extraction via the extraction duct 3 can be carried out at a much lower height, preferably in the lower part of the room as illustrated. In fact, there are no particular constraints regarding extraction, unless a heating method other than the air conditioning system 1 is used simultaneously in the same enclosed space 2. In such a case, if this other heating method creates thermal plumes and therefore thermal stratification in the enclosed space 2, it may be advisable to use an extraction duct 3 that extends to at least 50% of the ceiling height, and preferably to approximately the entire ceiling height. In such a case, the air conditioning system 1 performs a destratification function in addition to its heating function.
[0048] Advantageously, the dimensions of the first orifices 100, as well as their spacing relative to each other, are designed so that the air jets 12 blown by said first orifices 100 of the first duct 10 into the enclosed space 2 do not mix immediately upon exiting the first duct 10, but only after a mixing distance D, which is, for example, at least 10 times the diameter of the first orifices 100, and which is, for example, equal to 1 m. As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, it follows from this technical arrangement that each air jet 12 blown by the first duct 10 mixes, along its path, with the ambient air of the enclosed space 2, so that its temperature decreases. In each jet 12, far from the rejection column formed by the first conduit 10, the average air temperature is higher than, but still relatively close to, the ambient temperature prevailing in the enclosed space 2.Therefore, although the ambient air is heated only very slightly, there is no formation of thermal plumes, which are the primary cause of stratification in high-ceilinged rooms. Thus, in heating mode, the temperature difference between the room and the outside rises slowly until it reaches equilibrium for a given heating output corresponding to the nominal output of the heat source 7, which is configured here to provide heating. The process is inherently non-stratifying for the reasons explained above, which contributes to heating efficiency and thermal comfort. It is therefore possible to heat a room with a high ceiling very efficiently and provide excellent thermal comfort.
[0049] The first orifices 100 are shaped to, for example, give each air jet 12 blown by the first duct 10 a substantially conical shape, with an apex angle not exceeding, for example, 20°, or even more preferably, not exceeding 15°, or for example, not exceeding 12°. To achieve this, each of the first orifices 100 can be fitted with a suitable nozzle 100A, adapted to the operating conditions. In order to maximize the creation of turbulence at the first orifices 100, which promotes the mixing of the air jets 12 with the ambient air, the first duct 10 can include, at each of the first orifices 100, turbulence generators in the form, for example, of teeth or conical obturators. The first 100 orifices are preferably circular in shape, with for example a diameter between 10 and 500 mm, even more preferably between 50 and 200 mm, for example between 80 and 120 mm.Preferably, the first orifices 100 are distributed regularly over the entire cylindrical surface of the first conduit 10, and are separated by a center distance which can for example be between 50 and 600 mm, preferably between 200 and 400 mm.
[0050] When a jet of heated air 12 escapes from one of the first orifices 100 into the enclosed space 2, it tends to widen and slow down. As it does so, its flow rate increases and its temperature tends to decrease and approach that of the surrounding environment. This phenomenon is implemented in the context of the invention, in a heating configuration, to ensure efficient heating while preventing the formation of thermal plumes, which are the primary cause of thermal stratification in high-ceilinged rooms. For the phenomenon to be effective, the air jets 12 exiting the first orifices 100 must be of sufficient size and sufficiently far apart so that they do not interact with each other and dissipate well into the surrounding environment. To illustrate this phenomenon concretely, a cylindrical wall 1 m in diameter and 4 m high, with a surface area of 12.56 m², can be considered as an example. 2, through which are made 100 initial openings whose diameter is either equal to 100 mm (corresponding to a cross-section of 78 cm 2 ), or equal to 50 mm (corresponding to a cross-section of 19 cm 2 ), with a flow rate at the outlet of the orifices in question equal to 2.5 m 3 / s and an air exit velocity at said orifices of 100 of 1 m / s. The total passage area is 2.5 m² 2and the number of the first orifices 100 is 1316 in the case of orifices with a diameter of 50 mm, and 328 in the case of orifices with a diameter of 100 mm. The average distance between two adjacent orifices 100 is 110 mm in the case of orifices 100 with a diameter of 100 mm, and only 55 mm in the case of orifices 100 with a diameter of 50 mm. In this example, we will assume that the angle at the apex of the cone that constitutes the envelope of each air jet 12 is 6° (a value generally accepted for an isothermal free jet). In the case of 50 mm orifices, the air jets will mix together very quickly at the exit of the orifices, whereas in the case of 100 mm orifices, the air jets do not mix at the exit of the orifices, and are separated from each other by a layer of ambient air, as illustrated by figures 7 and 8.As a result, the airflows from the small 100 orifices (50 mm diameter) mix with each other at a shorter distance than the airflows from the large 100 orifices (100 mm diameter). Consequently, the temperature farther from the supply column remains higher with the small orifices, which are therefore less effective at dilution. With even smaller orifices, the differences would be even more dramatic. With a fabric perforated with numerous small passages of equivalent combined surface area, there is no mixing, and the temperature at the outlet of the diffusion column would remain very high, resulting in the creation of thermal plumes.
[0051] Advantageously, the second duct 11 comprises a cylindrical wall, preferably with a circular or polygonal base, through which said second orifices 110 are provided, preferably arranged in a way that allows cooled air to be blown around said cylindrical wall of the second duct 11 in an angular sector of at least 90°, preferably at least 180°, and even more preferably 360° (in which case the cooled air is blown all around the cylindrical wall, over its entire perimeter, in all directions). As previously stated, the second orifices 110 are preferably smaller than the first orifices 100. Preferably, the second orifices 110 are circular and their diameter is advantageously between 0.03 and 20 mm, and even more preferably between 0.05 and 5 mm.The second orifices 110 are advantageously distributed regularly on the cylindrical wall, with an inter-orifice space which is advantageously smaller than the inter-orifice space which separates the first orifices 100 from each other, for the reasons mentioned above.
[0052] This allows, when the second duct 11 is used in cooling configuration, in place of the first duct 10, to obtain particularly rapid and efficient air conditioning, by promoting the mixing of the cold air jets escaping from the second orifices 110 as soon as they exit the second duct 11. In order to promote this mixing of the cold air jets immediately at the exit of the second orifices 110, the air conditioning system 1 advantageously includes a diffuser 13 formed by a second porous layer, for example textile or fibrous, which covers said second orifices 110 to influence the distribution of the air blown into the enclosed space 2 by said second orifices 110.The diffuser 13, for example, takes the form of a porous sleeve affixed to and against the cylindrical wall through which the second orifices 110 are located. This facilitates the mixing of the air jets blown by the second orifices 110 with each other as close as possible to the second duct 11. The mixing of the cold air jets immediately upon exiting the second duct 11 creates a virtually continuous, crown-shaped cold front around the second duct 11, promoting rapid and homogeneous cooling of the interior atmosphere of the enclosed space 2, and thus improving thermal comfort in cooling mode. It is even conceivable, and preferable, for the second orifices 110 to be formed directly by the mesh of the second porous layer.For example, three superimposed layers of orifices can be implemented: the first layer (orifices made through the cylindrical wall, preferably metallic, of the second conduit 11) to regulate the flow rates; the second layer (orifices formed for example by the mesh of a textile sheet which surrounds the cylindrical wall or by holes made in a tubular metal sheet which surrounds the cylindrical wall) to distribute the air flows over the entire cylindrical surface; and the third layer which forms the second orifices 110 and which is made up for example of a fabric or a fine canvas forming the second porous sheet, to ensure the final dispersion in the form of a cloud of cold air at a substantially homogeneous temperature.
[0053] In one particular embodiment, the height H1 of the intake duct 3 is fixed at a predetermined value, and the height of the supply duct 4 is the same or a close value. In this case, the cold air from the supply duct 4 flows downwards, forming a thermal interface (thermocline) with the ambient air across the entire surface of the enclosed space 2, until the thermocline reaches the height H1 of the intake duct 3. At this point, the intake duct 3 draws only cold air, and the cooled air cannot pass over the thermocline. This provides air conditioning limited to a precisely defined height H1. A particularly interesting application is in sports halls, workshops, and, more generally, high-rise buildings.It is understood that by stacking several systems 1 delivering progressively less dense air as they rise, it is possible to air-condition high-ceilinged spaces 2 in layers of decreasing density. This allows, for example, the creation of climate-controlled storage spaces without walls, tailored to their specific temperature and humidity requirements. This stratification could be particularly advantageous for preserving artworks in museums at a lower cost.
[0054] According to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the air distribution system includes a first air outlet 14 located downstream of the intermediate duct 5 with respect to the direction of airflow in the air distribution system. The operating configuration adaptation device advantageously includes, in this case, fastening means for:
[0055] - In heating configuration, couple the first air outlet 14 to the first duct 10 so that said first duct 10 contributes to forming the supply duct 4 and
[0056] - In cooling configuration, couple the first air outlet 14 to the second duct 11, instead of the first duct 10, so that the second duct 11 contributes to forming the supply duct 4. In other words, in this first embodiment, the air conditioning system 1 is designed so that the first air outlet 14 is associated with either only the first duct 10 (heating configuration), while the second duct 11 is dissociated from the intermediate duct 5 and is not included in the air network, or only the second duct 11 (cooling configuration) in which case the first duct 10 is dissociated from the intermediate duct 5 and is not included in the air network.
[0057] In this first embodiment, to switch the air conditioning system 1 from heating to cooling mode, an operator simply needs to remove the first duct 10 and replace it with the second duct 11, and switch the heat source 7 from heating to cooling mode. Conversely, to switch the air conditioning system 1 from cooling to heating mode, an operator simply needs to remove the second duct 11 and replace it with the first duct 10, and switch the heat source 7 from cooling to heating mode.In this first embodiment, in cooling configuration (illustrated in Figure 2), the fan 9 draws air from within the enclosed space 2 through the suction openings of the suction duct 3, as well as cold air from the compartment 8 which houses the heat source 7, which is formed, for example, by a heat pump in air conditioning configuration. The air drawn in through the suction openings of the suction duct 3 (including the housing 30) and, where applicable, through the openings of the inlet port 8A, is thus cooled and discharged through the second openings 110 of the second duct 11, which connects to the first air outlet 14. This provides cooling of the atmosphere inside the enclosed space 2 to a height corresponding to the first height H1 of the suction duct 3.In other words, the air conditioning system 1 cools a layer of air whose height corresponds approximately to the first height H1 of the suction duct 3. Therefore, it is sufficient for the height H1 to correspond to the height of the space in which people move within the enclosed space 2 (for example, a height of approximately 2 m) to ensure optimal thermal comfort for users, while avoiding cooling the upper layers (above height H1) which do not affect user thermal comfort. The air conditioning system 1 in its cooling configuration (Figures 2 and 3) thus allows for the partitioning of the interior atmosphere of the enclosed space 2 into a cooled lower layer and an uncooled upper layer.Thanks to the implementation of diffuser 13, the air conditioning effect in the lower layer is achieved extremely efficiently and quickly, for a minimum investment and energy cost.
[0058] When it is desired to switch the air conditioning system 1, according to the first embodiment of Figure 1, from its cooling configuration (Figures 2 and 3) to its heating configuration (Figure 4), it is sufficient to remove the second duct 11 and replace it with the first duct 10 (Figure 4), and to configure the heat source 7 as a heating source (for example, by reversing the operation of the heat pump, which advantageously forms the heat source 7). In this case, the ambient air within the enclosed space 2 is drawn in, as in the cooling configuration, through the suction duct 3 (and, where applicable, through the openings of the inlet port 8A) and is mixed with air heated by the heat source 7.The heated air is then forced by the fan 9 into the first duct 10 from which it escapes through the first orifices 100 in the form of jets of hot air 12 which only mix with each other at a distance from the first orifices 100, which allows particularly efficient heating for the reasons set out above (no thermal plumes).
[0059] Advantageously, according to the second embodiment of Figure 5, the air distribution network comprises a first air outlet 14 to which the first duct 10 is fluidly connected, and a second air outlet 15 to which the second duct 11 is fluidly connected, as illustrated in Figure 5. In this particular embodiment of the invention, the operating configuration adaptation device advantageously comprises a first valve 16 disposed in the air distribution network, upstream of the first duct 10 with respect to the direction of airflow in the air distribution network. For example, the first valve 16 is disposed downstream of the second lower chamber 32, at which the first air outlet 14 is located, as illustrated in Figure 5.Advantageously, in this embodiment of Figure 5, the adaptation or operating configuration device also includes a second valve 17 which is located in the air circuit upstream of the second duct 11 with respect to the direction of airflow in the air network. For example, the second valve 17 is located downstream of the second lower chamber 32, and upstream of a third lower chamber 33 at which the second air outlet 15 is provided, as illustrated in Figure 5. Preferably, a section of piping fluidly connects the second lower chamber 32 to the third lower chamber 33, and the second valve 17 is located in said section, as illustrated in Figure 5.
[0060] In this embodiment of Figure 5, the first valve 16 is designed to move between an open position, in which it allows air to pass through the first duct 10, and a closed position, in which it prevents air from passing through the first duct 10. The second valve 17 is advantageously designed to move between an open position, in which it allows air to pass through the second duct 11, and a closed position, in which it prevents air from passing through the second duct 11. When the air conditioning system 1 is in heating mode, the first valve 16 is configured to be in the open position while the second valve 17 is configured to be in the closed position, so that the air circulating in the air distribution network passes through the first duct 10, and not through the second duct 11, to be discharged into the enclosed space 2 through the first orifices 100.Conversely, when the conditioning system 1 is in cooling configuration, the first valve 16 is configured to be in the closed position, while the second valve 17 is configured to be in the open position, so that the air circulating in the air network is discharged into the enclosed space 2 through the second orifices 110 of the second duct 11, and not through the first orifices 100 of the first duct 10.
[0061] Thus, thanks to the first and second valves 16 and 17, it is possible to modify the airflow path within the ductwork, depending on whether the air conditioning system 1 is to be switched to heating or cooling mode, using either the first duct 10 (heating mode) or the second duct 11 (cooling mode). The switching of the first and second valves 16 and 17 from their open to their respective closed positions can be performed manually by an operator, or optionally automatically controlled by a control system.
[0062] According to yet another embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the second duct 11 is connected on one side to the intermediate duct 5 and on the other side to the first duct 10, so that the intermediate duct 5, the second duct 11, and the first duct 10 are connected in series in the air distribution system. This means that the second duct 11 is interposed between the intermediate duct 5 and the first duct 10, so that the air circulating in the air distribution system first passes through the intermediate duct 5, then the second duct 11, and finally the first duct 10. In this particular embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the operating configuration adaptation device includes at least one diverter valve 18 located in the air distribution system, upstream of the first duct 10 and downstream of the second duct 11 with respect to the direction of airflow in the air distribution system.In this specific embodiment, said diverter valve 18 is designed to be in an open position when the air conditioning system 1 is in heating configuration, in which the diverter valve 18 connects the first duct 10 with the second duct 11 so that air circulating in the air network can pass through the second duct 11 to enter the first duct 10 and exit into the enclosed space 2 through at least said first orifices 100. Thus, in this specific embodiment, when the air conditioning system 1 is in heating configuration, the air passes through the second duct 11 before reaching the first duct 10 to be discharged into the enclosed space 2 via at least the first orifices 100.In this embodiment, the air conditioning system 1 preferably includes a first shutter 19 which, in the heating configuration, advantageously closes the second orifices 110 of the second duct 11, so as to discharge the airflow into the enclosed space 2 preferably only through the first orifices 100, and not through the second orifices 110 which are closed by the first shutter 19. Advantageously, in this embodiment of Figure 6, the diverter valve 18 is designed to be, when the air conditioning system 1 is in the cooling configuration, in a closed position in which said diverter valve 18 prevents the air circulating in the air distribution network from entering the first duct 10, so that the air is discharged into the enclosed space 2 through the second orifices 110 of the second duct 11, and not through the first 100 orifices of the first conduit 10.In other words, in the cooling configuration, the air passes through the intermediate duct 5 to reach the second duct 11 and then escapes through the second orifices 110 of the second duct 11, the air being unable to reach the first duct 10 due to the closure of the diverter valve 18. Advantageously, in the cooling configuration, the first shutter 19 is separated from the second duct 11 to clear the second orifices 110 and thus allow the cooled air to be discharged through the second orifices 110 into the enclosed space 2, to air condition (cool) the latter.
[0063] Advantageously, as illustrated in the case of the variant in Figure 6 (but this also applies to the other embodiments in the other figures), the suction duct 3 is formed by a column that rises, for example, substantially to the ceiling 2B of the enclosed space 2, so that it advantageously extends over the entire height of said enclosed space 2, from the floor 2A to the ceiling 2B. In this case, the suction openings are advantageously arranged only in a lower and an upper zone of the suction duct 3, at each end thereof, said lower and upper zones being separated by an unperforated portion, as illustrated in Figure 6. Advantageously, the operating configuration adaptation device in this case comprises an on / off valve 20 arranged in the suction duct 3, between said lower and upper zones.In this case, the air conditioning system 1 further includes a second shutter 21 which is, for example, movably mounted on the suction duct 3 between a closed position, in which it closes the suction openings located in the lower zone, and an open position in which it releases said suction openings in the lower zone. For example, the transition from the open position to the closed position and vice versa is effected by vertical translation of the second shutter 21, which is, for example, in the form of a sleeve locally surrounding the suction duct 3.Advantageously, in heating mode, the opening / closing valve 20 is open, while the second shutter 21 is closed and blocks the suction openings in the lower section of the suction duct 3, so that the latter draws air into the enclosed space 2 only through the suction openings in its upper section, near the ceiling 2B. This allows for increased heating efficiency and destratification, enabling the warm air present to be drawn towards the ceiling.Conversely, in cooling configuration, the opening / closing valve 20 is closed, while the second shutter 21 is open, in order to implement air aspiration inside the enclosed space 2 only at the lower area of the suction duct 3, which makes it possible to obtain, as already explained above, efficient air conditioning of a low layer which rises from the floor 2A of the enclosed space 2 to the top of the lower area of the suction duct 3.
[0064] Ultimately, the invention is based on the general idea of adapting the characteristics of an air discharge duct, particularly the size of the discharge ports and their spacing, depending on whether the desired function is to heat or cool the ambient air. This allows for excellent thermal comfort at a lower cost, even in poorly insulated rooms with high ceilings.
[0065] POSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION
[0066] The possibility of industrial application of the invention is evident from the foregoing.
Claims
25 DEMANDS 1. Air conditioning system (1) for modifying the air temperature within an enclosed space (2), said air conditioning system (1) comprising an air distribution network which includes at least one vertically rising suction duct (3) provided with suction openings distributed over a first height (H1), a supply duct (4) provided with supply openings intended to open into said enclosed space (2), an intermediate duct (5) fluidly connecting said suction (3) and supply (4) ducts, a heat source (7), and a fan (9) for drawing air into the enclosed space (2) through said suction openings, circulating it through the air distribution network in order to modify its temperature by means of the heat source (7), and expelling it into the enclosed space (2) through at least said supply openings, the air whose temperature has thus been modified,said air conditioning system including a first duct (10) having first orifices (100) and a second duct (11) having second orifices (110) smaller than said first orifices and / or closer together than said first orifices (100), said air conditioning system (1) being provided with a device for adapting the operating configuration to switch said air conditioning system (1) from a heating configuration, in which said supply openings are formed by at least said first orifices (100) while the heat source (7) is configured to heat the air, to a cooling configuration, in which said supply openings are formed by at least said second orifices while the heat source (7) is configured to cool the air.
2. Air conditioning system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said suction duct (3) comprises a cylindrical wall (31) through which a plurality of said suction openings are provided in a distribution enabling the air to be drawn around said cylindrical wall (31) in an angular sector of at least 90°, preferably at least 180°, and even more preferably 360°.
3. Air conditioning system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes a first porous layer (6), for example textile or fibrous, which covers said suction openings to filter the air drawn in through said suction openings.
4. Air conditioning system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said blowing duct (4) rises vertically.
5. Air conditioning system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said intermediate duct (5) extends substantially horizontally between said suction ducts (3) and blowing ducts (4).
6. Air conditioning system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said fan (9) is housed in said intermediate duct (5).
7. Air conditioning system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said heat source (7) is disposed upstream of the fan (9) with respect to the direction of air flow in the air network.
8. Air conditioning system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said suction duct (3) rises vertically between a base (3A) and a top (3B), said air network comprising a compartment (8) within which the heat source (7) is housed, said compartment (8) being on the one hand fluidically connected to the suction duct (3) at the level of said base (3A), upstream of the intermediate duct (5) with respect to the direction of air circulation in the air network and on the other hand provided with an air intake port (8A).
9. Air conditioning system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said first duct (10) comprises a cylindrical wall through which said first orifices (100) are provided in a distribution allowing heated air to be blown around said cylindrical wall in an angular sector of at least 90°, preferably at least 180°, even more preferably 360°.
10. Air conditioning system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said first orifices (100) are distributed over a second height (H2) greater than the first height (H1).
11. Air conditioning system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said second duct (11) comprises a cylindrical wall through which said second orifices (110) are provided in a distribution enabling cooled air to be blown around said cylindrical wall in an angular sector of at least 90°, preferably at least 180°, even more preferably 360°.
12. Air conditioning system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it includes a diffuser (13) formed by a second porous sheet, for example textile or fibrous, which covers said second orifices (110) to influence the distribution of the air blown into the enclosed space (2) by said second orifices (110).
13. Air conditioning system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said air distribution network comprises a first air outlet (14) located downstream of the intermediate duct (5) with respect to the direction of airflow in the air distribution network, said operating configuration adaptation device comprising fastening means for coupling, in heating configuration, the first air outlet (14) to the first duct (10) so that it contributes to forming the supply duct (4) and for coupling, in cooling configuration, the first air outlet (14) to the second duct (11), instead of the first duct (10), so that the second duct (11) contributes to forming the supply duct (4).28 14. Air conditioning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 characterized in that said air network comprises a first air outlet (14) to which said first duct (10) is fluidly connected and a second air outlet (15) to which said second duct (11) is fluidly connected, said operating configuration adaptation device comprising a first valve (16) and a second valve (17) disposed in the air network upstream respectively of said first duct (10) and said second duct (11) with respect to the direction of air circulation in the air network, said first valve (16) being designed to move between an open position in which it allows air to pass through the first duct (10) and a closed position in which it prevents air from passing through the first duct (10),whereas said second valve (17) is designed to move between an open position in which it allows air to pass through the second duct (11) and a closed position in which it prevents air from passing through the second duct (11), said first and second valves (16, 17) being configured to be in the open and closed positions respectively when the air conditioning system (1) is in heating configuration, and to be in the closed and open positions respectively when the air conditioning system (1) is in cooling configuration.
15. Air conditioning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said second duct (11) is connected on one side to the intermediate duct (5) and on the other side to the first duct (10), such that the intermediate duct (5), the second duct (11), and the first duct (10) are connected in series in the air distribution network, said operating configuration adaptation device comprising at least one diverter valve (18) disposed in the air distribution network upstream of said first duct (10) and downstream of said second duct (11) with respect to the direction of airflow in the air distribution network, said diverter valve (18) being designed to be, when the air conditioning system (1) is in heating configuration, in an open position in which it connects the first duct (10) with the second duct (11) so that air circulating in the 29 air network can pass through the second duct (11) to enter the first duct (10) and exit into the closed space (2) through at least the said first orifices (100), and to be, when the conditioning system (1) is in cooling configuration, in a closed position in which it prevents the air circulating in the air network from entering the first duct (10).