Method for cleaning a ventilation installation, ventilation installation and double-flow heat-recovery unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dual-flow heat exchanger systems in ventilation installations require frequent filter replacements and lack optimal cleaning methods, leading to reduced efficiency and potential damage from grease deposits.

Innovation Solution

A method that detects the airflow through the heat exchanger and only sprays a cleaning product when airflow is present, using a dry mist system with bacteria-based cleaners to break down grease without water, ensuring effective cleaning and maintenance reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If filters are used in dual-flow heat exchanger systems, then air quality is improved, but maintenance frequency increases due to frequent filter replacements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair qualityVSAvoidmaintenance frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cleaning function from the heat exchanger system by introducing a separate cleaning product injection system. Cleaning products are injected into the extraction air flow to remove grease deposits, eliminating the need for filters and their frequent replacements while maintaining air quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-cleaning by injecting cleaning products into the extraction air flow that passes through the heat exchanger. The cleaning process is automated and continuous, allowing the system to maintain itself without external intervention or filter replacements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If cleaning product is sprayed continuously, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but product waste increases when airflow is absent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidproduct waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit receives feedback from airflow detection means that monitor the presence and characteristics of extraction air flow. Based on this feedback, the control unit activates or deactivates the cleaning product injection, ensuring cleaning products are only sprayed when airflow is present and cleaning is effective, thereby preventing product waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning product injection system is made dynamic by linking it to airflow detection. The injection rate and activation status adjust automatically based on real-time airflow conditions, optimizing cleaning effectiveness while minimizing product consumption when airflow is absent or insufficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If water-based cleaning systems are used, then cleaning capability is improved, but energy consumption increases due to water heating and handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the cleaning medium from liquid water to vapor form. Cleaning products are injected in vapor form into the hot extraction air flow, utilizing the existing thermal energy of the extraction air rather than requiring additional energy to heat and handle liquid water. This reduces energy consumption while maintaining cleaning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach optimizes the cleaning process by ensuring the cleaning product is only applied when necessary, effectively degrading grease and maintaining the heat exchanger's efficiency while reducing maintenance needs and environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

using a dry mist system with bacteria-based cleaners to break down grease

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBiodegradation: Decomposition (biological)

Implementation Method 2

using a dry mist system with bacteria-based cleaners

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerosol transport: Aerosol

Data Source

PatentEP2333446B1Method for cleaning a ventilation installation, ventilation installation and double-flow heat-recovery unit
Publication Date: 2017.08.09 FRANCE AIR
  • EP2333446B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2333446B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2333446B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The installation has an extraction unit (8) extracting air from a part (7a) of culinary preparation professional kitchen, containing a used air charged with greases. An insufflation unit (9) insufflates air in another part (7b). A thermal recuperator is provided with a double flow heat exchanger (2) in which air flows (F1, F1') extracted from the former part and other air flows (F2, F2 ') insufflated in the latter part are passed. A cleaning unit with cleaning product sprayers is placed in an upstream air flow of the heat exchanger according to directions of flow of the former air flows. An independent claim is also included for a method for ventilation of installation.